Getting injured on the job can be an extremely traumatic experience leaving the injured worker with a number of questions including what steps to take next to protect their rights and how their lives may be affected as a result of the workplace injury. At Greenberg & Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC, we strive to protect the rights of injured workers every step of the way. Here are nine steps we recommend you take in the event of a workplace injury.

We believe taking these crucial steps will help not just put you on the road to recovery, but also put you in the best possible position if you decide to seek compensation for injuries and losses sustained at work.

Prioritize Your Health

As soon as possible after the accident, you should receive medical attention. If you don't get first-aid at work, that could show a failure on your employer's part because every employer is required to be equipped to provide first-aid to injured workers on the job. If you have been injured on the job, you should get a complete evaluation of the injuries you have sustained by a qualified medical provider as soon as possible. If you have questions such as do I get paid for a work related injury, they can be addressed later by a qualified lawyer who can better help you.  It is important to first get prompt medical attention immediately because injuries can worsen without such care.

Report The Accident Promptly

It is also important that you inform your manager or supervisor about the accident. Be sure to follow your company's accident reporting procedures and protocols. When you report the accident, don't admit fault or assign blame. Just state the facts and get it on the record. Make sure you retain a copy of this report for your own records. Confirm that your employer officially records and reports your accident to the appropriate agencies. 

Tell Your Co-workers About The Accident

Be sure to inform your colleagues about your workplace accident. This could help avoid similar workplace injuries from happening to anyone else. It could help with any investigations or if you decide to file a claim. This step will make it more difficult for your employer or their insurance company to dispute that the accident occurred. Doing so can also help if your employer changes policies or repairs/replaces equipment after your accident. Some of these steps could be taken as a means to cover up your incident. In such cases, informing your trusted colleagues will help ensure that you have someone on your side to corroborate your account of the incident.

Obtain Photo and Video Evidence

Photos and videos of the accident location and of your injuries can be critical when it comes to proving your claim. This can be extremely compelling evidence. If you are injured and need to get to the emergency room or hospital, ask a trusted colleague, family member or friend to take photos and video of the accident scene. Your employer might make changes when you are gone, which means you may never be able to get such visual evidence if you let the opportunity slip.

Do Not Hesitate To Seek Medical Treatment and Care

Even if you've visited your doctor about your injuries, go to the hospital and see your doctor or other recommended specialists as often as you need. It is important to understand that if you sought medical care only once or twice, it might give the impression that you recovered shortly after the incident. 

The documentation of your medical condition may not reflect chronic pain or other injury effects you may have endured thereby giving an incorrect and incomplete picture of your injuries, damages and losses. Following your doctor's orders and getting the follow-up care and therapy you need will also help you make a speedier and more complete recovery.

Maintain a Journal of All Your Symptoms

It is absolutely important to maintain an up-to-date record of all your symptoms. Pick a method that works best for you. You may choose to write it down in a notebook or on your computer or cell phone. Medical professionals may not write down all details of your injury symptoms. And memories could fade as time goes by. Your detailed journal will help provide a much more accurate and complete picture, which will help you receive maximum compensation.

Record Your Expenses and Losses

The primary purpose of seeking compensation after a workplace accident is to help make you whole. You should be able to receive all of the damages and losses you sustained. So record your medical expenses, lost pay due to time you were unable to work, and other recoverable losses. When you file a third-party or personal injury claim, which is filed against a party other than your employer, you may be able to claim additional damages including lost future income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering and loss of consortium. It is crucial that you take care to record all your expenses and losses.

Your Time To File a Claim Is Limited

After a work injury you might be asking yourself, do I need a work injury lawyer? Under California law, workers have limited time to file a personal injury claim. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. However, there are notable exceptions. For example, when the claim is filed against a governmental entity, the injury claim must be filed within 180 days of the incident.  If you have been injured it is highly recommended that you schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Speak To An Experienced Los Angeles Work Injury Lawyer

It is imperative that you reach out to a Los Angeles work injury lawyer who specializes in workplace injuries and has successfully fought for workers' rights. At Greenberg & Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay us any fees unless we win compensation for you.

We understand the complexity of workplace injury cases. We have extensive experience representing the rights of severely injured workers. We are aware that workers' compensation alone is not sufficient to cover your losses, especially if you have been seriously or catastrophically injured. We will explore all avenues of compensation to make sure you receive maximum compensation for your losses. Call us at 323-782-0535 to find out how we can help you, or simply fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.