What to Do if There’s Been a Workplace Accident

Having an accident at work is the last thing on most people’s minds as they prepare for their day ahead. Although work is never easy, most jobs have regulations and measures in place to protect their staff. Workplace incidents can occur for many reasons.

People can fall victim to human error, miscommunication, or bad luck, in spite of the fact that their company may provide them with protective equipment, such as gloves from Unigloves, in order to minimize the risk of injury. In any case, workplace accidents can cause long term damage, be-it physical, emotional, or mental.

Logging, roofing, fishing, and aircraft workers are among those most prone to accidents.

Workplace incidents can occur for many reasons. People can fall victim to human error, miscommunication, or bad luck. In any case, they cause long-term damage, be-it physical, emotional, or mental. Either way, it’s vital to contact a trusted attorney firm like Goin Law Group for advice, and guidance to get what you deserve after the unfortunate accident.

Although an accident at work may be unlikely to happen to you, it’s useful to be informed on what to do if one occurs. 

Here is a seven-step guide on the necessary actions if you’ve been involved in a workplace accident.

1. Address your injury

Your first action should be to tend to your injury. You don’t want to cause further damage by moving or putting the injured area under duress. Alert a colleague or passerby if you need assistance. 

Perform first aid or call an ambulance if necessary.

2. Document the incident

If you are capable of doing so, take photos or videos of evidence surrounding the accident. 

Take contact details of any witnesses or people involved. 

Write an account of the accident from your perspective. The sooner you can do this, the more likely you are to recount accurate details. 

If you’re incapable of the above steps due to your injury, ask a colleague to do so on your behalf. 

3. Consult a physician

Visit your doctor or a hospital immediately after your accident to assess the extent of your injuries. Shock or adrenaline can often mask the pain, giving you the impression that your injuries are less severe.

A doctor’s visit will also officially document your ailments.

4. Monitor your symptoms

Long term injuries may bring about symptoms at various stages of your recovery, meaning doctors won’t diagnose every aspect of your injuries. If you are hurt for an extended period, you may also lose track of the symptoms. 

5. Keep a record of medical costs

Track all accident-related costs so that you are adequately covered if you make a future claim. Medical bills are expensive, so it’s important that they are noted. 

6. Seek legal aid

A workplace accident can have serious long-term repercussions, so it’s vital that you seek expert legal help. Your employers will likely do the same, so why wouldn’t you ensure you are fully covered?

Unfortunately, some work accidents are fatal and often occur at no fault of the victim. In such instances, families of the deceased are recommended to work with a top rated wrongful death attorney.

7. Take legal action

Your legal representative may feel it necessary to take the necessary steps to make a claim against your employer. Although this might not be your desired course of action, it may be required in order to be suitably compensated. Gather your evidence and records and contact an attorney by searching for a “personal injury attorney near me” or a similar phrase to find a practice with expertise and knowledge in local laws. Local expertise is vital in this situation as each state has its own employment laws, so you’ll need someone who knows all the ins and outs.

It’s normal to be stressed by such an action, but don’t worry, it’s your legal right. If you’ve been injured while performing your job, you should be entitled to compensation.