Workplace injuries or personal injuries are sometimes unavoidable. It is estimated that there are 4000 fatalities in the workplace, and this occurs in jobs that are classified as “high risk” or dangerous. One of the most common types of accidents are falls, which can have debilitating effects on the worker and the people they support. According to Hunter Law Group, a well-known legal company in Tampa, Florida, there are many common reasons why people suffer from workplace accidents:
- There is human error on the part of the worker. Although there are safety guidelines implemented, stress and lack of guidance may cause a worker to fail to follow these instructions. In this case, an accident may occur.
- Unsafe working conditions may be present. Some types of jobs are higher-risk for accidents and deaths than others. One in five workplace accidents happen in the construction industry, which is considered a dangerous workplace.
- There are not enough safety guidelines implemented by the company. Some companies fail to establish certain safety guidelines, conditions, and procedures when in fact this must be the first thing they should do before operations.
Did you suffer from a fall in the workplace? Hunter Law Group suggests following these step-by-step instructions to guide you in your actions and be well-compensated for your accident.
What To Do After A Fall
- Contact police and emergency services
In the event of an accident, it is important to call the police or dial 911 right away. This is essential if you had serious injuries. If this is not possible, ask someone to call the police for you. The dispatcher will call the nearest emergency services to assist you in the accident and bring you to the nearest hospital when needed. If you sustained non-serious injuries, you can call the police hotline so that they can go to the scene of the accident and record their findings. The police report will help you strengthen your case towards filing a workplace injury compensation.
Once police approach your workplace, they will start to take note of the incident. They might issue traffic tickets to you or any involved parties if it’s a car accident. They can record statements, take pictures, and further file a police report about the accident. The police report can affect your lawsuit and insurance claims by strengthening the case of the incident, especially if you’re not at fault.
- Ask information about the incident
Another useful thing to do after your fall is to ask other people about the incident. This is helpful if you have witnesses to your accident. Get information from them about what happened, as this may help you fix the puzzle pieces together to further strengthen your case. If they are willing to be witnesses to the accident, get their contact details as well. Sometimes, witnesses can be helpful as some people appear to be disoriented or may have problems in their memory during the accident.
You can also collect information by yourself by taking the picture of the scene using your smartphone or camera. Note the time, date, and any other workplace conditions that you think influenced the accident. Also, add additional information that you think may be useful when you file a lawsuit for your fall.
- Find the right medical treatment right away
After your fall, you may or may not need emergency services. It is important to give out your insurance information as soon as possible as to prevent out-of-pocket expenses. You may also need to request copies of your medical results, treatment receipts, scans, and all other documents provided to you by the clinic or hospital. If this is not possible, you can request the administration to send these documents directly to your insurance company. Also, ask for patient copies of your receipts as this will help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Do not wait before seeking medical treatments. Some falls may not look serious, but they might actually present symptoms like internal hemorrhaging. If you think that you need medical treatment for what appears to be a minor injury, seek help right away. This might save your life, and it will also help the insurance company cover your claim. Some insurance companies deny claims of patients who waited too long after the accident.
- Seek the help of a personal injury attorney
Once the insurance claim is settled, you will be able to be in touch with the claims adjuster who might be looking into your medical and police records of the accident. During this time, they may ask you and the other parties involved in the claim for their respective statements. It is advisable not to give a recorded statement to the insurance company before your lawsuit, as this might affect your claim. Hunter Law Group advises looking for an experienced personal injury attorney in your area. If you live in the Tampa, Florida area, you can find services by searching personal injury attorney Tampa.
Nobody expects to be involved in an accident. When you have suffered from personal injuries, make sure to follow these steps and you will have a high chance of succeeding in your insurance claim and lawsuit.