Most of us never think we will be a victim of a workplace accident and so we never consider what we would do if we ever found ourselves in that situation. However, workplace accidents are more common than you think and can happen in all occupations. If you are ever in a workplace accident, it is smart to have a good sense of how to handle it. If you are injured on the job, you have the right to substantial benefits, but you also have responsibilities in order to gain these benefits. The steps listed below will help you familiarize yourself with the process in case you ever find yourself injured at the workplace:
1. Report the injury – Once the injury happens you need to report it to your employer. It is important that there is a record on file of the incident, how it happened and what was done afterwards.
2. Fill out a claim form – After reporting the accident to your employer you should complete a claim form. It is important to fill out the form as soon as you are able to so that you can receive the appropriate workers’ compensation benefits. It is also to your benefit to fill the form out in a timely manner as the details will still be fresh in your mind and it will help you submit a more accurate form.
3. See your doctor – You should see your doctor so that they can assess your injuries and their severity. Your family doctor knows your medical history and will be able to determine if your injury has affected any other pre-existing conditions you already have. It is also wise to see a doctor because although you may feel fine, a doctor is able to recognize symptoms or issues you may not see. Your doctor may also advise you to take some time off work to recover as to not aggravate your injuries further.
4. Obtain Legal Advice – After completing the first three steps, it is wise to seek out an accident injury lawyer. Set up an initial meeting with a local accident injury lawyer to determine if you will need to take legal action with regards to your injury. A good accident injury lawyer is well versed in this kind of law and is your best resource when it comes to determining your rights and the appropriate compensation. These kinds of claims and lawsuits can become very complex, so why not let an accident injury lawyer take charge of the situation since they are up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations. Many accident injury lawyers not only offer free consultations, but may waive the legal fees as well and only collect from you based on the success of your claim/case.
By following these steps, you will ensure that you cover all your bases. Familiarizing yourself with these procedures will remove any added stress you will have if you ever do find yourself the victim of a workplace accident.
