Every year, more than four million people seek medical attention across the United States as a result of injuries sustained in the workplace, according to the National Safety Council. While many of these injuries are relatively minor, some can result in serious long-term harm that can follow you for the rest of your life. If that happens to you, make sure to follow these steps, which can maximize your chances at a favorable outcome in any litigation that may ensue:
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See a doctor as soon as possible
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Your first priority after any major accident should be to see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is this essential for ensuring you get treatment for your injuries, it also helps create medical records that can be used to help prove your case, as well as prove the extent of the damage you suffered.
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Notify your employer (in writing, if possible)
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If you have been in an accident, you are generally supposed to inform your employer as soon as possible, typically through written notice to your manager. Ideally, you should make your report in writing, and save a copy for your own records, as this is a basic first step in any legal process that may follow.
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Record photo or video evidence of the accident
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While you may not necessarily have a picture or video of the accident happening, you should try to record the aftermath, if possible. Photographs and video (which can be recorded with your cell phone) help to give a visual record of what occurred, which can make it easier to prove your claim.
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Keep track of all records and documents
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When you begin the process of filing a claim for your workplace accident, you will start being inundated with letters, paperwork, and records of all kinds. Make sure to keep these somewhere safe, as any of them may be important later on.
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Keep a diary of your daily events
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It may seem trite, but keeping a diary after your accident can be critical for your case. Keep track of your injury, your recovery, and anything that happens to you as it happens. Do that, and you can help your case by establishing a timeline of events, which can help you later on.
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Be careful about what you tell others about your accident
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It can be tempting to talk publicly about the harm you have suffered, and especially to speak about it on social media. However, you should avoid doing this if possible, as any statements you make publicly could be used against you in court.
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Hire a lawyer
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Managing the legal issues that arise out of a workplace accident can be extremely difficult, especially if you have suffered a severe injury. That is why you should contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling workplace accident claims, who can help you devise a legal strategy and pursue a plan that works best for your needs.
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