6 Things You Should Do According to a Work Injury Lawyer
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on November 30, 2015
Injured on the Job? 6 Things You Should Do According to a Work Injury Lawyer
Millions of Americans experience serious injuries at work over the course of any given year. There are many different things that may cause an injury on the job. Falling is by far one of the most common causes of injury at work along with many other things including burn injuries, back injuries from lifting, and injuries from chemical exposure, equipment malfunctioning, electrical accidents and much more.
Sometimes worker injuries are gradual, taking place over an extended period of time. Other times people experience a sudden event that causes a fracture, illness, or even disfigurement.
While some jobs may be more dangerous than others, accidents can happen in any type of work environment. Often times when a workplace accident does occur, it’s both scary and unpredictable. Injuries sometimes turn into unexpected time off from work, and big medical bills.
Work Injury Protocol – 6 Things To Do
Because people often don’t anticipate getting injured at work, many do not know what to do when it does happen. If you or someone you know gets injured on the job, here are 6 things to should do, according to a work injury lawyer.
1. Seek qualified medical treatment for your injuries. First and foremost, it is important that you seek qualified medical treatment for any injuries that you sustain at work as soon as possible. Many times employees become injured and ignore the signs and symptoms of their injuries. These symptoms often indicate injuries that can become much worse with time. It’s important to seek medical attention and an accurate diagnosis in order to get the treatment you need.
2. Document in your own words exactly what happened to cause this injury. Whenever you experience a workplace injury, it’s important to document exactly what happened. Having proof of injury and treatment protocol will help you in the long run. If you are able, try to document the cause of the injury immediately following the accident, so that your memory of the accident is fresh. Writing this account down will help you keep your facts straight.
3. Notify your supervisor about the injury and how it happened. It is very important that your supervisor is notified of your injury as soon as possible. In certain instances, this may also help protect other workers from experiencing similar injuries. Oftentimes workers fail to mention their injuries and accidents to the proper authorities and then the injury worsens. You should not get punished for telling the truth to those in leadership positions.
4. Contact an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Seeking the help from an experienced and respected work injury lawyer like Cooper & Friedman will help your case. You shouldn’t have to go through this process on your own. It’s difficult to get well and fight your case at the same time. Help take the pressure off of yourself by seeking help from a qualified legal professional.
5. Make sure to complete the appropriate paperwork and fill out the required forms as soon as possible. Take the time to thoroughly fill out the proper paperwork and injury reports required by your employer. When filing a worker’s injury claim, there are many papers to sign and complete. Don’t take shortcuts when trying to gain access to your workers’ rights.
6. See a doctor for a thorough medical evaluation. In the event that your case goes to court, it is necessary to get an Independent Medical Exam from a physician that specializes in this type of medical procedure. This examination will provide documentation of your injuries, which helps you get the benefits that you qualify for.
As you can see, having a plan in the event that you get hurt on the job is important for those making work injury claims. While getting proper medical treatment is the number one priority, there are also other important things you need to do to make sure your case is properly handled. Work injuries are very serious and should be treated with high importance. Don’t let your pain or fear of upsetting your employer keep you from getting the help you deserve.