(Guest post from a US attorney and legal blogger) A person may suffer an injury anywhere, at any time. Even at a workplace, an employee can suffer an injury. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when injured in the workplace, irrespective of the cause or nature of the injury.
No injury is too big or too small
Never make the mistake of dismissing an injury just because you think it’s not a big deal. Quite often, minor injuries that are overlooked can cause serious issues and complications in the future. The same is true for injuries that a person can suffer in the workplace. Even a doctor has the good sense to approach another doctor if they have suffered a workplace injury. What makes you more of an expert about injuries than doctors? Irrespective of how trivial you may think an injury is, do the right thing and don’t dismiss it.
Report the injury as soon as possible
Most companies have a policy that requires workers to report a workplace injury as soon as possible. Even if you missed the fine print on the contract or the employee orientation package, the company’s human resources department must have mentioned it quite a few times during safety drills and training. Any delay in reporting workplace injuries may be held against you and can even absolve the company of any wrongdoing, if it was indeed their mistake.
Keep things civil in the workplace
As soon as you report a workplace injury, you may find that your company will move quickly in order to minimize liability and ensure that their employee is taken care of. Most of the times, everything goes over smoothly. However, we do not live in a perfect world and it is only natural that tensions may arise between an employer and the injured employee. In such a situation, it is best to carry on amicably in the workplace by behaving in a civil manner. If both parties keep a cool head on their shoulders, the any issues stemming from workplace injuries can usually be resolved with minimal fuss.
Get in touch with a worker’s compensation attorney
Contrary to popular belief, worker’s compensation lawyers are not there to take advantage of other people’s misfortunes. A worker’s compensation attorney usually works to ensure that your rights are not violated and that the company does not advantage of your trust in them. If there are no issues, the lawyers are very helpful in handing out sound legal advice regarding choices you will need to make. There is usually a system in place to ensure worker’s compensation for those injured in the workplace; the job of the lawyers is to make sure no one tries to exploit any loopholes in that system.
Work with employers to improve workplace safety
Whenever an employee is injured in the workplace, it usually rattles the employers a bit. As a precaution, companies often undertake workplace safety drives that aim to improve overall employee safety. As a victim of workplace injuries, you will be consulted and your feedback will be relied upon for making any changes. Take the opportunity to work with the employer and make the workplace better and safer for all your fellow co-workers.
Keep these 5 helpful tips in mind if you ever suffer an injury in the workplace and you should be able to get through this troubled time without facing any hurdles.
Veronica Belmont is the author of this post and works as an attorney helping workers claim disability benefits and assists them at each stage of the legal process.
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