5 Legal Tips If You’ve Been Hurt on the Job

Workplace accidents happen frequently. They can lead to serious injuries and, even worse, fatalities. You should know legal aspects when you’ve been hurt on the job and faced injuries of any sort. Below are helpful tips.

1. Inform Your Superiors About the Incident Immediately

Notably, employers should be notified of work-related injuries. Thus, ensure to give a written detailed report on the incident. If the injuries are severe, and writing is not an option, you can give an oral statement. In your statement, ensure to include the time that the incident took place. In case there were witnesses, also include them.

After compiling the incident details, submit them to your superior immediately. Also, make a photocopy of your written statement, to cover for when the original is misplaced. You need to notify your superiors of the work incident immediately, as insurance companies can use untimely reporting to deny you compensation.

There is also a possibility of getting out of the incident without injuries. Even so, giving a statement is necessary. With the information, the superiors will make significant safety adjustments. The measures will ensure that no similar accidents happen in the future.

2. Seek Medical Care

It’s vital that you seek medical attention after being hurt on the job. If there are first-aiders at your workplace, you should let them check your wounds. The medical professional will check on the injury’s intensity and recommend the way forward.

You should not hesitate to get medical attention even when you have minor injuries. Understand that some complications caused by the incident might not surface immediately. For evidence purposes, have medical documentation. Thus, don’t get rid of the receipts for your medical expenses. To recover quickly, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take care of your injuries.

3. Take the Incident Scene Photos

You should have a visual of the incident location. You can either take pictures or footage. It’s necessary as it gives the company’s superiors clear images of how the incident occurred. Hence, they can know the necessary steps to prevent a similar occurrence.

Given that you proceeded to sue your company for the incident, these photos and videos will serve as evidence. They will help your legal representative prove that your injuries were the company’s fault. It increases your probability of being compensated. Also, make it a point to have the injury photos.

4. Take Care of The Needed Paperwork

To get compensated for your injuries, you have to have all your paperwork in order. Understand that these guidelines vary from state to state. Thus, you need to understand what your state requires you to do and the forms to fill out. If you are injured on the job in Texas, ensure to understand the procedure you need to follow.

Note that it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide you with the necessary forms to fill out. They’ll then have to submit the paperwork to their insurance company. If your employer is giving you a hard time with this, inform your attorney. With legal help, you can complete this step efficiently.

5. Know and Protect Your Rights

Every employer is mandated to provide a safe workspace for their employees. Notably, even with the necessary measures put in place, accidents can still happen. Thus, you need to know your rights in case you get injured. First, you have the right to file a claim for your injuries. From the claim, you can get compensation for your damages.

If the doctor declares that you are fit to go back to work, it’s your right that your employer allows you to work. If your injuries are severe, and you cannot resume work, your employer has to offer you disability compensation. It will ensure that you can afford your treatments and basic needs.

There are situations where your superiors and their insurance company’s decisions do not please you. In such a case, you can appeal the decision. To help you protect your rights, ensure to work with a lawyer. They will ensure that you are fairly compensated and not mistreated for taking legal action.

Bottom Line

An accident at work can be life-threatening. If you’re involved in an accident at your job, consider the legal tips above. You will get compensated and will prevent the probability of other accidents happening.