Stephen Hasner | Workplace Accidents | November 3, 2021
Every year, thousands of workers are injured while performing their jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,333 fatal workplace injuries in 2019 alone.
When you have been injured in an on-the-job accident, you may be unsure about what to do. Failing to take the appropriate actions after an injury can result in significant financial losses.
Injured workers may be entitled to compensation to cover the costs related to their accident. If you are hoping to secure damages following a workplace injury, it is critical to speak with a personal injury attorney.
You should take the following six steps after a workplace injury:
1. Assess the Injury
In the moments after an accident occurs, you should assess the severity of the injury. Knowing the extent of the damage is important.
If you have even a slight suspicion that you need medical attention, you should act promptly. This will help you to avoid serious complications. Your health and safety should take priority over any legal questions.
2. Seek Medical Assistance
Some workplace injuries will prevent you from performing at full capacity. But some injuries can also cause lifelong damage if they are not treated immediately.
Seek medical care following your workplace accident, regardless of its severity. This is important to ensure your safety.
It is also important to seek medical assistance for the success of any workplace injury claim. In order to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, you will need to secure a record of medical care.
Some serious injuries do not present symptoms until days or weeks after the inciting incident. Even if you feel fine, you may have internal damage or a traumatic brain injury.
3. Support the Victim
If you weren’t the person who sustained the injury, do your best to support the victim. Show them compassion and care however you can.
A workers’ compensation claim may help the victim to cover their financial costs. But many injury victims face challenges beyond monetary losses.
Do your best to be supportive during this difficult time.
4. Document the Injury
It is incredibly important to document the injury after you have dealt with any medical emergencies. The more information you can collect, the better.
Consider the following questions:
- What was the cause of the accident?
- What was the nature of the accident?
- How severe is the injury?
- Was the accident preventable?
- Is there a risk of future accidents?
- Did anyone see the accident take place?
Take photos of the injury and the scene of the accident. Take notes about your own experience after the accident or injury.
Memories fade quickly, so make sure to write down any pertinent information as soon as possible. A skilled personal injury attorney will use any evidence that you collect to build a powerful case for you.
5. Report the Accident to Your Employer
In order to file a workers’ compensation claim, you will need to report the injury to your employer. Fill out a workplace accident report form, if possible.
The workplace accident report form will allow the overseeing physician to record important determinations about treatments and more.
Depending on the size of the company, different departments may need to be informed about the accident. Reporting the injury to the employer will ensure that everyone is aware of the incident.
If you hope to secure financial recovery after a workplace accident, it is critical that you report it as soon as possible. Georgia has strict deadlines for reporting workplace injuries.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
There are several options for pursuing compensation after a workplace injury. You can file a workers’ compensation insurance claim, or you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
No matter what you choose, a skilled injury attorney can help you to secure the money that you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers from Hasner Law PC
If you were injured at your workplace you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. At Hasner Law PC we have over 80 years of experience representing injured workers to help them recover the maximum compensation they deserve. When you hire us you increase your chances of recovering a fair settlement after your accident.
For more information, please contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
