Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common forms of workplace injuries, and can happen anywhere, changing the lives of victims and their loved ones in an instant. From slip and fall accidents in office buildings to construction sites and everywhere in between, their impact can be devastating physically, emotionally, occupationally, and financially. In bustling cities like Philadelphia, it’s vital to know what steps to take if you find yourself the victim of a slip and fall accident on the job. The decisions you make from the moment the accident strikes can have a serious impact on the overall outcome of your case, so it’s critical to understand your rights and take swift and decisive action.
If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall accident on the job, trust the experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to demand justice, accountability, and rightful compensation. Proudly serving the people of Greater Philadelphia, Bensalem, Norristown, Allentown, Reading, and beyond, we have dedicated our entire practice to serving victims of injuries across Pennsylvania. Backed by over 42 years of experience and a proven track record of successes, we are ready to start fighting for you today.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention and Report the Accident
Your health, safety, and well-being is the top priority, so it’s vital to seek out immediate medical attention even if your injuries don’t seem severe on the surface. Between adrenaline, shock, and the delayed onset of certain injuries such as concussions and internal bleeding, it’s important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional. This step also provides vital documentation of the accident and your injuries, keeping your options open for seeking compensation.
Once your immediate wellbeing has been addressed, the next step is to report the accident to your supervisor, manager, HR department, or employer as soon as you are able. Many companies have specific protocols for reporting workplace accidents, and failing to report the accident promptly could jeopardize your ability to seek rightful compensation down the line.
Step 2: Document Everything and Preserve Evidence
There is no such thing as too much evidence, but not having enough could land you in some hot water if you decide to pursue compensation. That’s why it’s advisable to document everything, including taking photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, getting contact information for any witnesses, and keeping records of any communication with your employer or the relevant insurance company. If possible, try not to disturb the accident scene until it’s been properly investigated and documented.
Step 3: Follow The Doctor’s Orders and Consider Your Long-Term Needs
Not only is adhering to your provider’s recommended treatment plan setting you on the road to the best possible recovery, but it also increases your credibility if you decide to pursue compensation. If you fail to follow medical advice, you could put your health at risk and make it seem like you’re not taking your injuries seriously, which may affect the outcome of your case.
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can have a profound impact on your physical, emotional, and financial health, and may affect your ability to work in the short-term or long-term. It’s vital to consider your long-term needs, preparing for the worst-case scenario when pursuing compensation. You need to take into account your current and anticipated future expenses to ensure you’re being fairly compensated.
Step 4: Know Your Rights and Be Careful About What You Say
Pennsylvania law provides protections for employees who have suffered a workplace injury, including the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits, and, under certain circumstances, file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party. You also have rights protecting you from adverse action and safeguarding your ability to request reasonable accommodations, among others. Understanding these rights can help ensure you receive the full extent of the compensation you’re owed.
While workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help employees, requesting these benefits come with significant hurdles. At the forefront of these obstacles are insurance companies, who always have their profit in mind and may try to undervalue your claim and minimize your pain. Insurance adjusters will reach out to you shortly after the accident to gather information. While it’s important to be cooperative, keep in mind that what you say could be used against you down the line. They may be fishing for information to argue the injury was pre-existing or may attempt to shift the blame onto you, so it’s best practice not to provide recorded statements or sign any documents without consulting an attorney. It’s often better just to let your attorney handle this kind of communication moving forward to protect your rights to fair compensation.
Step 5: Consult an Experienced Attorney. Larry Pitt & Associates, Fighting for Injury Victims in Philadelphia and Beyond. We Won’t Quit.
Slip and fall accidents can leave victims with considerable medical bills and lost wages, not to mention the mental and physical pain and suffering. An experienced Greater Philadelphia personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options to seek rightful compensation.If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident on the job in Greater Philadelphia, turn to the skilled and seasoned team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to help you see real results. We will fight relentlessly so you can see compensation that addresses the full extent of the harms you have suffered. Contact us today or call us at 888-PITT-LAW for a free and confidential consultation.
