What To Do After A Work Accident

Whether you are injured today, tomorrow, or sometime in the future at work you must know what steps you need to take in case this happens and how to make sure that your injury will be covered under your company’s worker’s compensation coverage. In case you don’t know what worker’s compensation is, it’s a type of insurance coverage purchased by your employer that provides benefits to job-related employee injuries. It’s important to remember that under Florida law it’s required for most employers to purchase a worker’s compensation policy for coverage.

STEP 1: ASSESS THE INJURY
If you’ve had an accident at work, the first thing you should do is assess the type and severity of your injury and ask for a first-aid employee for help. During this time, you need to notify your employer of the accident and begin the process of filing an accident report.

STEP 2: FILE AN ACCIDENT REPORT
Filing an accident report with your employer as soon as it happens gives you the opportunity to be precise about your injury since it’s so fresh. Write down anything you remember from time and date, to what you were doing prior to the accident and how you are feeling. Take photos and videos of the area of the accident and of your injury for evidence.

It doesn’t matter if the injury is minor at first, sometimes even a small injury can turn into a major injury if not treated correctly. This is one reason why you need to see a medical practitioner.

STEP 3: SEE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER
You should go see a doctor as soon as possible after having an accident at work. Ask your employer if they have a preferred doctor you could go to and have your injuries assessed. After a doctor has seen you and assessed your injuries, make sure to get a copy of your injury report to go with your accident report.

STEP 4: FILE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM
If your injury is preventing you from continuing to work you need to file a worker’s compensation claim with your employer. Make sure your employer files it and gives you a copy of your filed claim.

STEP 5: SEE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYER
If you see that you are not receiving worker’s compensation from your employer, seek advice from a Workers’ Compensation attorney. They are your best option for handling these types of cases.