
A Guide to Dealing with Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace
by Josh Biggs in Tips on 12th February 2020Did you know that you are entitled to compensation if you slipped, fell, and get injured in a workplace? Yes, workplace slip and fall accidents are classified as a personal injury sustained in duty. Thus you should be compensated under workers’ compensation. You can also sue for damages in case of negligence. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Here is a quick guide on how to handle slip and fall accident cases in the workplace.
What to do in the Event of a Slip & Fall Accident in the Workplace
Accidents in the workplace are quite common, and unfortunately, they are dangerous. They can lead to personal injury or worse even, death. Here are the steps you should take in case of a slip and fall accident in the workplace.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
The first step you should take is to notify your employer about the injury. It’s actually the first step in filing for workers’ compensation, and there is a deadline to do so. So, do it as soon as it happens even if you feel like the injury was something minor.
N.B: Some personal injuries might look minor but turn out to be long term, thus affecting your way of life in the future. The point is, don’t underestimate the injuries sustained in the slip and fall incident.
Seek Professional Medical Assistance
Seeking medical assistance prevents the progression of the injuries. For example, if the accident led to a ruptured vein, prompt medical services will prevent excessive blood loss that can compromise your health. Even if the pain is manageable, make a point of visiting the nearest medical facility for a check-up because some accidents cause internal bleeding or swelling. Make sure you have all the medical records as you undergo the treatment as this might come in handy in filing a claim.
Gather Details About Slip and Fall Accident
Again, documentation is critical as it will strengthen your compensation claim in case your employer disputes it or if you want to sue for damages caused by the accident. If you can handle it, you can try to get some evidence from the scene, such as the time and date, location, witnesses, and the cause of the accident. You may take pictures of the area for an easier analysis of the incident. Don’t exaggerate the details though as this may be used against you.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Fighting for compensation for slip and fall accidents in the workplace can be easier said than done, especially if it was born out of negligence. A Slip & fall personal injury lawyer will help you to make tough decisions such as filing for a lawsuit and seeking professional services for the valuation of the damages equivalent to the injuries caused. An attorney will also preside over the legal process that is also not easy, not forgetting fighting for your compensation.
Suing the building owner or the employer might look right, but your safety and life are on the line, and you have every reason to push for a legal settlement.
Final remarks:
A slip and fall accident in the workplace can affect your life, that’s why you deserve compensation. If you are struggling to get compensated, then don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from a personal injury attorney who will help push for what you deserve.