What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury at Work

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of occupational injuries in California. If you sustain an injury from a bad fall in the workplace, there are certain actions you must take to protect your legal rights. Knowing what to do can allow you to set up your personal injury claim for greater success.

Check for Injuries

After a fall in the workplace, try to stay calm and resist the urge to immediately get back on your feet. Swift movements could exacerbate an injury. Remain where you are and check for injuries. Common signs of injury after a slip and fall include pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, disorientation and loss of consciousness (even briefly).

Get Medical Care

Get medical attention right away. Even if you initially think you have not been harmed, you may have an injury with delayed symptoms, including a concussion brain injury or a spinal cord injury. Prompt treatment from a medical professional can quickly diagnose and treat your injuries. Medical records are also required as evidence for most slip and fall injury claims.

Report Your Accident to Your Employer

You need to report your slip and fall incident to your employer, supervisor or manager immediately. Notify them verbally as well as in writing. Under California’s workers’ compensation system, you have to report a work-related injury within no more than 30 days to qualify for benefits.

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Gather Information and Potential Evidence

Start documenting your accident and injury immediately. Take a lot of pictures of the location or area where your slip and fall accident occurred, being sure to capture the hazard or defect that caused you to fall. Take pictures of your clothing and any visible injuries, as well.

Ask for a copy of your accident report from your employer. Speak with coworkers or witnesses who saw the fall to gather statements. Write down a description of events in your own words, including details such as poor lighting or other issues that may have contributed.

Collect Records

As you recover from your slip and fall accident, keep detailed records. Collect your medical details, hospital bills, pay stubs portraying lost wages, letters or communications from your employer, and any correspondence with an insurance company.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

In California, every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You may be able to access financial benefits from your employer’s policy if you suffered an injury within the course and scope of your employment. It is not necessary to prove negligence or fault to receive workers’ compensation. However, it may benefit you to hire a workers’ comp attorney in LA if you have trouble with your claim.

Consult With a Slip and Fall Attorney in Los Angeles

If you suffered serious or permanent injuries in your slip and fall accident, your employer or their insurance company is refuting liability, you are being blamed for your own injuries, or there are other complications involved in your case, contact an attorney for assistance without delay.An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer in Los Angeles can guide you through all of the steps you should take after your slip and fall injury to protect your rights, well-being and financial recovery as much as possible. An attorney can help you fight for the compensation you need during this difficult time.