Although the numbers are going down, many workers end up getting injured in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the number of workplace injuries went down to three out of every 100 workers getting injured in 2015 from 10.9 employees out of 100 getting hurt all the way back in 1972.
When an injury takes place at a business, the injured party should seek medical attention immediately. The same holds true for filing a claim. Any delays in reporting the incident could complicate matters down the road.
Condition can change over time
For some injuries, employees may not feel the need to go to a hospital right away. However, this does not mean everything is all right.
Some injuries take some time to present their full effects. The injured person may feel fine immediately after the incident, but a week later, additional symptoms develop. At this point, it is much more difficult to show the condition is a result of the workplace accident. Therefore, it is always more prudent to seek help even if nothing seems wrong. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Evidence may not be preserved
Following a workplace incident, the injured employee needs to complete a full report. This report can include information related to the safety conditions of the area. The employee also needs to take photographs and gather other forms of evidence.
This is crucial because things can change over time. As an example, an accident may have occurred because signs were not placed in the vicinity. Following an accident, photos could prove no signs were in place. However, if a claim is delayed, then pictures may not be taken until weeks later. During that time, an employer could easily put up new signs, and at that point, it is the employee’s word against the employer’s.
Anyone who suffers an injury at a business in the Capitol District should contact Silverman, Silverman & Seligman P.C. immediately. We offer free consultations and can help people who have suffered office or construction site related accidents.