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Navigating a slip, trip or fall injury and workers’ compensation

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2023 | Workers' Compensation |

In New Jersey, workers who have experienced a slip, trip or fall injury are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These injuries can be severe, and employees need to understand how to navigate workers’ compensation to get the compensation they deserve for medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to their accident.

What happens in a slip, trip or fall accident?

A slip, trip or accident occurs when someone loses balance or footing and falls to the ground. These incidents frequently happen at work, although they can also occur at home or in public places.

Injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls

Workplace safety is the responsibility of your employer, and while you also can do your part to avoid safety hazards, accidents can still happen. In the workplace, injuries resulting from slip, trip and fall accidents can include:

  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, tears, and bruising or contusions to muscles, ligaments or tendons
  • Fractures: In bones of the arms, wrists, ankles and hips
  • Head injuries: A concussion, skull fracture, or intracranial hematoma

These injuries range from mild to severe or life-threatening, and many other injuries could result from an incident at work.

What should you do if you experience a slip, trip or fall at work?

If you slip, trip or fall and sustain an injury at work, you must follow each of these steps:

  • Assess your injuries, and if you cannot get up, stay calm and have someone call 911 if needed.
  • Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries do not become symptomatic for hours, days, or weeks. Keep all of your medical records and documentation of doctor visits and treatment.
  • Document the date and time of the accident and how it happened. If possible, take photographs of the work area, note any equipment or materials that contributed to your accident, and write down details of the accident from any witnesses.
  • Report the accident to your superior and HR as soon as possible. You must report the injury within 30 days; otherwise, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.
  • File a workers’ compensation claim and include the documentation from your doctor’s visit and information about the accident.

You may find that your employer is not helpful regarding your claim. In this instance, you may need legal help to file your claim within the time limit and include all the necessary information to prevent the insurer from denying your claim.

Becoming injured at work can be traumatic, and understanding how to respond can help you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you need and deserve.

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