Work-related injuries can range from small passable incidents to extremely large scale ones that require the involvement of lawyers and mediators. Work-related injuries are usually accidental, yet they can sometimes be due to negligence and a lack of necessary precautions taken. Avoiding work-related injuries altogether is difficult but there are steps that can be taken to limit them as much as possible.
Albeit, on the off chance that it does occur, there will also be steps that need to be taken to prove the incident. To get compensation or time off for medical care, evidence will need to be provided in order to have justification. Read on to find out everything you need to know about proving a work-related injury.
Provide Pictures
Pictures of a work-related injury can either be extremely easy to access or extremely difficult. If you are hurt and the injury itself is evident, then pictures can be taken of it. Yet taking a picture of what you got hurt with is the tricky part as it may not look any different than before the incident. Pictures, however, will show the “how” behind getting hurt in that specific manner. If the work-related injury is due to over exhaustion, then it is possible that other types of evidence are necessary.
Provide Work Timestamp
Along with the pictures, you will also need to show the work timestamp. Showing that you clocked in at a particular time of day will show that you were, in fact, there at the time of the incident so there is no debate as to whether or not you were present. A work timestamp will also show that you were diligent in your work and were there on time, which makes the situation more difficult for your employer especially if they are for some reason trying to build a case against you.
Access Security Cameras
Security cameras may be enough to close your case with a win on your side. If you can access the security cameras and acquire the footage, then there will be unquestionable evidence available that will show everyone exactly what happened . It can be tricky to access them though, especially if you are suing your employer or the company you worked for. In this case, you can hire a lawyer that will help you attain the footage if need be.
Hire a Nearby Lawyer
Work-related injuries are extremely time sensitive. Given that the injury may be severe enough to send you to the hospital for a few days, reaching out to the nearest lawyer will prove to be more efficient. Depending on where you live, there will be different types of lawyers that are better suited to your case. Those living in Virginia may need a personal injury attorney in Richmond whereas those living in Ohio you might need a lawyer in Cleveland. Research the different attorneys around you and check out their ratings or any possible reviews.
Provide Medical Evidence
This may be one of the most important steps you need to take. Firstly, actually seek medical attention for your injury. Worrying about compensation or work in general while you are physically hurt will not get you anywhere. Seek help and once you are well or have people around you that can take care of this crisis, provide that evidence to your chosen lawyer and have them fight for your case. Medical evidence is irrefutable and will become extremely difficult to argue against especially if it is coupled with pictures, a work timestamp, and security footage.
Provide Witness Reports
If pictures or security cameras are not applicable, then witness reports are the next best thing. If your coworkers were around you or anyone else that happened to be walking by, they should be able to state the situation. Studies show that witness testimonies can be faulty as people’s memories are not 100% reliable, especially when trying to recall something. If you are able to find witnesses that can at least testify to what happened in general then that should be good enough.
Work-related injuries have multiple variables that need to be taken into consideration. There are the variables of your health and rights as an employee, your employers’ rights, time, and money. Get to the bottom of the situation as quickly and as smoothly as possible. If trouble arises during this time and you need to transfer, you may not want this to reach other companies you want to apply to. The most important thing is your health and safety, and knowing your rights when it comes to these things is a necessary measure.
