Some professions, by nature, are simply more dangerous than others. For example, a construction worker who handles heavy machinery is at greater risk of injury than a person who works behind a desk all day. If your job involves exposure to chemicals, operating industrial machines, working with electrical wiring, transporting heavy materials, or working on ladders or scaffolds, you have an increased risk of a work-related injury. Many jobs pose a risk of injury, and it’s important to recognize the key steps to take if you are hurt at work.
Steps to Take After an Injury
An injury at the workplace typically happens suddenly, without a lot of time to react. This can seem overwhelming, and your safety is the top priority. Key steps to protect yourself and your legal rights include:
- Seek medical attention. This should be your first priority if you are injured. Even if you believe that your injury is minor, it is still important to see a doctor. Certain injuries take days or even weeks to present symptoms and immediate medical attention may prevent more serious complications from developing.
- Report the incident to a supervisor or your human resources department.
- Gather evidence. take pictures of the accident site, ask witnesses for statements, and write down your own account of what happened. It can be easy to forget certain details of your accident, so documenting everything right after the accident can be helpful.
- Organize your documentation. Keep all of your medical records, receipts, and bills organized and easy to present. This will help establish the level of care required to treat your injury.
- Reach out to an experienced workplace injury attorney to discuss the details of your case and determine your best course of action.
How Talking to a Lawyer Helps
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated, and many people who are injured on the job rely on these benefits to stay afloat. By speaking with an attorney who understands the Connecticut workers’ compensation system and has experience handling these types of claims, you can be sure that your claim will be filed on time with all of the proper documentation. Your attorney can handle any issues that arise on your behalf.
Call a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
When you have been injured at work, professional life and personal life are suddenly intertwined. It can be difficult to know who to reach out to for support and it can be uncomfortable to start a claim against your employer. The lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau have been serving Connecticut for over 30 years. We have extensive experience protecting the rights of workers who have suffered injuries on the job. We can help manage the entire process of your workers’ compensation claim so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at 860-875-7000 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
