Actions to Take for Workers Compensation Claims

Workers compensation claims may become more prevalent with colder weather setting in. People track in ice and snow, making floors slippery, and workers are therefore more prone to slip and fall accidents.

All employers must carry workers compensation insurance. Workers compensation can help you recover from an accident by paying your medical bills and lost wages.

What Should You Do If You Slip and Fall at Work?

Even though getting medical attention is always top priority, you can also take actions to help your workers compensation claim.

Sometimes employers or insurance companies fight workers compensation claims. They may state that the injury occurred under different circumstances or that your injury did not occur at work. Or they may allege that your injury is not that serious or find some other reason to argue that the claim is invalid. For this reason, it is wise to take the following actions in support of your claim.

Report the Accident to Your Employer

This is one of the most important things to do as soon as possible. Notifying your employer sets the wheels in motion for a workers comp claim.

Gather Evidence Related to Your Slip and Fall Accident

Accident conditions can change rapidly. For example, if a slippery floor caused the fall, someone may wipe up the floor right away so no one else falls. Today most people carry cell phones and they have cameras and videos that allow you to capture an accident hazard immediately. With the click of a button, you can snap a picture of the floor and surroundings that showed a lack of signage to warn about the condition. Document all the evidence you can, showing that your injury occurred on the job.

Write Down Witnesses’ Contact Information

Workers who saw you fall can testify as to what happened. Writing down the name and contact information of witnesses can help support your workers comp claim, if testimony becomes necessary.

Discuss Your Accident with a Workers Compensation Lawyer

When workers pursue claims without seeking legal representation, they often run into difficulties they would not otherwise face. This may be partly due to lack of experience with workers comp claims. However, it is also due to the fact that insurance companies want to diminish the amount of benefits paid or whenever possible, deny a claim. An attorney can help protect your rights. It costs nothing to arrange a consultation with a workers compensation lawyer to see whether you have a valid claim.