What to Do (And Not to Do)
After an Accident In The Workplace
Compared to historical standards, going to work today is incredibly safe. Even still, the International Labour Organization (ILO) believes that there are 340 million occupational accidents around the world every single year.
Although workers have protections that aid them if they get injured in the workplace, they must still tread carefully.
Have you or someone you know suffered an injury at work? Here are three things you should and shouldn’t do immediately after an accident at the workplace.
3 Things to Do After an Injury at Work
The immediate aftermath of an accident at the workplace can determine the rest of your life, especially in the case of a serious accident or life-threatening injury.
Although this period is chaotic, there are three things you must do within the first 24-48 hours of your accident:
- Report your injury to your supervisor (or the relevant authority)
- Go to the emergency room or visit the doctor
- Talk to an attorney about your options
These actions help protect you and your income in the future. Reporting your injury creates a paper trail that’s visible to the relevant government authorities. It also provides documentation in the event of a lawsuits.
Seeing a doctor is also a ‘must’ because it establishes that any injury you experience is the product of your workplace accident – not another event. If your injuries don’t warrant a trip to the ER, consider seeing a specialist doctor, like a Brooklyn workers comp doctor, to assess your injuries and tie them to the accident.
Finally, get in touch with a workers comp or personal injury attorney. If you are due compensation, then you may need to fight to get it. Rely on an attorney first rather than your HR or safety team at work, who may put the company’s interests above your own.
3 Things NOT to Do After an Accident in the Workplace
Creating a paper trail after your accident is important, but some employers may try to tilt the odds in their favor while you’re vulnerable.
That’s why the three things you must not do after an accident at work include:
- Never admit fault or liability
- Never sign anything without asking a lawyer to read it
- Never stop treatment or medication early or without a doctor’s consent
All three of these actions could cost you a settlement or even your job.
Again, an attorney can help you navigate these issues to help ensure the best outcome after your accident. That’s why it’s so important to make finding legal help a priority in the immediate aftermath of an accident.
Injured at Work? Know Your Rights
If you experienced an injury caused an accident at the workplace, then you have rights. However, your ability to secure your job and your income depends on what happens in the first 24-72 hours after your accident.
It’s imperative that you talk to a doctor and a lawyer right away. They can advise you on what comes next and what to avoid when dealing with your employer.
