While your goal is to never be injured at work, such accidents happen to many people each year.
That being the case, what will you do if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a serious injury on the job?
Your physical well-being should always be of the utmost importance. That said you can’t neglect the fallout from a serious workplace injury.
From the potential of not being able to work for the future to the financial fallout, things could get bad.
So, how could a workplace injury change your life going forward?
Taking Charge When Injured in the Workplace
If you end up with a serious workplace injury, keep these thoughts in mind:
- Physical help – Yes, your physical health is first. That said getting the right care at the right time is crucial. Keep in mind that being injured at work does not mean you will be diagnosed within minutes or hours. You could have a concussion or internal injuries that will not surface right away. Short of something minor, any injury at work should mean you get checked out. If you are able to transport yourself, go to the nearest urgent care or hospital. Be thorough in letting medical personnel know what happened to you at work. If you are not able to transport yourself there, have someone in the office do it. You may even be in a position where you need an ambulance to get the medical attention you need.
- Legal help – Getting your physical well-being checked is key. That said don’t forget legal aspects. Your employer has a responsibility to provide you with a safe workplace environment. As such, were they doing this? If not, the word needs to get out. Of most note would be getting in touch with the proper legal counsel. Whether workmans comp Montana or elsewhere, be sure your legal rights are there. In reporting a workplace injury to an attorney, make sure you have as much detail as possible. This includes how you were injured, what your employer did about it, along with any safety issues at your job. Your injuries could be anything from a slip and fall at work to a whiplash injury suffered in an accident in a company vehicle. By having as much information as possible, your legal pro can decide if you do in fact have a case to move forward with.
- Financial help – Finally, one of the biggest ways a work injury can change your life is in your finances. Stop for a moment to think about how you would pay your bills if you are unable to work for a significant period of time. Even if you were able to get some form of disability payments, would this be enough to suffice? If it is rather clear your employer is responsible for, you need to be sure they are held accountable. If they are not, your life could take quite a turn for the worse for years to come.
In dealing with a workplace injury and how it can alter your life, are you prepared for the consequences?
