The New York City work injury lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP have a long and proud tradition of helping obtain justice for injured workers. Frequently, The work injury lawyers are asked what should be done in the event that you are injured in an accident at work. This is a natural question for any worker, particularly one that is involved with construction or labor. However, few injured workers feel comfortable with the process. If you have been hurt on the job, whether it be on a construction site or anywhere else, these are certain steps you should take:
1) Get Medical Attention
Protect your body. The first and most important thing to do is get medical attention if you feel it is necessary. That means calling an ambulance, going to a hospital or getting to a doctor as quickly as possible. Once you have addressed any immediate medical needs, you need to begin taking these next steps to protect your legal rights.
2) Report Your Accident
It is essential to report your accident to the proper authorities as soon as possible. On a construction site, that often means telling your foreman or other supervisor what occurred, and asking to fill out a formal written incident report. In a non-construction setting, that could mean going to a boss or your human resources department. This should be done as soon as possible, and should include an accurate account of when, where and how your accident occurred, what injuries you suffered and whether anyone witnessed the accident.
3) Preserve Potential Evidence
If an object was involved in your accident, such as a ladder, scaffold, piece of equipment or debris, then you should take steps to preserve those items or at the very least have them photographed as quickly as possible. If your injury resulted from tripping on a defective condition or area of clutter, take a picture of that. Similarly, if you have any visible injuries such as cuts or bruises, those should also be photographed. The preservation of these items in a timely fashion may make the difference, down the road, in your lawyer’s ability to effectively prove your case and hold the other side accountable.
4) Gather Witness Information
If you can, take down the names, phone numbers and addresses of anyone who witnessed your accident; and do it as soon as you can.
5) Do Not Give In To Pressure From Unscrupulous Bosses
Unfortunately, injured workers are all too often pressured by their bosses to lie about the circumstances of their accident, so that the company can avoid responsibility. Sometimes these bosses will offer money or payment of your medical bills in exchange for such a lie. Of course, you should not fall into this shortsighted trap. Be honest at all times, and realize that a lawyer will be able to protect you and stand up for your rights, no matter how vulnerable you may feel in the moments following an injury on the job. It is not only the right thing to do, it will insure that you are adequately financially compensated for the damage you have suffered.
6) Report Your Accident To Proper Authorities
OSHA and the various Buildings Departments have an important function in investigating work place accidents. If your company does not do so, you have every right to report your accident to these authorities. Information about OSHA may be found at https://www.osha.gov/. And the New York City Department of Buildings here – http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/home/home.shtml. If your accident occurred outside of New York City, look up the local Buildings Department that governs your location. If you were injured on a construction site, there may be a separate site safety company, and you should make sure they are aware of what has occurred.
7) Hire A Qualified Personal Injury Law Firm
You must hire a qualified lawyer as soon as possible following any work accident in which you are injured. Your lawyer will take the steps necessary to investigate your accident and hold any responsible parties accountable for your injuries. Your lawyer will also timely commence a Workers Compensation claim on your behalf so that you can be paid back for your lost wages and related medical expenses.
In considering a law firm, look at their experience and track record of success. Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP is a New York personal injury law firm that has represented injured workers for decades, and is solely devoted to helping those who have been seriously injured. The firm has obtained over $700 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of its injured clients and has a deep understanding of the devastating effect a work place accident can have on a victim and his or her family. The trial lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP possess a combination of skill, reputation and genuine care for their clients that have made them one of the top injury law firms in New York, and a place to which other lawyers often refer their more significant cases.
Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP can be reached anytime at 212-736-5300 for a free consultation.