What Should You Do Immediately After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury at the Workplace?

When you work in dangerous places like construction sites, you need to be very careful because the chances of an injury are very high. A workplace injury can not only result in something serious but can also alter the life of the victim.  

One such serious injury that can occur in a workplace is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury is something that can often lead to chronic pain or even partial or complete paralysis. A spinal cord injury can be caused by various reasons in a workplace, such as falling from a height, malfunction of machines, vehicle collisions, or lifting heavy objects. 

If you have been a victim of a spinal cord injury caused at your workplace, you should know that you have the right to compensation. Knowing what to do after the accident and getting help from an attorney can help you file a spinal cord injury claim and protect your legal rights. 

So, here are a few steps that you need to take if you ever suffer from a spinal cord injury in the workplace. 

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately 

Your health is something that always comes first. So, the first thing you must do after a spinal cord injury is to seek out immediate medical attention. Delaying giving the necessary care to a spinal cord injury can lead to even more serious conditions, like partial or complete paralysis. 

Don’t skip out on seeking medical help even if your injuries are minor. Getting a report from your doctor can act as evidence that the injury was caused due to the accident. Also, ensure that you keep all your medical records safe. 

2. Report the Injury to the Employer 

One of the most important steps after being involved in a workplace spinal cord injury is to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Having an official report of the incident from your employer is crucial for filing claims. In some states, like California, you have a period of 30 days within which the incident should be reported to the employer. 

Failing to report the incident may lead to your claim being void, even if the injury was workplace-related.

3. File a Worker’s Compensation Claim 

An injury that occurs in a workplace, such as a spinal cord injury, is usually covered by the worker’s compensation insurance. Here, you first report the incident to your employer. Then you fill out a claim form that will be submitted by the employer to their insurance company.  The amount you receive as compensation is then decided by the insurer. 

This claim usually covers medical expenses, disabilities, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. If your company denies the claim or you feel the amount is less than what you deserve, you can get help from a workplace injury attorney. 

4. Consult an Attorney 

Running after a claim for a spinal cord injury at the workplace can be overwhelming and complex. Sometimes you might not have the necessary proofs or documents, or you may miss out on the deadlines set by the statute of limitations. A knowledgeable lawyer will make sure that they guide you properly throughout the process. 

Key Takeaways

• Ensure that you seek immediate medical help even when the injuries seem minor. 
• Always report the injury to your employer to officially document the injury. 
• File a workers’ compensation form with the help of your employer.
• Get help from an attorney to protect your rights.