Many workers do not think they will become injured at work. Often, workers believe it may not happen to them or they believe they work in jobs that do not have serious hazards. However, accidents can happen at any type of workplace.
When an employee suffers a work-related injury, regardless of the seriousness of the accident, it should be reported. If a worker fails to report the accident and injury, they will not be able to obtain compensation.
What Steps Should I Take After an Accident at Work?
There are certain things to do after a work-related accident happens:
- Determine the seriousness of the accident. If the accident requires immediate medical attention or the injury is life-threatening, a person on the scene should call for an ambulance.
- Ensure that no other similar or resulting accidents can occur in the same location.
- If one is able, determine if there were any witnesses to the accident. Obtain their contact information if necessary.
- Report the accident as quickly as possible. It is best to report the accident to the employer as quickly as possible.
- Be sure that the injured party is receiving the appropriate medical care and that the injured person is following medical orders.
- Retain a lawyer after the accident for help with filing a workers’ compensation
- If additional injuries or complications arise as a result of the work-related injury, notify the employer right away.
- When it is appropriate, establish a plan to return to the workplace.
An injured party can also inquire about what steps the employer has taken subsequent to the accident in order to avoid future accidents.
What Should I Avoid Doing After a Work Accident?
After a work accident, an employee should avoid certain things:
Do Not Admit Liability: Admitting to the employer that one may have been completely or partially liable for the accident could complicate legal claims down the road.
Do Not Immediately Sign Any Documents: It is always best to have legal counsel review any documents related to the accident to ensure one is not waiving any claims one would be entitled to in the future.
Do Not Stop Medical Treatment: Unless a medical professional has advised one to stop medical treatment, continue to follow the treatment regimen as prescribed. Dropping medical treatment could complicate legal claims in the future.
Should I Retain a Lawyer?
After a work accident, one should speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can help one file a claim and ensure that one’s rights are protected. Work injuries can be expensive, so it is beneficial to receive necessary compensation.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Injured Workers Get Maximum Compensation
If you were recently injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. After a work accident, contact one of our Downingtown workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC. We help workers get the compensation that they deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.