No matter what industry you work in, it is your employer’s responsibility to make sure that you can carry out your duties in a safe environment, but accidents can and do happen.
All jobs can contain some sort of risk element from something as simple as a slip, trip or fall right through to being hit by a falling object, cuts and sprains, vehicle crashes, reactions to hazardous chemicals and exposure to loud noise.
What should you do after an injury at work?
If you suffer an injury while carrying out your work duties, there are certain steps you should take. These not only safeguard your health but also pave the way for a successful compensation claim.
Focus on your wellbeing
In the immediate aftermath of the accident make sure you receive the appropriate medical attention from the designated first aider. Your employer must have a first-aid kit on-site. This person should provide you with medical attention or call an ambulance if your injuries are serious. Your wellbeing is the priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is recommended that you visit your GP. Seeing a doctor will also provide a link between your work accident and your injury.
Report your accident
If you were working alone at the time of your accident at work, ensure your colleagues are made aware of the incident. If the company or organisation you reported your accident to has more than 10 employees, they must record it in an accident book. It is a good idea to make sure it has been recorded so there is ‘bulletproof evidence’ that the accident did take place incase you need this information to make a claim.
Report the accident to the manager and ask to record details such as:
- The date and location of the accident
- The circumstances surrounding the accident and how it happened
- The names of anyone else involved in the accident
- The names of anyone who witnessed the accident
- The injuries you sustained
If there is not an accident book, write down details of the accident and send it to your manager or the person you report to. Take any photos or videos at the scene and remember: you can never have enough evidence. Keep a copy for yourself.
Record your financial losses
If your work injury causes you to incur any kind of financial loss or expense, be sure to record these losses and keep any receipts.
The purpose of compensation in an accident at work claim is to put you back in the position you would have been in if the accident hadn’t happened. If you make a successful work accident claim, you can recover your past financial losses. Payslips will show how your earnings have been affected.
In addition, you can claim for the loss of enjoyment of a prearranged holiday; for care and assistance from friends or family; for increased heating bills; and all trips to the hospital etc. Receipts for medical equipment, treatment, or medication can also be given to your solicitor, allowing you to recoup your losses.
Speak to a P I solicitor
Speaking to a professional gives you the chance to speak about your options. A lawyer can say whether you have grounds to make a work accident claim if you want to. You do not have to pursue a compensation claim, even if you have an excellent prospect of success –the choice is entirely yours.
If you have been injured in an accident at work, McPartland & Sons team of specialist personal injury solicitors can help you.
Contact us for a free consultation with no pressure or obligation on you to proceed further.
Related blog: What To Do If You’ve Had a Workplace Accident