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What You Need to Know About the Smart Way to Handle a Workplace Injury

Accidents can happen anywhere, and when one does, there’s always a chance that an injury will result. It’s one thing when an accident related injury occurs at home or as result of your own carelessness. However, there are times when you might suffer an injury at work, and it’s in these cases that how you handle the situation really matters. It’s smart to be prepared for a work related injury before one ever occurs. Here are a few tips on first steps after an accident at work.
Tell Someone
If you’ve suffered an injury at work, the first thing you should do is tell someone, no matter how minor it might seem. Most businesses have a plan in place to handle work related injuries, and it’s important to follow the proper protocol, not only because your employer says so, but also because it can establish facts and a timeline should you need collect workers compensation. If you fail to report your injury immediately, it’s easier for your employer to establish that it occurred off premises or off the clock.
An immediate supervisor is a good starting point of contact, but you should also be prepared to contact the HR department, especially if your injury required medical attention or resulted in time off from work.
See a Doctor
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you should see a doctor, even if you don’t think it’s necessary. There are a couple of different reasons for this. First, it’s important to protect your own interests with medical documentation. Second, it’s often the case that the severity of an injury isn’t initially realized. Some soreness can turn out to be a fractured bone or torn ligament. Likewise, a cut that needs stitches can get infected or possibly result in permanent nerve damage. For your own wellbeing, not seeing a doctor is a risk you shouldn’t take.
Even if you don’t have medical coverage, most employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance that covers the cost of care needed as a result of a workplace injury, regardless of who was at fault.
Think About the Future
A common mistake is for someone who has suffered a workplace injury to stay off of work for longer than necessary. Of course, you need time to heal properly, but if you’re injury has resulted in a limited ability to perform your job, you should still head back to work as soon as you are able, even if it’s for a position that pays a lower wage. Refusal to do so can be used against you and be considered as voluntary loss of income – which can hurt your chances at future compensation for your injury.
Hire an Experienced Lawyer
When thinking about your future, it’s also smart to contact an attorney that handles personal injury claims, even if you feel there has been no negligence on the part of your employer. HR departments and managers are trained to protect the business’s assets, and it’s up to you to advocate for yourself. If you’ve been injured and want to discuss your case, we’re here to help. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office today.

