Accidents can occur anywhere—at home, at the mall, or even at work. And surprisingly, it’s not just dangerous construction jobs that place workers at risk. According to the CDC, office workers are 2 to 2 1/2 times more likely to suffer from slip and fall accidents. These falls can occur while:
- Walking on wet floors
- Reaching for something in an unstable chair
- Tripping over cords
- Using a chair as a ladder
- Walking in a room with poor lighting or visibility
Job accidents can happen in the most unlikely scenarios, which can make them difficult to avoid. If you find yourself injured on the job, there are key steps to take immediately after.
1. Get to the Doctor
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. It’s hard to tell the extent of an injury otherwise. For example, head trauma can go unnoticed for days after hitting your head against a blunt object. To be on the safe side, it’s best to get checked by a physician. This way, you can document how serious the injury is.
2. File a Report
After getting medical attention, it’s time to file a claim with your employer. It’s the obligation of your employer to file a claim form if you ask them to. You can ask your employer for the proper form.
Afterward, their workers’ compensation insurance company will receive notification of the incident. The medical report you receive from the doctor you went to will come in handy when it’s time to show evidence.
3. Get Legal Counsel
Whether you can afford a lawyer or not, it’s always a good idea to get advice from an attorney. The good thing about job accidents is that most lawyers will work for you at no upfront cost because they’re paid once they win the case for you. Make sure to inquire about the percentage or fee they will charge once you’re awarded benefits.
Once you hire a lawyer, you will have the guidance you need to file the correct documents. Plus, your chances of winning your case is increased when you have a lawyer on your team.
4. Continue Getting Medical Treatment
If your injury is serious, make sure to continue seeing your physician as scheduled. This will provide additional documentation of the progression of your injury and the extent of the medical attention it requires. The severity of your injuries will determine whether you can go back to work or not. If not, then you’ll need compensation quickly to maintain your living expenses.
5. Hire a Lawyer Experienced in Job Accidents
If you live in Milwaukee and had an accident on the job, then it’s time to contact a personal injury attorney. At Domnitz & Domnitz, we specialize in personal injury law. We have decades of experience in this field and don’t get paid until you do. Our attorneys will work hard to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today for a free consultation.