Slip and Fall at Work? Advice From Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, and the injuries suffered can be serious. If you experience a slip and fall at work, you may have a case. Often, slip and fall victims want to brush off the pain and get back to work right away to make up for lost time or to be seen as a ‘good employee.’ However, property owners are responsible for making sure their spaces are safe for workers and they can be held accountable for your injury in certain situations.
Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible can be beneficial as you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Other legal action may also be possible. Read on to find out what you should do if you experience a slip and fall at work, and find out what a workers’ compensation lawyer can do to help. When you’re ready to speak with an attorney, contact Avera and Smith, Gainesville’s expert slip and fall lawyers. We’re here for you.
Experience a Slip and Fall At Work?
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall at work, you may be entitled to compensation. There are several things you should do following your fall.
Notify Your Employer
As immediately as possible, notify your employer of your slip and fall. It is their responsibility to maintain a safe working environment, and they should want you to file an incident report (be sure to get copies of any reports created) and get checked out by a medical professional. Do not let your employer brush off the incident and send you back to work. If this happens and you don’t feel like you should immediately return to work, document what was said, and contact an attorney.
You will also want to gather any information from witnesses who saw your slip and fall. Write down their names and contact information, if not already known. It can be used later if you need anyone to give a report about the incident.
Seek Medical Help
If you’ve been seriously injured, seek medical help as soon as possible. Get an X-ray or scan to identify any underlying medical needs brought about by your fall. Keep in mind that pain symptoms may be delayed; even if you don’t feel pain at first, you may experience it later when you are more relaxed. Your medical care providers will likely need to be approved or even arranged for by your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier; this is another reason to notify your employer immediately following your injury.
Be sure to retain copies of any medical records, X-rays, and other documentation of your medical care.
Take Photos of the Scene
If you are able to do so immediately following your fall, take photos of the location where the fall occurred, whether inside or outside. Is the carpet torn? Is the floor wet? Photograph everything and document what you see. If you are unable to take photos of the fall location due to the severity of your injury or damage to personal items, ask a trusted friend or colleague to document the scene with you. Be sure to get the photographs as soon as possible.
Additionally, take photos of any visible injuries to your body, such as cuts or bruises. Write down if you feel any pain that is not visible.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
After you seek medical care, contact a personal injury attorney. They will review the details of your case and work with you to pursue legal action if warranted.
What to Expect From a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer after a slip and fall at work will greatly help should you decide to pursue legal action. When you contact a lawyer, knowing what to expect will help you know if you’ve got the right team on your side.
Review Your Case
A workers’ compensation lawyer will review your case, including notes and photographs of evidence, your medical documents, employer reports, and more. They will help you determine if you have a case and if you should, or could, move forward to seek compensation or other legal benefits.
Independent Investigation
If you have a case and want to move forward, your lawyer will conduct an independent investigation into your slip and fall. They will need to prove your employer, or property owner was negligent in order to win your case. During the investigation, your lawyer will document any injuries you received, any damage to personal items, and any other damages suffered such as time and compensation from missed work, medical bills, and mental health damages. Before entering into any negotiations, your lawyer should have a complete picture of the total damages received, including workers’ compensation and any other money or services to which you are entitled.
Negotiate for Your Case
Your workers’ compensation lawyer will support you every step of the way and negotiate on your behalf with your employer and the insurance companies. Often, insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible, but your lawyer will demand what you deserve.
If you are the victim of a slip and fall at work, contact the expert workers’ compensation lawyers at Avera & Smith in Gainesville, Florida. We’ll listen closely to your case and provide the legal support you need from start to finish. We’re here for you.