Did you know that there are over 2 million work-related injuries in the United States each year? Unfortunately, many of these injuries can lead to substantial health issues in the future.
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s essential that you take the appropriate steps afterward so that you can resolve the situation in your favor. We’ve put together a brief guide that details everything you need to know about what to expect.
Let’s dive in.
What Are Common Work-Related Injuries?
There are countless types of injuries that can occur at work. However, some are more common than others.
For example, slips, trips, and falls are some of the most frequently reported injuries. They often occur due to slippery floors, cluttered work areas, or poor lighting. Notable others include:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Overexertion
- Machinery-related injuries
- Chemical exposure
So, workplace injuries aren’t limited to what most people would expect (such as faulty equipment or slips and falls).
What Should You Do if You’re Injured at Work?
After you’ve experienced an injury, it’s crucial that you take action. This can mean the difference between whether or not you are able to secure the compensation you deserve.
Let’s take a closer look.
Seek Medical Attention
If your injury is serious, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention.
This will ensure that you get the care and treatment you need right away. It will also provide documentation of your injuries, which can be used as evidence later on.
Notify Your Employer
You should also notify your employer about the incident as soon as possible.
This will let them know that an accident has occurred and allow them to take the necessary steps, such as notifying their insurance provider. This will also help document when and where the incident occurred. Without this information, it can be difficult to prove your case.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your injuries are severe, you may need to file a workers’ compensation claim. This type of claim can provide you with much-needed financial assistance while you’re out of work. A workers comp claim can also help to cover the cost of your medical bills.
Speak to an Attorney
If you’re having trouble getting the compensation you deserve, you may need to speak to an attorney. They can review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
This is a step that you cannot overlook, so ensure that you prioritize getting in touch with an attorney as soon as you can.
What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make After Being Injured at Work?
One of the most common is not seeking medical attention right away. This can be a mistake because it can make it more difficult to prove the extent of your injuries later on.
Additionally, some people don’t seek medical attention because they don’t think their injuries are serious enough. In reality, symptoms can sometimes take weeks or even months to develop.
So, it’s crucial that you consult a medical professional as soon as possible if you’ve been injured in a work-related accident.
Another common mistake is notifying your employer too late. If you wait too long, they may try to claim that the accident wasn’t work-related. This could cause a significant number of complications in the future that could affect your compensation.
Finally, many people try to handle their workers’ compensation claims on their own without speaking to an attorney. As you might assume, this can significantly reduce your chance of success.
What Should I Look For in an Attorney?
Looking into their past reputation can go a long way. See what past customers have had to say and consider their experiences.
Consider how enjoyable it was to work with them and what their results were. You also can’t neglect their level of experience. Working with inexperienced firms is essentially rolling the dice.
Hiring a qualified professional is the only way to avoid pitfalls you would have encountered. Be wary of businesses that have not worked with people like you before. Working with the wrong person can cause problems in the future.
Inquire about how they bill their clients. For example, some attorneys are willing to communicate with their clients after business hours. However, they often charge extra money for doing so.
If you don’t have a strong understanding of this variable, you may end up paying far more than you initially expected.
You will be able to fine-tune your budget from here.
You should also consider how communicative they are. Being able to get support when you need it is something you can’t neglect.
What Are Some Tips For Preventing Workplace Injuries?
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent workplace injuries.
For example, you can:
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Use caution when operating machinery
- Wear the proper safety gear
- Follow all safety protocols
By taking these precautions, you can help to create a safer work environment for yourself and your coworkers while avoiding problems in the future.
Getting Injured at Work Can Be Overwhelming
However, it doesn’t have to be. As long as you keep the above information in mind, you will find that getting injured at work is something that you can manage with the help of an attorney. From here, you will be well on your way toward meeting your goals.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.
