According to the National Safety Council, every 7 seconds there is a worker who gets injured on the job. That’s 510 per hour, 12600 a day and 88,500 a week. NSC also points out that overexertion, slips, falls and contact with equipment are some of the injuries that are most common in workplaces.
These statistics show that even when the appropriate safety precautions are put in place, accidents in the workplace are still bound to happen. How we will deal with these injuries is what makes all the difference.
If you happen to be injured at work, you will want to follow the right steps to ensure that you are fairly compensated. To help you with this we have compiled a list of some helpful tips on how you can deal with work-related injuries in a wise and healthy way.
1. See a doctor
If you get hurt while working, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Give a description of how you are feeling in detail and let them file a medical report. Also, give them details about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
Describing your situation in detail will help you later when you will require to use the medical report as evidence, in your case.
2. Keep a record of your medical bills
After getting hospitalized it might not be easy to shift gears and start thinking of getting compensation. However, if you want to get fair compensation, you need to start looking for the evidence right from the first day you get to the hospital.
A great place to start is by keeping a record of your medical bills.
During your visit to the doctor, make sure to keep a record of all receipt and bills of your treatment, medical supplies, consultation, physiotherapy, equipment and any other expenses you incurred. Make sure to organize all bills and receipts well to not only have a good organization of your case but also to strengthen your claim by having useful and insightful information ready.
This becomes very important when seeking compensation from either your employer or the insurance company.
3. Inform your employer about the injury
Once you’ve seen a doctor, let your employer know that you have an injury. Record the incident with your employer and fill out the employer’s accident book.
In case you also have evidence, e.g. photos you took of the accident scene or a witness, make sure to present them here. Otherwise, you may have your claim denied.
Most employers are tempted to think that their situation will get better after the accident. They, therefore, avoid reporting to their employers hoping the pain will eventually subside, only to worsen a few days or weeks later. Unfortunately, when they report, it may be too late to make a claim. Therefore, always inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible.
Filing a report early also gives your employer a chance to file the first report of injury for your case.
4. Avoid discussing any details with insurance companies
It is common for insurance companies to seek a recorded statement from the victims. They try to do so when investigating claims. However, it is wise not to record a statement with an insurance company since whatever you will say might be used against you.
Avoid discussing any details or giving statements about your accident to the insurance company unless you have a lawyer with you. A lawyer can guide you and help you avoid tricky or misleading questions that, if answered, can jeopardize your chances of getting compensated.
5. Look for a personal injury lawyer
Injuries can change your quality of life and your ability to live and work normally.
It is therefore important to file a complaint immediately. Visit a local personal injury lawyer and consult them and let them handle your case. If you don’t know of any personal injury lawyers in your area, a simple search such as “New jersey personal injury lawyer“ can help you get a lawyer in your locality to help you with your case.
6. Look after your mental wellbeing
It is easy to suffer post-injury depression because of the pain and the inability to lead a normal life after an injury. The whole court process can also be stressful as you seek compensation. It is therefore vital to look after your mental wellbeing as you continue healing and waiting for compensation.
Here’s how you can avoid depression during this period:
a. Get outside
If you are able, try spending some time outside. The clear fresh air will help you unwind, clear your thoughts as well as uplift your spirit.
b. Spend some time with your loved ones
Spending your time with your loved one help you get the emotional support and physical assistance you might need during this time. Having a conversation with your friends and family members is also very helpful in lifting up your spirit during this time.
c. Eat healthy meals
Eating healthy meals helps you to not only speed up your recovery process but also boost your mood. Therefore avoid taking junk/processed foods during your recovery period.
The risk of an injury happening is clearly out of your control. However, you are in control of choosing how to deal with it when it happens. These tips will guide you and make a difficult time much easier to handle.