Employers must adhere to strict health and safety regulations in order to prevent people being injured at work. Unfortunately, many companies don’t enforce appropriate safety guidelines, which results in people suffering harm unnecessarily. In addition to this, there are times when even the most safety-conscious employers are unable to predict or prevent an accident occurring.

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If you’ve been hurt at work, you might be wondering whether a personal injury lawyer could help you to obtain compensation. Before you make a claim against your employer or seek workers’ compensation, however, there are some steps you’ll need to follow, including:

1. Inform Your Employer

When you sustain an injury at work, it’s important to notify your supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Your contract or employee handbook may state that the incident needs to be recorded in writing, for example, so be sure to identify any formal steps you need to take. Notifying your employer ensures that they are aware of the situation, but it also enables them to take steps to improve workplace safety and reduce the danger to other employees.

2. Seek Medical Help

Depending on the nature of your injuries, you might require urgent medical attention or even life-saving interventions. If so, paramedics and EMTs should be called to the scene. If your injuries are less severe, you may be able to make your own way to the Emergency Room.

Remember – adrenaline and shock can mask pain and discomfort, so don’t assume you haven’t been badly hurt simply because you’re not in agony. By obtaining medical help, you can ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and fully treated. Not only will this protect your health, but it will also assist with your claim at a later date.

3. Get Legal Advice

Employees are typically eligible to claim workers’ compensation if they’re hurt while undertaking their job but there are times when it’s more appropriate to make a claim against your employer directly. If a company has been negligent and their conduct has caused your injuries, for example, you could obtain more compensation by making a claim against them.

To determine which type of claim you should make and to increase the likelihood of your claim succeeding, it’s vital to get advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. With their expertise, you can establish liability, gather evidence to support your claim and obtain compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

4. Take Time to Recover

Instead of trying to rush back to work or continuing with your day-to-day activities, follow your doctor’s advice and take an appropriate amount of time to recover. If you require surgery or intensive treatment, for example, it could take months to fully heal. However, rushing the process could lead to unnecessary setbacks and complications.

Are You Owed Compensation?

If you’ve been hurt at work, it’s likely that you’ll be entitled to compensation. By discussing the situation with a personal injury lawyer, you can get your claim started and even negotiate a fair settlement without needing to go to court.