Handling an Accident at Work

Handling an Accident at Work

Are you worried about a workplace injury near San Jose? An accident attorney can help you deal with the aftermath of an accident at work. If such an accident happens, it’s a good idea to be prepared with a plan for how to handle it. Read on for more information about handling an accident in the workplace.

Step 1: Report the Accident

Notify your employer of the accident and record it in the company’s Accident Book. Don’t forget to keep a copy of the entry, and make sure it’s painstakingly accurate. Next, contact your workers’ compensation attorney and explain the accident to him or her.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Keep any documents that may prove to be useful in your case. Examples include memos, receipts, e-mails, tickets, and wage slips—with a note of the pay you receive from your employer while you’re off work. In addition, if any vehicles were part of your accident, such as forklifts or trucks, keep the registration and serial number of the vehicles. Ask your workers’ compensation lawyer for advice on keeping these documents organized and safe.

Step 3: See Your Doctor

Immediately after the accident, visit your doctor—this will also provide a record of the accident. In addition, the doctor may be able to provide a medical report to be used in your case. If your workplace injury continues to give you trouble after your initial examination, be sure you visit your doctor again. Not only may he or she give you additional treatment, but this visit can also serve as a record that the injury has persisted.

Note that your employer or your employer’s insurance company may attempt to arrange your medical examination themselves. However, you should not agree to such an arrangement before consulting your lawyer. If your employer simply wants to assess your fitness to return to work, you should cooperate—however, it’s important that the examination should only focus on your ability to return to work.