Nobody wants to get injured while on the job, but sometimes accidents happen. Even though you hope to never be injured while at work, it’s still very important to know what to do if the situation ever occurs. No matter if you are injured in a work-related car accident, or if you just suffered a personal injury, it’s important to be prepared. The more prepared you are for the post-injury events, the less stressful the situation may be.
If you are ever injured while at work, here are five things you should do.
1. Report the incident
One of the very first things you need to do if you are injured on the job is report it. You should first tell your supervisor about the incident, and then you should follow that up by telling the human resources department. Some companies may have paperwork that needs to be filled out that details the incident as well as the injury that was sustained. Your supervisor or your HR Department should be able to advise you on what else may be needed from you to document the injury.
2. Get a copy of the incident report
If your company has incident or accident reports for on-the-job injuries, be sure to get a copy of the incident or accident report. You may need this for your own records, or you may need it for insurance. Either way, having a copy of the incident report is important.
3. Seek medical care
It’s also very important that you seek medical care, no matter how small or insignificant your injuries may be. This will document your condition, and it will provide you with the proof you need to file a claim with your company. It will also provide valuable information if your current condition leads to other illnesses or injuries. Be sure to get a copy of the report from your doctor, and be sure to give a copy of the report to your supervisor and your HR Department.
4. Get a doctor’s note
If your injuries do not allow you to do certain activities while at work, be sure to get a doctor’s note and provide this to both your supervisor and your HR Department. This way, there is proof that there are certain things you cannot be doing. It’s also important that you get another note from your doctor when you are all cleared to work.
5. Seek a personal injury attorney
Depending on the circumstances of your injury, it’s possible that you could receive workman’s compensation for your injuries. Be sure to find a personal injury lawyer that specializes in workman’s compensation cases. Although your company may be willing to provide you with the benefit without ever having to go to court, a personal injury attorney can fight on your behalf to ensure e that you are getting the right compensation for your injuries and that you’re not being mistreated. According to Tenn and Tenn, personal injury lawyers, “A lost wage claim may include not only regular pay but also overtime pay, bonuses, differentials, raises and even lost opportunities for personal promotions or commissions.” Having a personal injury on your side can ensure you are receiving everything that is owed to you.
Although nobody wants to be injured on the job, it’s important to know how to handle the injury so that your company can compensate you appropriately for the injury.