When you go to work, all you want is to do your job effectively and then get back home safely. Unfortunately, hazards are common in the workplace, often leading to accidents that cause injuries to employees. Going through such an experience can be distressing and confusing because, besides the pain that your injuries cause, you may also face additional worries, like how your income and life will be affected. It’s understandable to feel this way, but know that there are a few steps which you can take after suffering an accident at work that will help you get through the process.
Get medical attention as soon as possible
Undoubtedly, this is the most important thing to do after getting injured in a workplace accident. Normally, you would get treated by the first-aider of the workplace right away, and if this doesn’t happen, it may be a failure on the employer’s part – after all, every workplace has the obligation to have a first aid kit and designated first aider. It’s crucial to get a full assessment of your injuries by a medical expert as soon as possible. While some injuries may seem insignificant initially, they could become more severe in time; for instance, it can take hours, even weeks, for head injuries to fully appear. And, in the worst-case scenario, even a minor injury can worsen and become a lifelong condition unless properly treated. The golden rule is always to prioritize your health and wellbeing after an accident and leave the rest for later.
Report the accident to your manager
It’s imperative to tell your manager that the accident happened, following the reporting procedures in place within the organization. Suppose the accident you suffered was serious; in this case, the employer has the legal obligation to report the accident to the Health and Safety Executive based on the specific circumstances and the time you need for recovery). If you don’t report the accident on time and appropriately, you could be in breach of the procedures, depending on your organization. At this point, it’s best to avoid the question of who is responsible for the accident – you could blame yourself (or your manager could do it); however, this still doesn’t mean that your employer doesn’t need to be held liable for it. After all, as Public Interest Lawyers state, it’s their duty to ensure that the workplace is safe for all employees. The reason why you should avoid this aspect is that it’s best to get it assessed by a legal professional who knows how to evaluate liability for workplace accidents.
Make sure the incident is recorded in the accident book
All companies should have an accident book, but sometimes, employers may hesitate to record an incident because of performance targets to lower workplace injuries. However, you should make sure this doesn’t happen – while your company may state that there have been many days without any accident occurring, you shouldn’t let this prevent you from reporting the accident you’ve suffered. This is an important duty that will ensure similar injuries will be avoided in the future. If your employer refuses to get it recorded, consider writing to them, as they won’t be able to delete one of the emails you sent, especially if you use your personal account. This way, you will be able to resign and claim constructive dismissal; just keep in mind to get the help of a legal expert specialized in employment before you take such big action.
Collect evidence by taking videos and photos related to the accident
An accident at work can come with intense feelings, and gathering evidence may not cross your mind at that time. However, doing so could be very helpful down the line if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim. Photos and videos of the accident area can be compelling evidence, helping support your claim or defend yourself from any accusations your employer could make. So, act like a crime scene investigator, and remember there’s no such thing as having too much evidence. If you have doubts about whether something accounts for evidence, record it – after all, no solicitor will ever criticize you for taking too many pictures or videos of the workplace location where the accident happened. It’s really the wisest thing to do in such a situation!
Record your symptoms in a diary
We cannot overstate the importance of keeping a record of your symptoms, whether on a computer, a paper, or your mobile phone. Medical experts don’t always write down all the information related to your symptoms (more often than not, they only focus on what they consider serious). However, even minor injuries can become long-term, debilitating conditions, but if the doctor or nurse fails to record it, it will be hard to attribute the injury to a workplace accident later on. Moreover, it can take time until personal injury claims are resolved, particularly if the injuries are long-lasting and complex. Since memories fade in time, it’s best to keep a diary of symptoms to assist you in explaining to what extent the accident at work has impacted your life.
Remember you only have limited time to claim for your injuries
If you’ve been considering making a claim for the accident at work, keep in mind that you only have a specific time to do so. In general, it’s necessary to begin court proceedings or settle the claim within 3 years of the accident, and if you don’t do so in this particular timeframe, you may not be able to claim compensation at all. If you’re considering a claim, we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible so you can ensure that everything will work in your favour.
Seek the help of a legal professional
While many people hesitate to claim compensation against their employer because they are afraid of the repercussions, it’s important to remember that this action is critical to ensure such accidents won’t happen again and that the safety of other employees will be enhanced. However, you will need the guidance of a legal expert throughout the way, as the process can be very complex. Don’t go through it alone – make sure you have legal representatives by your side whom you can trust. This will help ensure the claim will be successful.
Conclusion
Experiencing an accident at work is distressing, but as you can see, there is a way to approach this situation adequately. Remember that the most important part of the process is getting the right legal advice – if you do, everything else will be easier.
