An accident in the workplace is traumatic enough without you having to worry about the aftermath or defending yourself to prove that the accident was not your fault. Any accident, large or small, can have a huge impact on you and your daily life, and may even have long-term consequences that are bigger than a simple knock of confidence.
If an accident does occur, it’s important to take the following steps.
Assess Where the Fault Lies
It’s essential to work out how and why the accident occurred in order to take the relevant next steps. If it is due to negligence on the side of your employer, or another worker within the workplace, then you should seek a full claim of compensation owed to you. An experienced criminal defence lawyer can help you in the circumstances of a claim.
If the accident occurred due to the fault of a property feature, such as machinery or a fault with the building structure, your employer is liable for this, as they should always complete the appropriate checks to ensure that a workplace is functional and safe.
Check Your Injuries
The main focus following an accident should be your own wellbeing. It isn’t a pleasant thought to know you might have to take time off work to take care of yourself, but all that matters in the first instance, is finding the appropriate care for yourself. You should always take extra care and pay attention to signs and symptoms which may arise even days after the incident.
Always get checked over by a medical professional, even if you feel fine, as certain forms of damage may not be visible. Any loss of earnings due to time off can be reclaimed through a compensation case.
Concentrate on Yourself
Nobody can tell you the right way to feel after an accident or injury, and nor can anyone tell you when the right time to return to work and your normal routine is. A lot of damage following a traumatic incident can be psychological, which means that even if you don’t have any physical injuries, you may not be in the right mental state to return to work.
It’s important to admit when you’re struggling and to seek support and guidance to help you get back on track so that you can return to work with confidence.
Keep Note of All-Important Details
The memory of traumatic incidents can often become hazy over time. That’s why it’s essential to write down all the individual elements of the accident as soon as you are able, while it’s still fresh in your memory. These notes will be vital in building any compensation case and ensuring that you receive the maximum amount owed to you.
This note-taking should also continue beyond the details of the accident, as you will also need to keep a record of any expenses accrued due to your injuries, such as medical bills or extra care needed.
