Workplace injuries can happen in any job, from the obvious ones like construction sites, factories, and warehouses, to the more surprising ones like offices, retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals. Regardless, when you fall victim to such an injury, you may be unsure of what your next steps should be. More specifically, whether you qualify for, and thereby should pursue, a workers’ compensation benefits claim. Understanding your rights can significantly impact your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. So without further ado, please continue reading to learn the actions you need to take if you were injured at work and how an experienced Broward County work injury lawyer at The Finizio Law Group, P.C., can help you overcome any legal hurdles you may potentially face.
What actions should I immediately take after being injured at work?
Regardless of whether you eventually pursue workers’ compensation benefits or a third-party claim, there are general procedures you should follow immediately after your work injury. These actions are to protect both your physical well-being and the strength of your future case, and they read as follows:
- Report your injury to your employer: they may create an official report detailing the date, time, and location of the incident, along with how it occurred. This way, there may be no confusion as to whether your injury actually occurred in the workplace or while you were performing job-related duties.
- Seek emergency medical attention: a medical professional may use their experience and advanced technology to identify internal injuries and other signs of physical trauma. This way, your medical records may establish the severity of your injuries and how much it is going to cost you to make a full recovery.
- Hire legal representation: your lawyer may carefully listen to your experience and inform you of whether you have a workers’ compensation or third-party case on your hands. This way, they may proceed with filing the proper paperwork on your behalf, all while navigating you past any unnecessary disputes or delays.
After my work injury, do I file for workers’ compensation or a third-party claim?
On the one hand, workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide benefits to employees who incur work-related injuries or illnesses. While this may sound like it fits your situation, your employer may not carry this insurance. Therefore, it is best to educate yourself by checking your posted company policies, your employee handbook, and the state of Florida’s workers’ compensation board database.
Alternatively, you may consider a third-party claim. This may only be applicable if you believe a party other than your employer acted negligently and subsequently contributed to your workplace accident event. When in doubt, you can always rely on a skilled Broward County personal injury attorney from The Finizio Law Group, P.C. Giving us a call to schedule a free initial consultation may be one of the best decisions you have ever made.
