Slip and fall accidents are common in workplaces, whether on a construction site cluttered with dangerous types of equipment or well-arranged built offices. Depending on the cause of the accident and the magnitude of the fall, it can bring severe damage to your health and dependents,’ and it could even be fatal.
In case of a fatal accident, hiring a slip and fall injury lawyer will increase your legal protection as you safeguard yourself from missing out on vital compensation. The article below shows you what to do in case of a slip and fall accident in your workplace.
What Is A Slip And Fall Accident?
Slip and fall is a term used in individual injury cases to describe when someone trips and is injured on another person’s property. The issue is under the broader category of premises liability claims.
What are the causes of slipping and tripping in workplaces?
The following are common causes of slipping in the workplace:
- Icy environment: working outdoors can be slippery, especially during winter or cold seasons. Ice surfaces are slippery despite the type of footwear you use. Consider the possibility of ice forming on such surfaces.
- Inappropriate shoes: wearing slippery shoes is a hazard to you. Additionally, wearing shoes that do not match your workplace type could increase your chance of slipping.
- Wet floor: wet floors can happen due to different activities such as cleaning and spillage. When it’s raining, the entrance door can become soggy.
The following are causes of tripping in workplaces:
- Poor lighting: having poor lighting prevents you from seeing any obstructions as you work; thus, you cannot avoid them.
- Poor housekeeping: poor housekeeping causes a lot of obstacles, from dirt that is not cleaned to leaving tools and equipment not appropriately arranged.
- Electricity cables: Unless you use wireless equipment, cables all over the floor are a hazard to the people around you.
- Unlabeled danger zones: when places that are prone to cause accidents are not labeled, or the labeling is not visible such as the slippery floor, open sockets, unseen steps, and low walls. It can be a source of tripping for your workers.
If you engage in a slip and fall injury in your workplace, the following steps will ensure you secure your rights to claim compensation and financial assistance for your injuries and loss.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After a slip and fall accident at work, you should seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. Serious injuries might take days or weeks to manifest themselves, causing discomfort and significantly restricting your ability to do daily duties. If you wait too long to see a doctor, your employer may argue that your injuries occurred outside of work when you tried to get workers’ compensation benefits. Following a slip and fall, promptly evaluating your injuries will assist you in proving that they are work-related.
Document The Accident Right Away
Immediately after a slip and fall injury, document the scene of the accident, most notably the cause of the damage. Additionally, talk to your current colleagues to act as your witnesses during the occurrence.
Report The Matter To Your Work Management
Once the accident happens, report it to your employer. Every organization has different criteria to follow before you get compensated for the injury.
Contact an Advocate
If you get life-altering injuries due to a trip and fall accident at work, you may need to hire a lawyer to assist. A lawyer can guide you through the complicated process of workers’ compensation and provide important advice about safeguarding your rights as you heal.
Slip and fall injuries can be costly to your family regarding medical expenditures, lost pay, decreased earning potential, permanent disability, or death. Engaging an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer ensures that your compensation claims are met.
