Injuries can seriously disrupt a person’s life and cause long-term effects. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can be physically and psychologically challenging for those who experience it. According to research from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 31 million people suffer from injuries each year in the United States alone, resulting in over 200,000 deaths annually.
The financial costs associated with injuries are also significant. A CDC study found that the total economic burden of injuries in the US was $671 billion, equivalent to 4.8% of GDP. This figure comprises direct costs like medical expenses and indirect costs like lost productivity at work due to disability or death.
In addition to the financial burden, there is also the emotional toll that comes with an injury. According to a Stanford University School of Medicine survey, individuals who have experienced a severe injury may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, and depression. Feelings of guilt, anger, or numbness can also arise as victims grapple with their injuries.
Injuries could be devastating, but they could happen anywhere. Unfortunately, you might encounter it inside the workplace. Fortunately, there are steps you can take after experiencing an injury in the workplace.
Report for Investigation
Investigating an injury in the workplace is crucial to ensure the safety of all parties involved. When damage occurs, it is essential to determine what caused it, who or what was responsible, and how you may prevent similar incidents.
The investigation process should involve a comprehensive worksite assessment, including evaluating potential hazards and risk factors that could have contributed to the incident. This may include examining equipment and tools used by employees, observing worker behaviors and practices, inspecting employee-related documents such as training records or safety policies, and researching past incidents or accidents at the site.
Also, it would help if you interviewed everyone involved about their involvement in the incident. This includes witnesses and other workers who may have been exposed to similar risks or situations. Interviews should focus on eliciting information about how the incident occurred and what steps can be taken to avoid its recurrence. It is also crucial for investigators to ask open-ended questions rather than leading questions that might influence answers or responses from employees.
Seek Compensation and Benefits
Injured workers are entitled to certain rights that can help alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages caused by the incident. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to seek compensation for related medical costs, disability benefits, and lost income due to time away from work.
Additionally, some states mandate workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all employers, creating a safety net for injured employees through no-fault insurance plans. This type of benefit covers any medical treatments needed and wage replacement if an employee has to take a leave of absence because of their injury.
Unfortunately, there might be qualifications for a “workplace injury,” so it’s essential to consult a legal expert familiar with your state’s laws. At that point, getting a personal injury attorney might be necessary to help you get your deserved compensation and justice.
Seek Professional Help
Given the traumatic nature of injuries in the workplace, it is important to seek professional help. This could be an occupational health specialist or mental health professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support. Besides offering emotional relief, they may also recommend specific strategies for dealing with physical pain and discomfort caused by the incident.
In addition to medical professionals, speaking to a lawyer may be beneficial if you consider filing a lawsuit against your employer due to negligence. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate the merits of your case and let you know what options are available for pursuing legal action.
Overall, sustaining an injury in the workplace is challenging and can be both physically and emotionally draining. However, understanding your rights and what steps to take after experiencing such a traumatic event can help you protect yourself and ensure justice is done.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that you are not alone after experiencing an injury in the workplace. Many resources are available to help you through this challenging time, from medical experts and legal professionals to emotional support networks. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with your rights and understand the options available for seeking compensation or filing a lawsuit against your employer if you need to. These steps ensure that justice gets served and that similar incidents don’t happen again.
Most importantly, take care of your physical and mental well-being throughout this process; it will be essential for recovering from any trauma experienced as a result of an injury in the workplace.