Do you know that the steps you take following the accident can have an effect on the amount of compensation you recover? Are you aware of the steps that you must take and must not take after your accident? If you take the wrong steps, you may not be able to recover fair compensation or compensation that you are rightfully entitled to.
Here's a look at what you need to do after your workplace accident to maximise your damages.
Do not speak with anyone - following your accident at work, you must not discuss your accident with anyone, especially your employer's insurance company. Whatever you say in front of them can be used against you. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when you speak about your accident with anyone. However, you are free to discuss your accident and injuries with your doctor and work injury lawyer.
Seek immediate medical help - without exaggerating your symptoms, you must tell your doctor about your injury and the pain you are experiencing. Make your doctor aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing so you can receive proper treatment and are also able to get your injuries documented properly.
Conduct your investigation - even before you approach a work injury lawyer, you must have conducted an investigation and obtained the necessary documents and evidences. This can include your medical reports, photographic evidences and witness details or statements. If your investigation is not complete, you will be at a serious disadvantage.
Do not plead guilty - always consult with your work injury lawyer before giving a statement to the insurance company. You must not admit fault even if you believe the accident was your fault. Most people do this out of shock and later realise that they were just the innocent victims of the accident.
Do not settle early - you must not let the insurance company pressure you into making an early settlement. They usually do this so they can pay less. If you settle early, you will never receive fair compensation.
Know your damages - this can include your pain and suffering and your financial losses including damage to clothing, cost of medical care, loss of earnings and other out-of-pocket losses. You must keep an accurate record of your expenses and retain receipts and invoices of your losses.
Know your injuries - do not rule out injuries if they don't hurt. Remember, some injuries may take time to become obvious. You must undergo a thorough medical attention and continue under the doctor's care until you are certain that you have made full recovery.
