Depending on the type of job and the severity of the accident, experiencing a personal injury at work can devastate an employee. If you are no longer able to work as a result of the injury, the situation can quickly become serious.
On the other hand, being aware of your legal rights and taking immediate action can save you from significant debt and even bankruptcy while you are still recovering. Here you can learn about what to do after obtaining a personal injury at work and even save some time and effort in the process.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
This step should be obvious after experiencing any injury, regardless of the time and money spent in the hospital. Your health and safety always comes first and be addressed immediately after the injury.
Be sure to tell your doctor about everything that had happened in full detail as well as the kind of injuries you experienced. They will document these notes in your personal file that will later be used as evidence during litigation. However, it is best not to exaggerate or fake any pain because the defendant’s lawyer may use it against you in the future.
Even if you do not feel immediate pain, it is still essential to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as damaged tissue or head injuries will not reveal symptoms until weeks or months after occurring. But your doctor will be able to identify the damage, diagnose the issue, and provide you with the treatment you need to recover as quickly as possible.
2. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney 
After receiving the necessary treatment, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney. While not all situations may not present a valid personal injury claim, your lawyer will determine if you qualify for one after listening to the details of your situation during the first consultation.
3. Get Involved in the Investigation
After validating your personal injury claim, your attorney will then investigate the situation and establish a strong case to prove that your injury was caused as a result of another’s wrongdoing or negligence. Many attorneys work with doctors and other professionals to fully analyze the situation, how the accident had occurred, the severity of your injury, and who exactly is at fault.
But in order to build a strong case, participating in the investigation is essential because you are the victim who had experienced the situation firsthand. During this time, it is important to be open and honest so that your attorney is informed of all the details before presenting the case.
While the investigation can take longer than expected, it is essential to be cooperative and patient. Remember that your personal injury attorney is trying to get you as much compensation as possible, so it will be worth any inconveniences and patience during the investigation.
4. Review and Discuss the Compensation You Deserve
Depending on the medical expenses, job environment, and other needed services, you will be entitled to one or multiple forms of compensation to cover the costs of the injury. Based on their knowledge and experience, your personal injury attorney will inform you of the compensation for which you qualify. This can include one or more of the following:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Doctor visits
- At-home care
- Punitive damage
- Prescriptions
After discussing the kind of compensation you deserve, your attorney will inform you of exactly why it is required and will advise you on how to defend yourself when placed on the stand.
5. Do Not Discuss Your Case with Anyone Except Your Doctor or Attorney
Often times, personal injury victims make the mistake of disclosing the details of their case with those who are not working directly for their interest. For example, if your health insurance adjuster contacts you with questions about the injury, never tell them anything. Even if they are friendly and claim it’s not a big deal, they may do so to get the information they need to work against you if they are made a defendant in the legal process.
Also be careful to not discuss your case with your co-workers as they may also tell others when asked. Unfortunately, the situation can quickly turn cold and ugly when others face the risk of losing money.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys – Berry K. Tucker & Associates, Ltd.
When searching for a personal injury attorney, it is essential to find one that is experienced and committed to getting you the maximum compensation possible. Because you will be depending on them to prove the defendant’s negligence, they must be qualified and fully prepared when presenting your case.
The personal injury attorneys at Berry K. Tucker & Associates, Ltd. regard their clients’ cases very seriously. Not only do we have over 50 years of combined legal experience, we ensure that each client’s needs are fully accommodated as we investigate each case with attention to detail. When working with our attorneys, you can be sure that all of your questions will be answered as we guide you through the legal process to provide you with the compensation you deserve.
