A slip and fall at work are more common than you might think. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 240,000+ cases of nonfatal slips and falls in the workplace. There were also 741 fatal slips and falls.
There may be many reasons why you slipped and fell. Wet floors from foreign substances or even rainwater, uneven surfaces, and a lack of lighting are a few reasons why you might have slipped and fallen.
Just because you injured yourself doesn’t mean that you are at fault. It is your employer’s job to create a safe working environment. If you slip and fall, they have failed at providing some measure of safety.
Injuries in the workplace mean that the person injured is entitled to some form of compensation. Here are three steps to take after a slip and fall injury.
1. Alert Your Employer and Get Medical Attention
Once your injury happens, you must let your employer know immediately. Your employer will need to begin filing an incident report.
Seek medical attention regardless if your injury is minor or serious. If your injury is serious, seek medical attention immediately. Do not hesitate.
2. Keep Your Evidence Close
Any documents, x-rays, or other paperwork from your medical visit is necessary to file a claim. Without these documents, your employer will not have any liability to cover your medical costs.
You can also take photos of the incident site to document what you slipped on. Do this as soon as you can after you’re injured to avoid a legal battle between you and your employer.
Make sure you also keep in contact with witnesses who may have seen you slip and fall.
3. Contact an Attorney
After all, is said and done, you need to contact an attorney to help you continue in the process to receive workers’ compensation. If your employer is who is at fault, then you can legally file for workers’ compensation.
Sometimes called workers’ comp, the burden falls on your employer to cover your medical expenses due to your injury. This can also go for out-of-pocket expenses, like if you need to buy a boot or cast for a broken limb.
Make sure you consult with a lawyer about your entitled workers’ compensation for your workplace injury before you speak to your employer. Your attorney will be able to help you arrive at an appropriate settlement.
A Slip and Fall is Serious
It’s important to take slips and falls as a serious injury. A slip and fall in the workplace should not mean that your employer does not compensate. They must arrive at a fair workers’ comp settlement for you.
After your slip and fall occur, first alert your employer immediately and seek appropriate medical attention. Second, make sure you keep any evidence of your injury. Finally, contact an attorney to help you continue through the workers’ comp process.
Check out the rest of our blog for more information on how to work through legal issues like slips and falls in the workplace.