What To Do If You Suffer An Injury at Work

5 STEPS TO TAKE

by Contributor

(Jan. 3, 2020) — If you have found yourself injured due to an accident at work, you will likely be in a state of shock. It may only be after the event that the panic sets in. What will this mean for your income? Will you need time off work? Will you need to make an accident at work claim? Recovering from an injury is already stressful enough, and you don’t need the additional anxiety of expenses like medical bills. However, it can be daunting reading through all the legal jargon regarding workplace injuries, which is why this helpful guide should simplify things. Be sure to read on for some tips on what to do if you suffer an injury at work.

Seek Medical Assistance

First, you will need to ensure you get medical assistance. Your workplace should have a first aid kit, as well as staff who are trained first-aiders. However, if your injury is more serious, you will need to go to a hospital. Your health is more important than anything else, and it is your employer’s legal responsibility to look out for your health, so do not put this off. This is also important in case your injury leads to more serious, long-lasting health implications, which will impact your work life and personal life.

Report the Incident

Record your injury in your company’s accident book, and also email your employer regarding the incident, so there is written evidence of your injury. You need to report your injury as soon as possible, and make sure that it is reported to the appropriate people. You will also want to verify that your injury is correctly recorded with your doctor, as medical records are not always well documented. If you are worried, check your medical records to make sure your details were correctly logged.

Take Photos & Witness Statements

It is imperative that you photograph your injuries and, if possible, record witness statements from colleagues if you are considering making a claim for compensation. These documents will be vital if your case ends up going to court, as you will have strong evidence to support your claim. It will be harder for your employers to dismiss your claim when you have irrefutable evidence.

Find a Solicitor

Following this, you will want to get help from a professional. By approaching specialist personal injury solicitors, such as Aston Knight Solicitors, you can rest assured that your case is being handled effectively and with care. This workplace injury legal team can help guide you through the legal obstacles and ensure that you receive the necessary support during this difficult and time-consuming period.

Make a Claim

Once your solicitor has calculated how much compensation you could be due, they will send your employers a ‘letter of claim’ detailing your injury and why your employers are responsible. This doesn’t necessarily result in going to court, as the majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court. Your employers will likely want to settle this as quickly as possible and negotiate a payment with your solicitor. If you do find yourself going to court, your solicitor will be at your side to ensure you get your settlement as swiftly as possible.