What To Do After an Injury at Work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets today’s workplace safety standards, and every employer is required by law to meet these rules. However, sometimes these safety measures fail, resulting in a workplace injury. If this happened to you or someone you know, know you’re not alone. This comprehensive list will provide a step-by-step process of how to act following a workplace incident, remember that you have the power to immediately contact a trusted lawyer to help you file for compensation.
Safety First
It can be scary to witness or to be the injured person in an event like this. Here’s how you can be prepared quickly—and make sure everyone involved in the situation is safe, including yourself. Then seek immediate medical treatment. If your employer tries to tell you that you have to wait, leave and go to a doctor or call an ambulance. Additionally, please note that each employee's injury or illness is unique and requires a case-by-case evaluation to determine the compensation that is deserved.
Preparing for the Worst
In case of a workplace accident, take the following precautionary steps to ensure you and your fellow coworkers are safe:
- Move the workers away from the danger zone. Keep all employees out of the zone until it has been deemed safe.
- Check for injuries. If medical assistance is required, call 911 immediately. Grab a first-aid kit if the injuries are minor.
- Take note of the situation, and file for Workers’ Compensation immediately to ensure you do not lose legal rights from your employer. Anytime you are injured on the job, report it to your supervisor as soon as you can. Tip: Document it in writing if possible. Some states, like Illinois, require only verbal notice, while some require it in writing.
- Gather evidence. Pictures of the scene, injuries or testimonials will all support your case down the line should you choose to file for Workers’ Compensation.
At Black & Jones, we know that even the most prepared workplace environments can have accidents. That’s why we are here to fight for you every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is in the process of determining whether their case is qualified to receive compensation, contact us today for your free case evaluation here.