(Newswire.net — January 25, 2018) — Despite the immense attention to health and safety, accidents can still happen at work. The best HSE measures can only do so much to create a safe work environment for everyone. In environments such as a factory floor or even a commercial office, many things could still go wrong and cause injuries.
If you are injured in an accident at work, the law gives you the right to file a compensation claim. The claim is meant to help cover expenses, medical bills, and other charges while you deal with the impacts of the injury. Before you file your claim, however, make sure you know the 5 common mistakes to avoid.
Not Notifying Your Employer
Unless you are in a medical emergency because of the workplace accident, the first party you have to notify is your employer. According to roperjames.co.uk, a leading Plymouth firm in claims arising from the workplace, it is important to let your superior and other people in charge of HSE or HR know about the accident and the injuries you suffer from because of it.
In the event of an emergency, seeking medical attention should be your first priority. In a case like this, you usually have a representative of the company helping you get the treatment you need for your injury.
Some companies even have a list of doctors and hospitals for such an occurrence. The goal of the list is so the company can provide immediate assistance in the event of an accident. You may need to see one of the doctors on the list to qualify for the workers compensation.
Delaying Getting Medical Assistance
Letting the employer know is a must, but that doesn’t mean you can delay seeking medical assistance either. As soon as you realize you are injured because of the accident, visit the nearest hospital or medical practice to seek help.
Ask the doctor to be thorough with the examination. Not all injuries are visible or apparent, and further examinations may reveal additional – often internal – injuries that require special treatments. It is always better to be safe than sorry in this type of situation.
It is also highly recommended to get follow-up examinations scheduled and performed, especially if the accident is severe enough to cause concerns. A follow-up examination is also necessary to see if the injuries you suffered are healing.
Not Filing for a Claim When You Need the Financial Assistance
In many cases, injured workers refuse to file a compensation claim for various reasons. They may think that they were the cause of the accident, so compensation is no longer available. Certain companies offer to take care of medical bills immediately in exchange for a signed waiver; this too is bad practice that needs to be avoided.
Keep in mind that that worker’s compensation claim is yours to make regardless of the circumstance. Before deciding not to file for compensation, speak to the best law firms to get a better understanding of your situation.
The top solicitors places like Plymouth has to offer are just a few clicks away. You can now search for great options using a specific personal injury solicitor Plymouth search tool or search tools designed for other areas. You get free case review too, so you can get several opinions of trained and experienced solicitors before making your decision.
Claiming Other Benefits and Not Workers Compensation
There have been many cases where claims for other benefits aren’t enough to cover medical bills and other expenses associated with your injuries. The workers compensation in this country offers the most comprehensive coverage; it is also the most expensive for employers, which is why many companies will try to convince you to use your health insurance or other benefits instead.
This is another reason why working with a local lawyer is a must. When you live and work in Plymouth, injury lawyer Plymouth firms are the ones that are most qualified to provide you with legal assistance. They know local regulations equally well, plus they have the experience of dealing with judges and the legal system in the area.
Ignoring Injuries Caused by Multiple Events
Top lawyers will also tell you that you must never ignore injuries that aren’t caused by a single event; this is another advantage of working with a local law firm with a lot of experience in accident cases and workers compensation claims. A series of events, including repetitive or cumulative trauma, are also legitimate causes of serious injuries.
You have the right to file for workers compensation claim in this condition too. Even better, you now know the common mistakes to avoid and can get the financial support and coverage you need to recover from the injuries. Make sure you have a capable and experienced solicitor assisting you every step of the way so that you can focus on your medical treatments.