4 Things to do After a Workplace Accident
Workplace accidents are one of the most common causes of injury every year. Unfortunately, most people are unsure about what to do after a workplace accident. You do not want to complain, you do not want to miss work, but you are also in physical pain. In the aftermath of an accident, you need to take a moment to assess what happened. If you were injured while performing a job-specific task, you may very well be entitled to compensation for your injuries. When that is the case, there are a few steps you should follow moving forward.
1) Report the injury to your employer
When you are injured at the workplace, it is important to report the accident or injury right away. Some people may be hesitant to report an injury because they want to believe they are fine and that the incident was not a big deal. However, many times, what you thought was just a small pain that would go away ends up being a serious injury that only gets worse with time. When an injury happens at work, there is a statute of limitations when it comes to reporting the injury. If you fail to report the injury in the allotted amount of time, your workers’ compensation benefits for the injury may be denied. Report the injury to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible.
2) Document as much as you can about the incident
If it comes to the point that you must prove your workers’ compensation claim, written and visual documentation can help. After the incident occurs, use your phone or camera to take a few pictures of your injuries and the scene of the accident. Make notes of what you say when reporting the injury and how your supervisor or manager responds. Additionally, document what happened during the incident, the names of any witnesses, and what they saw. You should also keep track of your doctor’s visits concerning accident injuries, and write down what the doctor has to say.
3) Seek medical attention for your injuries
If you are injured in a workplace accident, know that you have a right to be examined by a doctor. In the state of Arkansas, your employer or their insurance provider has the right to choose the doctor who examines your injuries. However, if you are untrusting or uncomfortable with the diagnosis or treatment this doctor suggests, it may be in your best interest to seek the opinion of another doctor of your choosing. In both cases, keep notes of all of your visits, including treatment suggestions, medical bills, prescriptions, as well as travel expenses associated with your visit. A doctor’s opinion and diagnosis will help in assessing the seriousness of your injuries and the amount of compensation you should be seeking.
4) Contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be long and complex, especially if you are experiencing any resistance from your employer. You want to protect yourself and your rights by having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we understand that you work hard to earn your paycheck, and you do not want to step on anyone’s toes by seeking compensation from your employer. With that being said, it is important that you get the treatment and respect you deserve when you are injured on the job. It is your right as an employee to have your safety be a priority and we want to make sure it stays that way. Our attorneys will help you throughout the entire process of seeking workers’ compensation, while making it as smooth as possible for you.
If you or someone you love has been injured as the result of a workplace accident, contact one of the experienced attorneys at McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm by calling our office at (479) 783-0036. We want to get you the compensation you deserve.
