A workplace accident can be daunting and disorientating. But what you do in the first few hours can have a big impact on your recovery and on protecting your legal position. Below, we will discuss what you should do immediately after an accident at work to protect yourself and your rights.
Put your health first and get checked.
You should get medical attention as soon as you can, even if the injury does not seem serious at the time. Some injuries like soft tissue damage or head injuries don’t always show their full effects immediately. And early medical records can be useful in linking your injury to the accident later.
If first aid is available at work, use it. If pain continues, book an appointment with your GP or go to the hospital as soon as possible. If you are not sure where to go, you can always call 111.
Report the accident and make a formal record.
It is now time to report the accident to your employer and create an official record. In some cases, employers also have a legal duty to report the accident to the Health and Safety Executive. This usually applies to more serious injuries or situations where someone can’t do their normal job for more than seven days.
If you are not sure whether the accident has been properly recorded or reported, get some professional advice. Speaking to experienced solicitors in Liverpool at this stage can confirm if the right procedures have been followed and if anything has been missed.
Preserve evidence while details are still fresh.
Injuries are more visible within the first 24 hours after an accident and the scene is also less likely to have changed. So, if it is safe to do so, take photos of where the accident happened and of any visible injuries.
If you can, you should also note the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident. Make sure to hold on to any paperwork related to your medical treatment or time off work. In some cases, CCTV footage or internal investigation records can also exist. But these can be overwritten or lost if no one acts quickly.
Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible.
Many people wait before speaking to a solicitor because they don’t know if they even have a claim. But early advice is about understanding your rights and making sure you don’t accidentally hurt your position.
Speaking to solicitors in Liverpool at an early stage can confirm if your employer met their duty of care and if important evidence is being preserved. It can also give you a clearer idea of what to expect and what to avoid doing during those early stages, when mistakes are easiest to make.
Injured at work and need professional advice?
If you have been injured at work and want advice on what to do next, you are in the right place. Our team is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights. Contact Stallard Solicitors today to speak to someone who can help.
