5 Steps to Take Quickly After a Workplace Injury

 Posted on May 10, 2022 in Workers' Compensation

Workplace accidents can happen when you least expect them. What starts out as a perfectly normal day at work can end in a disaster. Whether your job is largely considered “dangerous,” like types of construction work, or mostly safe, like retail work, the fact is that a workplace injury can happen to anyone. Even people with desk jobs have been injured at work. This is why it is so important for everyone to know exactly how to respond just in case it does happen to you. The way you handle the situation as it unfolds can be extremely important later. Making a mistake could harm your case when it comes time to seek compensation, while handling everything correctly could make it much more difficult for your employer to deny your claim. One of the most important things you can possibly do after a workplace injury is to contact an attorney who can offer you further guidance. 

The Moments After the Accident Matter

Everything you do from the second the accident happens counts. While the most important thing is to prevent further harm and get to safety, some other helpful tips for reacting to a workplace accident include: 

• Follow procedures - If your company has a policy or procedure to follow during this type of accident or incident, like “if a fire starts, hit the emergency shutoff and clear the floor,” follow it. Failing to follow your company’s safety protocols can be used against you to argue that you made your injury worse by not taking the right steps. 
• Stay down - Unless you absolutely need to move to get out of harm’s way, it is generally best to remain as still as possible until first responders arrive and tell you otherwise. Back and neck injuries can be worsened, sometimes drastically, if you get up too quickly. 
• Watch your words - Avoid saying things like, “I am okay,” or “It was not your fault.” It is generally best to avoid making any sort of assertion about your physical condition or how the accident happened until you have met with an attorney. 
• Get care - Even if you do not think your injuries are particularly serious, it is best to let a doctor check you out. Adrenaline, the chemical involved in your body’s fight-or-flight response, can act as a natural painkiller so that you do not realize how badly you have been hurt right away. Besides, your workers’ compensation should cover your initial medical bills, so you have little or nothing to lose by seeking prompt care. 
• Take notes - Try to remember and make at least a mental note about everything that happened before and during the accident. 

Once you safely can, it is a good idea to get in contact with a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer. Even if you anticipate a relatively smooth claims process, having a lawyer handle it for you can give you some much-needed time to rest and recover. 

Call a Santa Clara County Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have suffered a workplace injury, Cramer + Martinez may be able to help you recover compensation. Our Gilroy workers’ compensation lawyers have the experience you need. Contact us at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://advancedct.com/tips-for-dealing-with-an-accident-at-work/