The most recent reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics point to one alarming fact: Workplaces aren’t as safe as we think.
In 2017, there were 2.8 million workplace injuries reported, many of which resulted in lost work and wages.
What would you do if you injure yourself at work? Keep reading for our advice on how to handle being injured at work.
Prioritize Your Safety and Wellbeing
The most important thing to do after an injury at work it to seek immediate medical treatment. Trying to work through the pain can cause further injury and could jeopardize your work injury claim.
If you hit your head in a slip and fall, for example, you may have suffered a concussion. Symptoms of untreated concussions include seizures, loss of vision, and recurring mental fog.
Instead of pushing through the pain, seek out medical treatment as soon as possible.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Once you’re given the go-ahead by medical staff, return to the scene of the incident.
Make a note of everything you remember from the accident.
Who was around? Where and when did the injury occur? Is there any visible evidence you can use to support your claim?
Documentation plays a significant role in the proceeding steps, so take photos, make notes, and interview people near you at the time to establish a clear picture.
Wait to Speak with a Supervisor
Some workplaces may push for you to skip the previous step and instead fill out an incident report.
It’s in a company’s best interest to look out for themselves, after all, so remain firm. Politely decline until you feel that you have all the corroborating evidence you need.
Then — and only then — should you fill out an incident report.
The details you collected during the last step can help you fill out the required report in more detail.
Find Out if There is Workers’ Compensation Coverage
During your communication with HR, workers’ comp will undoubtedly come up. However, you should know that Texas is different than most other states when it comes to workers’ comp.
Texas doesn’t require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your company doesn’t have a compensation plan in place, this can actually be a good thing.
As strange as it may seem, an employer not having workers’ comp insurance may work in your benefit. The majority of workers’ comp programs pay very little for injury or disability and keep employees from suing their employers (where they could recover much higher compensation).
Contact a San Antonio Work Injury Attorney
Whether your company has a workers’ compensation program in place, or not consult a work injury attorney as soon as possible. We may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish — even if it means going to court. If you’ve been injured at work, contact our San Antonio personal injury law firm today. We’d love to hear from you and talk about your options.