Workplace Woes: What to Do When You Fall on-the-Job

When you work anywhere, it is important to know what to do before you are injured by a fall on a wet floor or from a ladder. Understand your employer’s guidelines concerning an injury while working so that you can receive compensation to pay for your medical bills and living expenses.

Carry a Smartphone

If your employer permits smartphones while you are working, then have emergency telephone numbers listed as contacts to make fast calls for assistance. In addition, if you take photographs after your fall while working, then it can help to prove your employer’s negligence.

Stay on the Floor or Ground

Call for help immediately after you fall at work rather than walking anywhere. Tell the paramedic who arrives that you are injured and unable to walk. Paramedics will place you on a stretcher to take you to a hospital’s emergency room right away.

Remember Who Witnessed Your Fall

It is important to remember who witnessed your fall so that you can verify that you were not negligent. These witnesses can testify that you were using the correct safety gear and garments to prevent a fall.

Don’t Sign Anything

Don’t sign any documents presented to you by your employer or other representatives. If you sign a document, then you might give up your right for workers’ compensation or other financial reimbursements.

Inform the Hospital Employees about Your Injury

Make it clear to the hospital’s employees that you were injured in a fall at work. Tell them that you don’t want your employer’s representatives in the examination room or your hospital room.

Collect Medical Documents and Other Information

Collect your medical documents and other information to build a case against an employer for workers’ compensation. If your employer has surveillance cameras, then you should obtain copies of the video that shows your accident.

Find an Attorney

Find an attorney like Oxner + Permar, LLC or someone who has worked on a workers compensation case before. Be sure to verify that the lawyer is not related to your employer so that you can receive fair treatment. Don’t talk about your workers’ compensation claim with anyone but your attorney.

Make sure to follow your physician’s recommendations concerning your injuries from a fall. Don’t return to your workplace until your injuries heal. Remain in contact with your attorney and government officials to ensure that you are eligible for your workers’ compensation claim.