Industrial work comes with many hazards to your health. These are some of the most dangerous jobs out there. There is a significant risk of accidental injury or even death. Some risks are part of the job, while others are because of your employer’s negligence. Your employer’s wrongful actions could mean you are owed compensation for physical injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we take your case seriously. We represent injured workers with compassion and work diligently to secure the compensation they are owed. Following these steps after an industrial accident can best protect your health and legal rights.
What Should I Do After an Industrial Accident?
Industrial site injuries are some of the most painful and debilitating injuries you can suffer. Common catastrophic injuries that industrial workers suffer include the following:
- Broken bones
- Loss of limb or organ
- Severe burns
- Electrocution
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
After a severe injury, you should follow each of these steps to help protect your health and your rights to financial compensation:
1. Seek Medical Attention for You and Others
Your first priority should always be your health and that of your coworkers. Immediately seek medical attention for any injuries you or others suffer from an accident. Initiate emergency procedures, such as hitting an emergency shut-off or emergency alarm. Contact the appropriate authority within your workplace for minor injuries, or call 911 to seek emergency medical attention.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, have a doctor take a look. This not only protects your health but also documents what injuries you suffered. This can be invaluable evidence in your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim. Follow up on your medical care and follow your doctor’s advice. Failing to do so could let your employer argue you caused your injuries because you did not listen to the doctor’s advice.
2. Document Your Injury
Keep any information related to your industrial accident injury. This could include documents, photographs, reports, and more. To document your damages, you should try to do all of the following:
- Keep every medical record or medical bill related to your injury
- Take photographs of your injury
- Write down what happened as soon after the accident as possible
- Note who witnessed the accident or was part of the incident
- Record how many days you were out of work
- Keep any correspondence about the accident, including emails, letters, or other writings
3. Report the Injury to Your Employer
You must report your injuries to your employer as soon as possible following the accident. Many companies require that you notify your supervisor, human resources department, or other specific contact point after a workplace injury. Follow these requirements to ensure your rights are protected. Ensure you fill out the necessary reports or documentation your employer requires. Filing a report in time may decide when or how you are compensated for your injuries.
If you are unsure about who to report to, ask questions. Determine who you must report your injury to as soon as possible. This is a critical step in many workers’ compensation claims. Failure to report in time could mean you cannot seek compensation for your injuries. You can also speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you report your accident through the proper channels.
4. Collect Witness Information
Note who saw the accident happen. Collect their names, contact information, and a brief statement about what they saw as soon as you can.
This information can be invaluable to your attorney in a workers’ compensation or personal injury lawsuit. The evidence witnesses provide could mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful outcome in your lawsuit.
5. Be Careful About What You Say
Do not admit fault for the accident or your own injuries. Stay focused on the facts of what happened without claiming responsibility. Doing so could result in the loss of compensation when the accident was not really your fault. This is especially helpful in personal injury cases, where your own negligence could impact your compensation. In many cases, you may think you were responsible when it was actually your employer’s negligence that caused the accident.
In workers’ compensation cases, you are likely entitled to compensation even if you were at fault. Workers’ compensation uses a no-fault system to pay employees for injuries they incur on the job. However, not every employer participates in the workers’ compensation system, especially in Texas. You may not be aware whether your employer uses workers’ compensation or requires a personal injury lawsuit to win recovery.
Until you speak with an attorney, be very careful about what you say. Speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible so you can get advice about how to talk with your employer and still protect your rights to compensation.
6. Speak With an Industrial Accident Attorney Right Away
An industrial accident attorney has the skills and knowledge to protect your financial compensation rights. Industrial accident cases in Texas and Louisiana are subject to complex laws that can be difficult to navigate without the help of an attorney. You could accidentally rob yourself of the financial compensation you deserve by saying the wrong thing, missing filing deadlines, or failing to collect evidence. After a work accident, you deserve quality representation from attorneys with your best interests at heart.
Sadly, you cannot depend on your employer to protect your legal rights. They may try to deny liability and undercut your compensation. These obstacles can be challenging to overcome on your own, but you do not have to do it alone. You should contact an industrial injury lawyer if:
- You were hurt in an industrial accident
- You filed an industrial accident claim with your employer
- You were offered but did not yet accept a settlement offer
- You believe your claim was wrongfully denied
Speak With an Attorney After Your Industrial Accident
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we represent industrial accident victims throughout Louisiana and Texas. We understand the nuances of personal injury and workers’ compensation law. Our skilled attorneys can analyze your case and determine your best path forward. We have helped clients win millions in compensation for their injuries, and we can put that experience to work for you.
If you were injured in an industrial accident, contact us today to learn more about your case.
