Regardless of where you work, injuries and accidents can occur on the job site. A statistic shows that private industry businesses have seen more than 2 million nonfatal injuries in the span of a whole year.
While certain professions, such as construction work, can be more dangerous than a clerk’s job, accidents can occur. However, most of the time employers don’t know which steps to take after sustaining an injury.
Of course, many employees will want to get back to their pre-injury duties to avoid rent arrears due to missed wages. But, there are a few options that will make the whole transition less scary and more pleasant for the injured worker.
#1. The Superiors Should Be Informed
As soon as an employee gets injured, they need to instantly report it to their superior or employer. In addition to getting first aid quickly, they will have evidence to support their claims later.
After the injured person speaks to their superior, they will have to complete paperwork which should be thoroughly examined and carefully read. Most of the time, injuries will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance depending on the state they live in.
Since this type of insurance is mandatory in almost all the other states, employees can enjoy its benefits. For instance, if the business headquarters are in the Keystone state, it’s highly likely that the business proprietors worked hard to obtain this type of insurance. However, if injured employees are unsure of their rights, their best course of action is to consult reputable Pennsylvania workers compensation attorneys. This way they’ll be able to find an attorney that will help them file a claim and find the right subsequent steps that will ensure they get good compensation.
#2. Medical Attention Is a Must
Even if the worksite is equipped with first aid kits, the injured individual will have to visit a hospital as soon as the injuries are sustained. Slips and falls are some of the most common non-fatal work-related injuries and they won’t usually require serious medical attention. However, electrocution or lacerations will require the injured individual to receive needed medical attention.
After the doctor makes an assessment regarding the injury, the injured is allowed to ask for a second opinion. In addition to that, all expenses should be tracked as insurance or the employer will cover the cost. On top of that, if the injured had to be transported from the worksite to a nearby hospital, the ambulance bills should be covered by the employer.
Additionally, filing a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary if negligence is suspected. The injured individual should document all medical visits, treatments, and expenses, and seek legal advice to understand their rights and potential compensation. In some cases, workers’ compensation claims might also be applicable, providing financial support for medical expenses and lost wages. It’s crucial for the injured party to be aware of the specific procedures and deadlines for filing these claims to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
#3. The Process of Gathering Evidence
Before the injured individual files for an insurance claim, they need to gather all the evidence that will play in their favor. Returning to the accident scene might help you find vital information about the cause of the mishap.
In addition to that, they will have to pinpoint the accident’s exact time as well as their complete thought process leading to the accident. Your worker’s compensation attorney might even consider searching for a witness of the accident to further bolster the chances of winning the compensation for their client.
#4. Filing the Claim
After the evidence is gathered, it’s time to file the claim. In certain states, injured employees will only have a limited amount of time to file a claim. So, besides not missing the deadline, employees will also have to showcase all the evidence they gathered and how the injury affects them.
To make this whole process easier, a lawyer can be hired but that will further burden the employee financially. However, if the employee does decide to hire a lawyer, they should look for an expert in the worker’s compensation field. A lawyer can help with building a strong case that will guarantee a substantial payout that will cover all your missed work hours.
Bottom Line
Injuries can occur on worksites, regardless of the industry. However, when they do happen, it’s important to know which steps everyone can take to make the process less stressful for all parties. Workers’ compensation is the insurance that will cover all the major expenses when it comes to work-related injuries and individuals should never join workplaces that don’t offer this type of insurance. So, if you sustain an injury in your workplace, make sure you follow the steps we outlined in this post.
