You might assume that if you slip and fall at work, your employer will take care of you. You shouldn’t. After all, what if you’re wrong?
The good news is, even if your employer isn’t on your side, the law is. Your employer is obligated to pay any medical costs resulting from injuries that happen on the job. However, they might get out of this obligation if you don’t take the proper steps after the incident.
So, to make sure that doesn’t happen to you, we’ve written you this guide. It details all the steps you need to take to get the full recompense you deserve. If you’ve been injured at work, follow these steps.
Table of Contents
1. See a Doctor
There are two huge reasons why this step is first on the list. First, your injuries must be examined as close to the incident as possible.
This gives you legal protection in case your employer tries to claim that your injuries aren’t their fault. If you wait several days to be examined, it’s easy for the court to believe that your injuries originated someplace away from your job.
Secondly, your immediate appointment will be noted in the attending healthcare facility’s records. This corroborates your claim that your injuries happened on the job.
2. Record the Incident
After you have been examined, or at least after you have made your doctor appointment, record the incident. Your employer should provide an official incident report of some kind that you can fill out at work.
Aside from this, take photos. If you are able to do so immediately after the fall, take photos of what caused the accident. Or, have someone else do it.
Take photos of your injuries as well. And take note of any witnesses who saw the event.
3. Get Witnesses’ Information
Speaking of witnesses, get the contact info of any witnesses who saw what happened. You may need them to testify later.
4. Talk to a Lawyer
It’s possible your employer will resolve the issue without the need for a lawyer. But it’s still better to have a lawyer at your disposal and not need one than to need one and not have one.
For example, you may settle for what your employer offers you and only later realize that it wasn’t enough. If so, you’re out of luck. You’ll get no additional recompense because you already settled.
A competent law firm, like Bayou City Law, would help you steer clear of this unfavorable outcome. After a workplace injury, always find a qualified lawyer to advise you.
Follow These Tips If You Slip and Fall at Work
When you slip and fall at work, make sure you’re taken care of. Follow these tips to take full advantage of your rights.
Now that you know what to do after a workplace injury, check out some more of our tips on how to stay healthy. For instance, learn how to lower your blood pressure naturally or how to use multivitamins to fight infections. Find all these tips and more on our Health blog.
