If you have been injured on the job, the last thing that you want to do is deal with legal issues and paperwork. Workplace injury lawyers help you deal with workplace injuries and problematic workers’ compensation claims.
Every situation is different. Some incidents are purely accidents. Others occur due to negligence and safety violations.
As you might already know, if safety violations at your worksite led to your injuries, your situation is more complex. In some cases, your employer might even treat you as if you were at fault for your injuries.
If this happens, it’s important to know what you can do to make things easier on yourself. Working with workplace injury lawyers can make the entire experience less frustrating. They’ll explain the process and tell you what you should and should not do after suffering a workplace injury.
For example, three of the most important things you can do after a workplace accident include:
1. See Your Doctor
It’s important to get health treatment as soon as possible. This is true even if you don’t think your injuries are that bad.
After a workplace injury, seeking proper medical attention as quickly as possible can be the difference between short-term and long-term disability.
Make sure you take care of your injuries so that doctors can evaluate the full extent of the damage. You don’t want health issues arising later after your case is settled.
2. Keep Accurate Records of Your Treatment
It’s important to keep a record of everything that happens after a workplace injury. This is true even if there’s someone else keeping a record.
Having a detailed record helps you if your employer disputes the extent of your injuries or claims that you are responsible for them. Your documentation helps you keep things straight in your head and backs up information from your doctor.
3. Speak to an Attorney
Did you experience a workplace injury?
There are certain rights to which all injured workers are entitled. This includes medical care and financial compensation for your injuries. If your employer tries to deny you these rights or claims your injury was caused by some other circumstance outside of work, it’s important to find workplace injury lawyers who can help you with your case.
Meeting with a Workplace Injury Lawyer
Before deciding how to proceed, you’ll want to have a consultation with a workplace injury lawyer. This allows you to ask questions and have a legal professional evaluate your case.
Bring with you to the meeting:
- All of your medical records. If you’re unable to get any records, that’s fine. Your lawyer can help you get ahold of all of these documents once they take your case.
- A record of your missed/lost wages. This includes days away from work, salary cuts, and other financial losses related to your injury.
- Anything you’ve received from your employer or insurance companies involved in your case. Remember, you shouldn’t sign anything or agree to anything before speaking to an attorney. Bring all documentation you’ve received with you so your lawyer can review it.
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with experienced workplace injury attorneys or you have questions about workers’ compensation claims in Maryland, contact Shugarman & Mehring at (410) 783.4200 or toll-free at (888) 342.7200.