What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Neptune Township, New Jersey
A workplace injury can turn a worker’s life upside down. However, knowing what to do if you are injured at work can arm you with the confidence you need to get justice for your injuries. If you do get injured at work you’re probably wondering what to do after a workplace injury in Neptune Township? A Monmouth County injury lawyer shares what you need to do after a workplace injury.
What Are Some Types of Workplace Accidents in New Jersey?
Workplace accidents can range from a scaffolding fall to a slip-and-fall accident to a machine-related accident. These are just some of the types of workplace accidents that occur; although there are so many other things that can go wrong in a workplace depending on the surroundings. Construction sites, chemical plants, and factories are dangerous environments and it is important for the employer to provide safety training and proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or Your Primary Care Physician
The first priority should also always be to get medical attention. Even if you think that you’re not seriously injured, it is imperative to get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room. The reason for this is many people don’t realize that a lot of injuries have a delayed onset and symptoms may not even surface for weeks and sometimes even months.
Immediately Report the Incident to Your Manager or HR Department
Once you have gotten checked out by a doctor or gone to the emergency room it is important to report the incident to your manager, supervisor, or the HR department at your company. In some cases, we have had clients come to us and say that their manager discouraged them from filing an incident report. If this happens to you it’s important to seek guidance from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights.
Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
It is also important to take photos and/or video footage of the accident scene and your injuries. If you are too injured to do so yourself then you can try to get another coworker or witness to help you.
Keep Detailed Records and Document Everything Related to Your Accident
It is also important to keep detailed records of everything related to your accident or incident. This means any medical bills or treatment, a diagnosis from the doctors, and any expenses incurred due to your injury. Basically, you should be documenting everything that may come in handy when it comes time for your workers’ compensation claim or discussing your case with a New Jersey injury lawyer.
Empower Yourself With Knowledge of New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Laws
Educate yourself on New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website may be a helpful resource.
Also, educate yourself on what the New Jersey State guidelines are for filing a claim. If you end up missing a deadline or do not fill out your file completely and can end up being denied.
What Are Your Rights Following a Workplace Injury in New Jersey?
It is important to realize that if your claim is denied, you do have the right to appeal. If you need to take this route it is best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can guide you on what steps to take.
If you are an injured worker in New Jersey, your employer cannot legally retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Was Your Injury Caused by Negligence or Safety Violations?
Before accepting worker’s compensation, you may want to ask yourself if your injury was caused by negligence, safety violations, or the negligence of a third party. If you feel that any of these factors contributed to your injury; you may be able to hold your employer accountable for the injury. In that case, it is imperative to discuss your situation with an experienced and knowledgeable workplace injury lawyer in New Jersey before accepting a workers’ compensation package.
Injured in the Workplace?
We hope that you found these pointers helpful regarding what to do after a workplace injury in Neptune Township. If you were injured at work, call Clark Law Firm P.C. to speak to one of our workplace injury lawyers at 1-877-841-8855 or chat with us online.
