Falls are taking America by storm. Falls were the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in 2020, accounting for nearly seven million injuries that year alone.
A slip and fall accident can occur at any moment when you are at work. Yet you don’t have to suffer in silence. You can spring into action and file a lawsuit for your workplace accident.
What should you do as soon as you slip and fall at work? Should you talk to your boss or workers’ compensation insurer after your accident? How can you build a case based on your workplace accident?
Answer these questions and you can get the help you deserve after a slip and fall. Here is your quick guide.
Get Medical Assistance
A fall may seem minor, but bumping your head on the ground can lead to a traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding. Falling on your wrist can damage soft tissues, making it harder to work or hold objects.
Get help from an on-site doctor immediately. Do not move as you risk damaging your vertebrae or the soft tissues in your neck. If you need to go to the hospital, go to the emergency room.
Keep track of your symptoms, including any signs of psychological issues like anxiety. You can claim compensation if your mental health gets worse after your accident.
Report What Happened to Your Boss
Even if you think your boss is aware of what happened, you should file a formal report with them. This lets them take measures to prevent another accident from occurring. It also creates a record of what occurred that you can use as part of your compensation claim.
Do not blame your boss for what happened. Keep your report to your testimonial details and discuss your injuries.
Do not contact the workers’ compensation insurance company. You risk saying something that can lead to your claim being denied or reduced. If an adjuster contacts you, ask a slip and fall lawyer to speak to them.
Gather Documents
The report you make about your accident is just one document you can use in your claim. You should also keep your medical paperwork, including documents related to any recurring treatments you are receiving.
Get photographs or surveillance footage about the accident. If you tripped over an object, you should get a picture of what the object looked like.
You should also collect witness statements from people who saw the accident and treated you. Let your slip and fall attorney interview these people, as many lawyers have experience talking to accident witnesses.
Recover From a Slip and Fall Accident
Once a slip and fall accident occurs, you should get moving with your case. Get medical help, even if you think your injuries are minor. Consider going to an emergency room for a full medical evaluation.
When you’re in the hospital, file a report to your supervisor, but do not talk to your insurance company. Hire a lawyer and hand over medical documents about your injuries and proof of the accident itself.
Find a lawyer in your area with expertise in slip and fall accidents. Collins Law LLC serves Birmingham workers. Contact us today.