You’ve heard a lot about the complicated legal issues around getting hurt at work, but you’re not sure what counts as a workplace injury. Here are the answers to your top questions about workplace accidents.
What Counts as a Workplace Accident?
A workplace accident occurs when something happens suddenly or without warning that leads to an injury. For example, if you work in a warehouse and a storage rack falls, dropping heavy goods on your head, this event qualifies as a workplace accident. On the other hand, if you work in a facility where you’re supposed to wear a hard hat at all times and you get hurt while not wearing one, this is not a workplace accident. In complicated situations, explain your scenario to an Iowa workers compensation attorney for clarification.
What Actions Do You Take After a Workplace Accident?
First, ensure that you’re not experiencing any life-threatening conditions. You should see a doctor immediately if you lose consciousness, have problems with your vision, or can’t breathe. Have a medical expert check you for a concussion and continue to monitor yourself for symptoms such as nausea, spinal pain, and numbness in the next few days.
Once you’ve taken care of these health issues, tell your supervisor what happened and detail the event in an accident report. Then, your employer takes this information and fills out a workers’ compensation claim, if necessary. Don’t delay any of these steps; you must fill out an accident report quickly or you risk losing your right to benefits. If you’re approved for workers’ compensation, keep in mind that you can’t sue your employer over the incident.
Getting hurt at work is a stressful event, and all you want to do is go home and forget about your injury. To ensure that you’re treated fairly, though, you must take these steps right away.
