Workplaces, irrespective of the industry, can be hazardous in many ways. At times, these hazards can lead to injuries and illnesses in workers.
However, such workplace injuries don’t just happen out of nowhere. Behind every such incident, there’s always a possibility that negligence is involved. Had that negligence not been there, perhaps these accidents and harms could have been avoided entirely.
If such injuries, however, do take place, and negligence is responsible for them, you need to take action. In doing so, you can seek justice and compensation for your injuries. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps you need to take if any sort of workplace negligence ever leads to an injury.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’re injured, no matter where or how, you must prioritize your health above everything else. If you think or anyone around you sees that the injury necessitates immediate medical attention, go for it.
It doesn’t matter how big or small your injury is, you must get it checked by a medical professional and receive the appropriate treatment. Also, remember that certain injuries are not going to be apparent immediately. Delayed treatment for these injuries can lead to serious health complications.
As suggested by the California Department of Industrial Relations, when seeking medical care, document all your injuries, symptoms, and any medical treatment provided. This documentation can be crucial when you later pursue a compensation claim.
Document Evidence
Collecting and preserving evidence related to your injury is a must if you want to build a strong case. The documentation you prepare to support your case must include a few things. These include everything from photographs of the accident scene and your injuries to details of any equipment or machinery involved. Also, collect any available records, like surveillance logs or footage, safety inspection reports, etc.
Apart from photographs and records, you must also gather the contact information of any witnesses to the incident. Witness statements are very valuable evidence when it comes to establishing the facts of your case. Always keep detailed records of all interactions and communications related to your injury. These can include conversations with coworkers, superiors, and human resources personnel.
Consult an Attorney
According to Forbes, when dealing with workplace injuries, it’s in your best interest to consult an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury. Their expertise on the matter can help you navigate the legal process.
At the same time, these professionals can also assess the strength of your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you understand your rights and options under state and federal laws.
Your attorney will work with you and other necessary individuals and groups to determine liability and assess potential damages. They will also help you negotiate with your employer and their insurance company, or file a lawsuit, if necessary. All this will be done to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Always remember to contact a local personal injury attorney. That’s because different parts of the US might deal with such legal cases differently.
For instance, Reuters recently reported that an Amazon warehouse in St. Louis had very unsafe working conditions. Thus, at any given time, workplace injuries were a possibility. If you were caught up in such an accident in that St. Louis warehouse, you’d need to contact St. Louis personal injury lawyers.
According to TorHoerman Law, in such circumstances, a specialized personal injury attorney can help you navigate the case in general. They’re well aware of the personal injury laws of their area, like St. Louis in this case. Therefore, these lawyers can help you file a lawsuit if they see fit.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your injury occurred in the workplace due to negligence, you are likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Your attorney can assist you in preparing and filing a workers’ compensation claim, ensuring that it is complete and accurate. Keep in mind that workers’ compensation claims have specific deadlines, so it’s important to act promptly to preserve your rights.
Conclusion
Negligence leading to workplace injuries and illnesses is nothing new. If you ever face such a situation at your workplace, don’t hesitate to take the steps discussed above. After all, it’s your right to speak out against such negligence and seek justice and compensation for your injuries.