5 Things To Do After a Workplace Injury
Workplace injuries can be stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing, especially when you are dealing with medical treatment, lost wages, and navigating workers’ compensation or third-party claims. Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can significantly impact the value of your claim and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. Insurance companies, employers, and courts scrutinize every detail, so being proactive is crucial. Below are the five most important things you should do after a workplace injury.
1. Report the Incident Immediately
Notify your supervisor, manager, or HR department as soon as possible after your injury. Make sure your report is documented in writing, including the date, time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
Prompt reporting ensures that the incident is officially recorded, which can preserve evidence such as equipment logs, workplace conditions, and eyewitness statements. Delaying notification can give the impression that your injuries are minor or that the accident did not occur, making it harder to support your claim.
2. Gather Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the incident, collect their full names, phone numbers, addresses, and a brief account of what they observed. Witness statements can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
Even if there were no immediate witnesses, make a note of anyone who may have relevant information, including coworkers or supervisors who were nearby. Documenting this early ensures their observations are available if a dispute arises later.
3. Document the Hazard and the Scene
Take photos and videos of the area where the injury occurred, including any unsafe conditions, equipment, or objects involved. If warning signs, safety equipment, or personal protective equipment were missing or inadequate, document that as well.
Clear documentation helps establish whether your employer or a third party should have known about the hazard. This evidence can be critical when proving negligence in a personal injury claim.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records are essential to prove the extent and seriousness of your injuries.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. Consistent treatment demonstrates the severity of your injury and ensures your recovery while strengthening your claim. Insurance companies often scrutinize gaps in treatment and may use them to downplay your injuries.
5. Work With an Experienced Work Injury Attorney
Workplace injury cases — especially in Texas — can be complicated. Your attorney will help you understand all your options, whether your employer has workers’ compensation, is a non-subscriber, or whether a third party may be partially responsible.
In Texas, some employers do not carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a “non-subscriber,” you may be able to sue them directly for negligence, which allows compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other damages that workers’ comp does not cover.
You may also have a third-party claim if your injury was caused by a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or another party. In this scenario, you can pursue workers’ comp benefits while simultaneously filing a separate personal injury lawsuit against the responsible third party.
An experienced attorney will evaluate your claims, help you gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available.
