Slip and Falls at Work
According to the National Safety Council, falls were the leading cause of workplace injury in the United States in 2020. Slip and fall injuries can vary from minor to catastrophic and common injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma.
At The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a workplace injury can take on you and your family. Our team of skilled attorneys will help you navigate your injury claim and advocate for your right to compensation for your workplace injuries.
If you were injured from a slip and fall incident at work, you need an experienced slip and fall attorney by your side to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated San Francisco injury lawyers.
What To Do Following a Workplace Slip and Fall
Injuries from a workplace incident can leave you with a collection of medical bills and significant time away from work. It is essential to know what steps to take following an accident to ensure that you receive compensation for the financial and emotional damages you sustained.
Protecting your rights will require time and effort, but with the right approach, you can obtain restitution for your injuries and get back on track. The following are crucial steps to take following a workplace slip and fall.
Seek Medical Attention
The first crucial step following any injury at work is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, you could have non-visible injuries or delayed symptoms.
A professional medical evaluation is necessary for your well-being and the validity of an injury claim. Medical records and bills provide evidence for your injuries, the severity of your condition, and the financial damages accrued from treatment.
Report the Incident
You have 30 days in California to report your injury to your employer. However, reporting the incident as soon as possible will help you avoid any denial of your claim.
It is significant to follow your company’s policies and procedures when reporting an accident. In most companies, you can report incidents to and receive workers’ compensation information from the human resources department.
Document Evidence
If it is safe to do so and you are physically able to, gather evidence from the scene of the incident. Take pictures of the location where you slipped or tripped, including the area surrounding the accident scene. Try to capture any equipment malfunctions, debris, or hazardous materials that caused your fall.
By documenting the scene, you can have written or photographic evidence of the accident, which is essential in building your case.
Avoid Commenting on the Incident
It is often human nature to apologize, diminish potential injuries, or accept responsibility when an incident occurs in the workplace. However, any statement during this critical time could affect your injury claim. Avoid making any comments regarding your injury or stating your acceptance of the general dangers associated with the job.
Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer
Hiring an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can be a pivotal decision in the success of your injury claim. An injury attorney can help you navigate the claim process and focus on legal matters while you focus on your physical recovery.
Workplace injury claims can be complex and tedious, but our team at The Cartwright Law Firm can answer any questions and keep you informed throughout the claims process. With years of experience in injury and employment law, our skilled attorneys can help you every step of the way.
Worker’s Compensation Cases in California
In California, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses that are directly related to their job. This means that if you slip and fall while working, you are most likely eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.
Eligibility
There are specific requirements to be eligible for a worker’s compensation claim. For instance, your injuries must require treatment, and you cooperate with the medical treatment plan recommended to you. Additionally, you can’t leave your job following the incident, as this will impact your eligibility for employee benefits.
Benefits
In California, companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that provides benefits to ill and injured employees.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover a wide range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Factors such as the severity of your injury, the permanency of the injury, and if you are able to continue working will largely impact the amount of compensation you are able to receive.
Claim Denial
There are certain instances where your claim may be denied, such as if you were on property for personal reasons or if you were not performing a job-related task at the time of the accident. Your claim will also be denied if you are found to be exaggerating or falsifying your injuries or going against your recommended medical plan.
Third-Party Slip and Fall Claims
While workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, you may be able to seek damages from a third-party outside of your employer’s insurance policy.
In a third-party claim, you can seek compensation from the property owner where the accident occurred. This type of claim can arise when you injure yourself while working off-site and the property owner fails to maintain a safe environment.
Depending on your job, you will most likely not be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits if there is a third-party responsible for your injuries. Due to the potential of multiple defendants, it is especially important to seek legal counsel from skilled slip-and-fall attorneys.
How a San Francisco Work Injury Attorney From The Cartwright Law Firm Can Help
At The Cartwright Law Firm, we understand the immense physical and emotional pain that a slip and fall at work can cause. That’s why we strive to provide you with the best representation possible.
Our experienced San Francisco slip-and-fall lawyers advocate for you when communicating and negotiating with your employer’s insurance company or third-party defendant. We will navigate the complex legal system, fighting on your behalf every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with skilled injury attorneys in San Francisco.
