A work injury can be devastating and set you back for months while you try to heal, limiting your ability to work and earn an income. In the meantime, medical expenses add up, and the burden feels overwhelming. It is important to follow the right steps and work with an experienced lawyer to get you the compensation you need to regain control of your life.
The Liggett Law Group has more than 70 years of combined experience helping clients get justice and results. We aggressively fight to ensure you are treated fairly and are not taken advantage of by employers, insurance companies, or any other parties. Our elite team provides high-quality service and guides you through what you need to know after a work injury.
What Actions to Take After a Work Injury
Work injuries can be excruciating, and the pain and shock can make it difficult to think clearly. Unfortunately, insurance companies may take advantage of this and look for missteps to use against you. They may try blaming you, denying your claim on a technicality, try to get you to settle before you know the extent of your injuries, or intentionally delay your claim, hoping you will give up.
To minimize the risk of being victimized by unfair insurance tactics, it is important to know the steps to take when injured at work so you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Receive Medical Care Right Away
Medical care should be your top priority after an accident. It is not always easy to tell just by looking how serious an injury is, and a medical professional should diagnose your condition. They can assess your injuries and treat them right away. They can also help minimize the risks and damage caused by severe situations such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal injuries, and internal bleeding and organ damage.
Injuries should always be monitored to ensure a quick response if your condition worsens. This can be done by medical staff while you are under their supervision, and by yourself or family once you have been discharged.
Report the Accident and Your Injuries
Once you have received immediate medical care, the next step is to report the accident and the injuries you suffered to your employer. This should be done as soon as possible. Your employer may even have a written policy that outlines what protocols you should follow after an accident, and the maximum amount of time you have to report the injury.
This policy will likely outline who your point of contact should be for reporting your injury. The type of injury may also impact what procedures you follow. Employers are then required by law to report any work injury to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and notify any work-related insurance plan contacts to begin that process.
Gather Evidence to Use in Your Case
To ensure you receive maximum compensation, it is important that you take photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident. You should also keep all records of medical treatments, test results, bills, and pay stubs. Additionally, ask friends and family members to write down statements discussing the impact your injuries have on your life.
Evidence is crucial to recovering compensation in your claim and receiving a favorable outcome. Without sufficient evidence, you could be left to try to pay for your medical care on your own.
Hire a Texas Work Injury Lawyer
Resolving a work injury claim can be complicated, and insurance companies may not always cooperate with you. To reduce the stress nd protect your rights, it is essential to hire a Texas work injury lawyer to represent you.
They can help you navigate the process, complete paperwork, and ensure you have enough evidence to support your claim. They will also negotiate on your behalf and fight for you when you are not being treated fairly. Your work injury attorney can simplify and streamline the process for you.
Pursue Compensation
After you have taken the steps listed above, it is time to pursue compensation for your medical expenses. The claim process may vary depending on the options available to you through your employer, and what steps they require. If you are unsure how to proceed, talk with your lawyer and employer.
If a person or company other than your employer is to blame, you may have the option of filing a third-party lawsuit. Doing so gives you the chance to seek full compensation for all your losses, beyond what your employer-provided insurance may allow. Speak with your work injury lawyer about whether this applies to your case.
Common Causes of Work Injuries in Texas
Work injuries can happen in any industry at any time, and affect millions of workers and their families annually. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 fatalities and 2,569,000 injuries in the most recently reported year alone. These staggering numbers show the extent of the risks employees face every day.
High-risk industries such as construction and oil mining may increase these chances. While different industries come with different hazards, there are some common causes that contribute to work injuries and include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Overexertion
- Electrocutions and other electrical injuries
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Explosions and burns
- Vehicle and heavy equipment accidents
- Crushing accidents
- Extreme temperatures
The cause of a work injury accident can affect the type and severity of injuries you may sustain. It may also affect what you can recover in losses.
Contact Liggett Law Group for a Consultation Today
The Liggett Law Group understands the uncertainty you are facing in your life after a work injury. We help you navigate the legal process and what to do to ensure you have a strong case. We protect your rights and advocate for you so you receive a fair and generous settlement.
Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with a work injury lawyer and learn more about how we can serve you in your time of need.