Lawyers are professionals doing their jobs, whether they are representing the plaintiff or the defendant – it is business, nothing personal. However, many people hesitate about getting lawyers involved in their work injury cases out of fear that it could offend their employer.
If your employer’s negligence led to you sustaining damages, they should be ashamed instead of feeling offended. But we understand your concerns here, after all, you’ll be most probably working for the same employer once this episode passes.
In this article, we’ll dissect a typical work injury case, how things proceed in this regard, what you can do to get compensated fairly, and who is liable for your sufferings. But on top of this, we’ll dig into how your employer should react to the situation, what your rights are in this regard, and how you can ensure that your employer is not offended.
You should never hold back from getting legal help from our NC workers’ compensation lawyers.
Defining A Workplace Injury
The first thing to note here is that a workplace injury encompasses damages sustained by a worker during work hours, whether within the premises of the office/workplace or outside (but while engaged in work). These injuries can stem from several reasons such as repetitive motions, overweight cargo, over-exertion, and so on.
In most cases, a safer workplace can prevent such injuries, i.e. slip and fall accidents can be prevented by placing warning signs and cleaning up spills as soon as possible. Adequate work safety training is another factor in this regard. However, if that is not the case, then in the event of an accident, the employer will be considered liable.
Of course, even in routine, accidents are possible, and employers have insurance coverage for such events.
Dealing With Your Employer
Presuming that you’ve been involved in such an accident, you’ll have to inform your employer of the occurrence as soon as possible. Of course, assessing the damages, getting diagnosed, and seeking medical treatment comes first, but as soon as you get the opportunity, inform your employer. Ideally, you should hand over a written application detailing the incident, not too much, just the basic facts, i.e. nature of the accident, damage, and so on. Emailing is another excellent option.
Your employer will most likely be receptive to your concerns and not take offense at all. They already know that you are entitled to your compensation and legally owe it to you to give you your right. Plus, they can’t force you to accept a sum or to not seek legal aid. You have the right to an attorney, and you tell your employer that you plan on getting one, politely. Make it clear to them that you’re doing so just to safeguard your rights, nothing else.
Your employer can’t do anything to spoil things here – they can’t treat you unprofessionally simply because you chose to have legal representation, and if they do, there will be legal consequences for that. Plus, there is no reason for them to take offense because it is you who had to suffer.
How To Handle A Workplace Accident?
The way you handle the situation after such an accident will affect the outcome, so be careful here:
- Record evidence, as much as you can – pictures, videos, etc.
- Get diagnosed by a medical professional for your injuries right away.
- Seek medical treatment and keep a track of your medical expenses.
- Inform your employer of the incident with just enough details, without discussing things in detail (before you’ve contacted a lawyer).
- Contact a lawyer and discuss the incident with them.
- Prepare your case and present it before the insurance adjuster, through your lawyer.
Remember, your employer can’t mistreat you for choosing to get legal help, and if they do so, you should inform your lawyer of such behavior – you should not hold back from exercising your rights.
Call Our NC Worker’s Compensation Lawyers As Soon As Possible
Your lawyer is your best friend in such cases. No matter how much you try to avoid getting legal help in sorting this mess out, it is inevitable. If you want to be fairly reimbursed for your damages, you need to get lawyers involved. Even if you feel that you can’t afford to get legal professionals on board, that should not stop you from contacting our NC workers’ compensation lawyers. Since our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, we’ll handle your case without any advance on our legal fees.
Call us today to get started!
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