According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of people are injured on the job every day. A workplace injury may adversely affect the typical American household. Following are five survival techniques to help ease the stress of dealing with a work injury.

Keep Accurate Documentation of the Incident

Immediately report the accident to a supervisor and start a personal file of the event. Include a detailed narrative recalling as much information as possible. Be sure to date any additional entries. Include copies of emails, phone logs, and other conversation prior to the incident, particularly if the accident is related to a familiar company wide problem. Ask for copies of any video or security tapes, and take photos of the area. Use these visuals to create a time-line for any future testimony.

Employee Handbook

Keep a copy of the employee handbook, especially if there is a signature page, safety regulations, and specific training sessions regarding the area in which the injury occurred. This information may play a pivotal role if there is litigation.

Workman’s Compensation Rights and Insurance Benefits.

Workman’s Compensation forms and protocols vary from state to state. Keep in mind that even though the injury occurred on the job, compensation is not guaranteed. Follow up on all paperwork concerning qualifications and benefits. Additionally, any paperwork needed is going to need an immediate submission for workers compensation. The farther out the claim the less likely you are to being granted any monetary support.

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Keep A Medical Log.

Document all medical visits, procedures, and conversations. It may be helpful to keep a journal regarding pain and emotional trauma during the healing process. Also, before refusing any treatment, which may limit financial or future litigation recourse, obtain a second opinion and speak to a legal professional.

Before Signing Anything, Seek Professional Legal Advice.

If a company is willing to compensate quickly, it may be a strategy to avoid future litigation.

On the other hand, missed phone calls or lagging emails may be a ploy to force an agreement for a lower amount just to end the process. Be confident that compensation is accurate and fair; seek out competent legal advice, such as a civil litigation attorney.

The Law Offices of Richard D. Palmer realize the process towards receiving fair and accurate compensation can be stressful, but it  doesn’t have to be that way.  A file containing a complete narrative, photos, timelines, forms, and medical log should be an asset if litigation becomes necessary. Above all else, ask for professional legal advice if the process becomes too overwhelming and they will know how to move forward.