I’m Injured In My Workplace; Whose Fault Is It?

We at Waitz-Downer know that, despite the fact that most business owners go to great lengths to make sure their work environment is safe, work injuries can still happen.

Should you find yourself involved in an accident on the job, it is imperative that you take the correct steps, so that, in the event the work injury was not your fault but the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident. In this case, you will want to have everything you need to prove your case. 

Do I File A Police Report After Injury?

A police report is not necessary for a workers’ compensation claim. However, by taking the following steps, you will find yourself well-protected should you choose to pursue litigation:

1. In the event of a critical injury, seek all medical treatment necessary to stabilize your situation, including calling 911 if your accident caused severe, or life-threatening, injuries. Most likely, your supervisor will be aware of your workplace injury. If not, once your situation is stabilized, report your accident to your supervisor because of the necessity of filing a claim with workers’ compensation during the 24 hour claim period.  
2. Should your accident be such that you do not need emergency assistance, reporting your accident to your supervisor is a must. If need be, make sure you receive transportation to a medical facility for an examination. Your supervisor will direct you to the medical provider designated by their workers’ compensation carrier.
3. Make sure the scene of the accident is secured, so a complete investigation can be conducted. If you are not available to participate in this, have someone else witness all the findings, including taking pictures.
4. Even in a non-emergency situation, your supervisor must be notified to complete the necessary paperwork, including an incident report and all the paperwork workers’ compensation requires.
5. Work with your employer to establish a proper time to return to work, including being put on light duty should your injuries demand this.
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions completely, so you will have the best chance at a speedy recovery.
7. Make sure your employer follows up with workers’ compensation, during the entire duration of your injury and in a timely manner so that all deadlines for updates are met, to avoid compromising your claim.

For Workers’ Compensation, you have the right to:

• File a claim for your injury, or illness, in a workers’ compensation court.
• Receive medical care.
• Return to work if your doctor releases you.
• Some type of compensation if your injury or illness prevents you from returning to work.
• Appeal any decision made by your employer or health insurance company
• Be represented by a personal injury attorney throughout the entire process.

Why Waitz & Downer Should Be Called For Workers’ Compensation

At Waitz & Downer, our team of lawyers in Houma are ready to fight for you and get the legal representation you deserve. With our 50-plus years of experience representing countless clients in the state of Louisiana, we are experts at navigating you through Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system to qualify for the benefits you are entitled to.

Contact Waitz & Downer today for a free consultation at (985) 876-0870.