What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall at Work? | Texas Injury Attorneys
Slip and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that slips and falls cause over 25% of the injuries that result in missed work. If you’ve suffered such an injury and are now wondering, “what should I do after a slip and fall at work?” Texas injury attorneys recommend contacting a qualified lawyer as soon as possible. From there, they’ll help you determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation. San Antonio workers should be able to practice work in a safe place, and unsafe conditions lead to injury. If you or a loved one has suffered traumatic injuries due to a slip and fall incident, call the attorneys at Carabin Shaw today.
Common Causes of Slips and FallsSan Antonio personal injury lawyers note the following as the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Uneven surfaces or torn carpet
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Improper training, such as when handling heavy objects
- Improper footwear
These incidents can almost certainly be avoided by practicing safe techniques, such as managing spills in a timely manner. Consider speaking with premises liability lawyers in San Antonio, who work specifically on cases that occurred on someone else’s property. Navigating such an incident at work can be complicated, particularly when deciding to file for workers’ comp.
Workers’ Comp versus Personal InjuryHaving your incident take place at work is not just cause alone for filing workers’ comp. The main difference between workers’ compensation and personal injury is that the former does not require fault, whereas the latter does. Personal injury cases rest on the finding that the injury is a result of negligence. An example of negligence may be, for example, allowing a spill to remain unattended for a long period of time. However, workers’ comp may involve working in inclement weather. If you’re wondering, “what should I do after a slip and fall at work?” Texas injury attorneys recommend that you:
- Seek medical treatment.
- Report the incident to your employer and other relevant sources (the police, insurance agents, etc.).
- Document details: Note the location of your fall, take photos, capture witness testimonies, and record everything you can remember about the incident.
- Research San Antonio personal injury lawyers: Seeking legal council immediately will give you a higher chance of receiving financial compensation later on.
Premises liability lawyers in San Antonio are always working on cases similar to yours; let them handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.
What Can I Earn Compensation For?If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall in San Antonio, then you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries. Compensation can come from a trial or settlement. A settlement happens instead of a formal trial. In fact, it is estimated that only 2% of slip and fall cases go to trial. Settlements still require the use of an attorney to represent your interests during negotiations, however. Regardless of a trial or settlement, you can earn compensation for the following:
- Current and Future medical bills
- Lost present and future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Pain and suffering refer to any physical or emotional damage caused by the incident. San Antonio personal injury lawyers aim to persuade the judge that you have suffered immense pain and suffering, which then will determine how much compensation you will receive. It is highly recommended to work with an experienced premises liability lawyer in your area to represent your case.
When to Contact an AttorneyAccording to Texas law, you have two years after your accident to file a claim with an attorney. So, it is best to connect as soon as possible after your slip and fall in San Antonio. Consider working with the lawyers from Carabin Shaw. We’ve collected over $500 million for our clients and offer a free initial case review. Call our San Antonio office today at 210.222.2288.