When you’re at work, you need to be mindful of your personal safety. There are all kinds of hazards awaiting you, from negligent coworkers to dangerous materials. Should you be injured, you need to make sure you know what to do. You need to know to how to get the compensation you deserve. Here are four steps to filing a successful personal injury claim:
File ASAP
The first priority after a workplace injury should be getting medical attention. Once you’ve recovered enough, you need to file your claim. Make sure you have your mental bearings and put in your paperwork. Be clear about everything as much as possible. You should know the date and approximate time of the incident. If there’s anything you’re unclear about, don’t pretend you know.
Ask for Witnesses
If there was anyone else around when you were injured, you need them to speak up. Your testimony alone might not be enough for your case. You will need to have witnesses to speak on your behalf. Ask those around you to tell what happened. There might be a discrepancy in your accounts, but it hopefully won’t be too severe. You also shouldn’t try to influence them. They need to be able to speak as honestly as they can, for the sake of their own integrity.
Hire an Attorney
No matter how airtight your case might seem to you, it’s crucial that you have legal counsel. Look for a personal injury attorney who can handle your case. Explain to them exactly what happened and how you were impacted. Make sure that you are not at fault in this case. Honesty between you and your attorney is absolutely crucial.
Negotiate
Depending on your workplace, you might easily receive compensation or not so easily. If your company is playing hardball, don’t despair. This is a time when your attorney will really come through for you. Consider your medical expenses and how the injury has affected your livelihood. Then, ask for compensation that will properly cover you. Be patient in this process and trust that you will be able to reach some kind of agreement.
We hope this has given you a great idea of how to file a successful personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured while working, you need to make sure you can recover properly. With this guide, you can make sure you are properly compensated.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
