Injuries at work are unfortunately a common occurrence. If you have been injured or think that you might be injured soon, then your employer is obligated to provide for your health and safety while you recover from the injury. However, there are some steps that you can take from the very beginning of the process to help protect your rights and ensure that you get the medical attention that you need. Let’s explore a few tips to counter.
1) Report The Accident To Your Manager
You should report the accident to your manager or supervisor immediately. An employer must report any work-related injuries or accidents that are fatal or result in the hospitalization of one or more employees. If an employer fails to do so they can incur fines of up to a few thousand dollars per violation. This is why it’s important that you report the accident to your manager when it occurs.
2) Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention without delay. This needs to be done even if you are unsure that your injury is serious. If the doctor determines that your injury was in fact work-related, then your employer will cover the costs of related treatment. If it is determined that your injury was not caused by the workplace, then your medical costs will be your responsibility.
3) Get A Lawyer
If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should speak to a lawyer about filing a claim. A lawyer can help you with the paperwork and ensure that it is filed in time. You should be able to find an experienced lawyer in your area, such as a Michigan personal injury lawyer that can help you with your case. Having a lawyer can help you with negotiating a settlement so that your medical bills are covered and you receive compensation for the injuries that you have suffered.
4) Avoid Signing Any Documents
As the accident is being investigated, you should avoid signing any documents without first speaking with a lawyer about them. The employer may try to convince you to sign forms such as a workers’ compensation form so that they can expedite your recovery process and prevent delays on their end. You should not sign any documents that you do not fully understand.
5) Take Notes & Get Witnesses
If you are able to, then you should try to document the circumstances surrounding your injury as thoroughly as possible. Take notes of your symptoms and the events leading up to the accident. You should also keep track of all your medical documentation such as X-rays and doctor’s notes, in case you need them at a later date. It is also a good idea to get witness statements from co-workers who saw what happened. Witnesses can give you an idea of how your argument with your manager is perceived by others and can help you assess the strength of your case.
6) Take Time To Recover
You should take the time to recover from your work-related injury. Your employer is obligated to provide for your health and safety while you are recovering, so they will handle the administrative duties associated with your work situation. However, it’s important that you rest and try not to cause yourself further injury by rushing back to work too early. You should also avoid performing household chores and other strenuous activities while you recover.
7) Report Any Changes In Symptoms To Your Doctor
You should report any changes in your symptoms to your physician as they occur. This will help the doctor determine whether or not the healing process is proceeding as expected. If it is not, then the physician may order additional tests to determine the cause of the issue.
Injuries at work can have a huge impact on your life. When you get injured, the first thing to do is report it to your manager and seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also speak with an experienced lawyer about what compensation may be available for injuries sustained in the workplace. It is important that you don’t sign anything without your lawyer because your employer may try to convince you that your injury is not work-related. Besides protecting your legal rights, it’s also important that you take time off from work (if necessary) so that you can fully recover before returning back to normal activities like driving or working around the house. Always listen to your doctor’s advice and report any changes in your symptoms. With these steps in place, you’ll have the best chance of countering any injuries at work!
