So You Got Hurt On The Job – What Now?

What you do immediately after getting hurt on the job is very important:

1. Immediately stop working. Continuing to work can only make your injury worse and could result in long-term damage. Plus, if your employer is liable for the accident, they may try to downplay the severity of your injuries to avoid responsibility.

2. Immediately report the accident to your supervisor or person reasonable for safety. This will allow them to take appropriate measures to mitigate the situation and ensure proper protocols are followed. Once the incident has been reported, it is crucial to assess the extent of the damage and take steps to ensure that the area is safe. This may involve calling for medical help, evacuating the area, or setting up warning signs. By taking quick and decisive action, you can help to prevent further accidents from occurring.

3. Ask to fill out and sign an “accident report.” After you have been in an accident, the last thing you want to do is deal with paperwork. However, taking the time to fill out an accident report is essential. This document will memorialize the details of your accident, which will be important if you need to take your case to court. Be sure to include all the relevant information, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as a description of what happened. If there were any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. Once you have completed the report, sign and date it. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that you have all the information you need if you need to take legal action.

Request medical treatment right away. Even if it is just a trip to urgent care or the ER, go see a doctor and get checked out.

1. The medical records that come from this first doctor’s visit can also later be used in court to help your case if need be. This is why seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is so important. Not only will this help to ensure that you receive the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries that can later be used as evidence in court. If you wait too long to see a doctor, it may be more challenging to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. So if you have been involved in an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records could end up being the key to winning your case.

2. If appropriate, take pictures of the scene of the accident, the car you were riding in, or the equipment you were operating when you were injured. These photos can help to document what happened and give your lawyer a better idea of the damages you’re dealing with. If you have any visible bruises, cuts, or scrapes, take a photo of those as well. These steps will give you the best chance of winning your case.

3. If appropriate, get the names and phone numbers of all witnesses to your accident. Witness statements can be extremely helpful in court, as they can provide first-hand accounts of what occurred. In addition, witnesses can help to corroborate other evidence, such as photos or video footage. However, speaking to witnesses as soon as possible after an accident is essential, as their memories may become less accurate over time. If you can get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, this will give you a valuable resource that you can use if you decide to take legal action.

4. Once you have completed these initial tasks, immediately contact the attorneys at Oxford Lehr, PLLC at (918) 884-6016 for a FREE consultation.