We hear a lot about injuries. We read articles all the time about how workplace injuries or car accidents can be avoided. What protective measures the employers should take for their employees. What safety steps employees should take on the job. What protection you need when you’re in a car; what insurance provider you should go with.
We also see stories about injury lawsuits and successful compensation claims on a pretty frequent basis. This can make the process sound kind of straightforward, in a way. Were you in an accident that wasn’t your fault? Then file a lawsuit today!
The problem is that things aren’t really that simple when it comes to dealing with injuries. If you suffer one, then there are a lot of things you need to do almost right away. This means that you should be reading instructive articles (like this one!) before something happens.
Here’s a quick guide to the basics of handling any type of personal injury for which you were not at fault.
Do you need medical assistance? Then get it!
Don’t worry: if you’re in need of immediate medical assistance, then you can get it. You don’t need to wait around worrying about most of the below if you’re afraid you might lose a limb!
Do not claim responsibility
Extremely important! If someone else is present at the scene, then do not apologize or say anything that suggests you were responsible. Simply saying “I’m sorry”, which to many is a reflex, is technically an admission of guilt. If you need to talk to the other person, keep it to objective facts. Don’t assign blame to anyone, especially yourself.
Tell an authority straight away
Whether it’s the police or your employer, they need to know. The correct reports need to be filed in order for there to be a useful paper trail later one. Find out more about police accident reports at DMV.org.
Collect evidence
Were there any witnesses to the accident? Is there a clear lack of safety measures? Then document this. Take down the contact information of (willing) witnesses. Take photographs of the site if negligence is apparent.
Inform your insurance company (or file a workers’ compensation claim)
The sooner you tell your insurance company about the incident, the better. The same goes for workers’ compensation within your company. The ideal solution to this situation, aside from your recovery, is correct compensation from one of these institutes. However, you should keep the below step in mind before proceeding…
Work out if you need a lawyer
If you accept money from another insurance company or if you receive worker’s compensation, then your ability to sue will be limited. These processes take time, so you can look into the possibility of legal help before an offer of money is made. The hope for everyone is that it doesn’t come to this. Sadly, people don’t always do right by others who are injured on their watch.
Keep a close eye on your health
Keep a record of any changes in your physical and mental health. Go to a doctor if you have any concerns, as this ensures there are official records of problems. Even if it’s a subsequent lack of sleep, this should be noted as a potential result of your injury.