If you’ve sustained an injury in your workplace, you may be wondering what action to take following the event. Understanding your rights as an employee and the responsibilities of your employer are crucial to ensure your accident is managed correctly.
While this process can be overwhelming, you can make things a little easier by taking the following steps immediately after you’ve been injured in the workplace:
1. Notify your employer.
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer will document a description of your injury, and if it is serious enough, they will then report the injury to their insurer. Their insurer will then generally provide compensation for any medical expenses and wages if you require time off work.
Your employer’s insurer may also offer you a lump sum following your accident. If you accept this lump sum, you may not have to proceed with a personal injury case.
2. Get professional law advice.
If your injury is serious, and you believe it was caused by the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with a personal injury specialist such as Sinammon Lawyers to discuss your situation and confirm whether or not you have grounds to proceed with a lawsuit.
All employers are required to provide a safe work environment for their employees. If you believe your injury was a result of your employer’s failure in their duty of care to you, pursuing personal injury compensation is a viable option.
3. Visit a medical professional.
Visit your doctor to get a professional diagnosis of your injury. Your employer will most likely contact your doctor during this process to discuss your situation. If you have filed a personal injury claim, you will be required to produce all relevant medical records to support your case.
4. Rehabilitate and return to work.
Your final step should be to focus on the goal of recovering from your injury and returning to your work. Your employer may be able to facilitate your rehabilitation in the workplace in order to maintain your income.
Keep in mind that it is illegal for an employer to terminate the employment of an individual who has legitimately sustained an injury in the workplace.
Accidents can occur at any workplace in any industry. Follow our advice to ensure you take the right steps following your injury.
