Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, even at work. When it happens, there are several things to do to ensure that you will get the right compensation for the damages. A work injury lawyer in Salt Lake City or any other major urban area would be able to help you with this.
If you do it right, you will not have any problems getting the compensation you deserve. Here are the steps you should take:
An Immediate Report
One of the problems with people involved with workplace accidents is the macho attitude of being able to “take it” unless the accident is notably serious. Some workers think that they can just “walk off” an injury. They take a painkiller and think that it will go away in a few days. However, workplace accidents can cause major injuries if left untreated.
Don’t let pride cause you to become ineligible for compensation. Report any accident that caused injury, no matter how minor it is. Most reports need to be made 90 days after the accident, but reporting early is always better.
Accident reports should also be done even if no one is hurt. This is because the management would then be aware of accident risks and they might implement safety measures for the future.
Document Everything
People carry smartphones nowadays and they are a big help in documenting a lot of events. Use this to your advantage by having someone take photos or even videos of the accident’s aftermath. This documentation will serve as proof that the accident happened. It also allows you to document your treatment. Try to remember who was there during the accident. These will be useful when you finally file your claim for compensation.
Get Medical Attention
Part of the documentation is getting medical treatment. A doctor’s examination of you can be part of the evidence that you were involved in an accident. Try to call a doctor as soon as possible. Your employer may have a doctor on call for such accidents, but if they don’t, have yourself taken to an emergency room right away. Never wait for a doctor to be sent to you or delay a doctor’s visit because your injury may get worse.
File a Claim
When all is said and done, it’s time to file a claim for compensation. All employers are required to have worker’s compensation insurance so that it would be simple enough to claim it. Depending on your state, the amount of compensation is usually a part of the wage that you would normally get.
Contact a Lawyer
Normally, when you file a claim is where it would end. However, not all employers are accommodating. If you face problems claiming your compensation, then it’s time to hire a lawyer. Try to find one who specializes in your field of work and has experience in getting worker’s compensation for it.
An accident can put you out of commission for a long time. This will affect your ability to work, so you will need to ensure that you get properly compensated for your injury and potential loss of income. The steps above should help in doing just that.
