What to Do After a Workplace Accident
By law, employers are legally responsible for providing their workers with a relatively safe workplace. Some workplaces are inherently more dangerous than others are. For example, oil rig and construction site companies must go to greater lengths to ensure the safety of employees. However, workplace accidents can happen anywhere. Companies do not always take the proper precautions to create a safe work environment, and the results can be serious. When employees are injured on the job, they may be able to fight for compensation from the negligent employer. No matter what your occupation is or where the accident occurred, the steps that follow a workplace injury are the same. If you have been injured at work, here is a general outline for the steps you should follow.
- Seek medical help: If your injuries are severe, you may need to call 911 and have emergency medical services come to your aid. If your injuries are minor, it is still wise to have a doctor examine you. Having proper medical counsel and documentation of your injuries may be essential in your workplace accident claim.
- Report your injury to a supervisor: Once a doctor examines and treats your injuries, be sure to notify a supervisor of the incident. It is important to complete this step as soon as possible so you do not miss the legal deadline and lose any legal rights in the future. A workplace injury claim will be very difficult to defend if your supervisor did not know about your injuries. It is essential to complete your workplace accident notification in writing, so that you will have physical documentation in the future.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: After you have alerted your supervisor of the accident, they are required to offer you a compensation claim immediately. Be sure to fill out the form completely, paying close attention to detail. It is also essential to keep a copy of this form for your personal records.
- Find a lawyer: Workplace injury cases can be complex, but having an experienced attorney on your side can make the process much easier. A strong lawyer will be able to guide you through the complicated legal aspects of your case, and fight to see that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Providence personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. have many years of experience protecting and defending the rights of workplace accident victims, and we are here to help you. Our legal team is dedicated to creating a strategy that will ensure you receive a proper settlement. Contact us today by calling (401) 751-8855.
