Workplace injuries can happen at any time, especially in high-risk occupations. Unfortunately, many employees will still go to work, not report the incident, or refuse to seek medical attention for their injuries. This is a mistake, especially if their injuries are more severe than they appear.
What Constitutes a Workplace Injury?
A workplace injury occurs when an employee is hurt while on the job. This could result from a person’s own negligence or a lack of workplace safety procedures. Even minor cuts or bruises count as workplace injuries and should be reported in the event of infection or internal bleeding.
In scenarios where a worker requires medical attention or takes time off of work due to their injuries, they may need to consult a workplace injury lawyer. For example, Wieand law firm in Philadelphia can see that you’re compensated for employer negligence or layoffs due to injury.
Common Mistakes Employees Make After a Workplace Injury
After experiencing a workplace injury, you must follow the appropriate steps outlined by the United States Department of Labor. Otherwise, you may not be able to sue for damages.
1. Not Reporting the Incident
Whether the employee feels the injury isn’t serious enough to report or they feel pressured by their employers to “only report serious offenses,” failing to report is a big mistake. In order to receive benefits or start a lawsuit claim, you need to report the incident to your employer.
You’ll have 48 hours to submit a formal injury report. Make sure you only state the facts of the incident and get a copy of the written report to ensure you have a written record of the injury.
2. Not Seeking Medical Attention
As soon as you’re injured, you’re expected to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Depending on the incident, you may need to leave work or call an ambulance. Failing to do so can hurt your injury claim and may make it impossible for you to receive disability benefits.
When going to the doctor, make sure you disclose any previous injuries. If you lie on your medical report, it could destroy your credibility and hurt your chances of getting compensated.
3. Not Going Back to Work When Able
If you don’t go back to work when the doctor says you’re able, you could lose any benefits you’re entitled to. If you don’t feel ready to return to work, even if you are on restricted duty, tell your doctor right away. It’s a bad idea to push yourself just because your doctor says it’s fine.
Sometimes an employee may not want to return to work because their employers won’t honor the restricted duty arrangement. If that’s the case, report this infraction immediately.
4. Not Staying Quiet About the Incident
Oversharing on social media is always a mistake, especially when you plan to sue your company. Anything you post on social media can be used to scrutinize your injury claim, even if you increase the privacy settings on your profile. The courts can still access everything.
Even if you don’t think your comments will affect your lawsuit, it’s better to stay quiet. It’s possible that the courts will take you, your comments, and pictures out of context.
5. Not Speaking to an Injury Lawyer
Navigating a workplace injury claim can be difficult, and you should never do it alone. An attorney can make sure that you have all the evidence you need to support your claims before going to court. Your lawyer can also prevent you from saying or doing the wrong thing. If you are looking for work injury attorneys in Los Angeles, then visit https://www.greenbergrubylaw.com/los-angeles-work-injury-lawyer
For example, there are a few limitations when it comes to making a claim that their clients should be aware of. An experienced lawyer can walk you through the process to reduce errors.
