Getting hurt at work can be a huge ordeal, to say the least. It can impact your physical health, mental health, and your career, which can be an added stressor.
However, if you handle the issue correctly, you should be able to communicate effectively with your employer, claim the compensation you need without trouble, and focus on your recovery.
Here are the biggest tasks you’ll need to take care of as soon as the incident occurs and in the days following it.
Get in Touch with an Attorney
One of the first things you’ll need to think about, aside from your physical health and safety, is your ability to work and earn a living. If you can’t work because of your injury, you’ll need to claim compensation from your employer.
Try to have a consultation with a lawyer before filing any claims, or even reporting your injuries to your employer. The professionals will have the legal expertise to help you handle the situation properly to achieve the best possible outcome. Lamber Goodnow Injury Lawyers is a good example of a firm that will be able to help you with any compensation claims and get you through the process without a hitch.
Seek Medical Help
One of the first and most important things you need to do after getting injured at work, is of course, to visit a medical professional – even if you don’t notice any serious injuries or symptoms.
Tell your doctor about how the accident happened and anything else they might need to know about you inhaling or ingesting of any chemicals. Symptoms might begin a little while after this happens.
Make Sure You Know Your Rights
When filing for claims on a workplace injury and in any other legal matter regarding your job, you need to clearly understand your rights in general and in relation to your specific incident.
For example, you need to know when you are and are not covered under worker’s compensation laws. One thing to consider is that accidents that occur when a worker is under the influence of alcohol are not covered by worker’s compensation laws, and this could have consequences on your job too.
File a Report for the Accident
After you’ve consulted with a qualified and experienced attorney, you need to ensure that the accident is reported soon after it occurs to ensure that you will be covered under worker’s compensation laws. If you get the incident reported as soon as possible, this helps to ensure you’re covered in case of injuries or illnesses that are only identified a little later.
Incident and accident reporting also play a big role in optimizing health and safety in the workplace. Your employer can learn from mistakes and prevent further accidents and injuries.
Report Your Injuries to Your Employer
After reporting the incident, you’ll also need report the results from your medical check-up to your boss. If you need to claim compensation, your employer will need to know about your injuries and how severe they are. Something serious like a spinal cord injury will have different consequences than a sprained wrist.
If new related pains or symptoms appear a few days (or even weeks) after the accident, you should have these checked and reported to your boss too.
Make Sure to Follow Medical Advice
If you are prescribed any medical treatment such as medication, rehabilitation, or bed rest, it’s essential to listen to your doctor’s advice for your own good.
This will not only help you to have a comfortable and speedy recovery from any injuries and get you back on your feet and on the job as soon as possible, but it’s also crucial for your legal case that you prove you are trying to get better and following medical instructions.
Reach Out for Your Mental Health
A workplace accident and serious injury can result in more than an injury and financial loss. Mental health plays a huge role in our overall wellness, and if you are struggling to cope mentally with what has happened, it’s normal to ask for help.
Reaching out for help in the form of therapy can be beneficial for many, and it can help you work through what happened.
Final Thoughts
Remember that depending on the nature of your injury, you might need help dealing with even simple administrative tasks, so try to enlist the help of someone you know and trust to get you through it.
