Approximately 2.4 million workers sustain work injuries that require emergency treatment every year in the United States. A high number of accidents also means a high number of employees will witness someone getting injured at work. If you witness a work-related injury, there are important steps that you should take to protect your safety and that of other employees.
When you file a work injury claim, eyewitness can contribute significantly to investigations. They are expected to truthfully narrate what happened without fear of losing their jobs or other kinds of negative repucurssions. If you are in New Bedford, MA, and your employer is trying to coerce you to change your story as a witness, you should consider hiring a New Bedford work injury lawyer to protect your rights.
Some workplace accidents are so severe that witnesses get psychologically traumatized. You should get mental health care after witnessing a disturbing work-related accident. It’s worth noting that in such a case, you may be covered by workers compensation.
What should you do when you witness a work-related injury?
The first thing that you should do is remain calm. Below are the steps that you should take after witnessing a work-related accident
- Call 911 or administer first aid to the injured worker
- Shut down any dangerous machinery if it’s possible
- Try not to tamper with anything at the scene of the accident until investigators arrive
- Notify your employer about the accident
- Take notes of what happened. It’s a good idea to write down the sequence of events while they are still fresh on your mind
- Take photos of the accident scene
What are your rights as a witness?
It’s not uncommon for employers to try to coerce witnesses into changing their stories. It goes without mentioning that this is illegal because you have the right to report a work-related injury without suffering any negative consequences from your employer.
When you meet with the investigator, you can choose to do so without the presence of your supervisor. If you believe that your rights are in jeopardy, you should speak to a work injury lawyer in New Bedford or your union representative to protect your employment and your rights.
What role do you play as a witness in a work-related accident?
Your statement can be used to create a safer work environment by changing company policies.
Example
John Doe slips and falls at work while trying to load the company truck. Jane witnesses the accident and notes that oil is leaking from under the truck. This statement could demand their employer to request for regular maintenance of all the company trucks. This alone could prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
You can also you can also help to resolve workers claims compensation by helping to determine whether an employee can collect workers compensation benefits. A worker does not have to prove that their employer’s negligence contributed or caused their injuries. They only have to show that their injuries are work-related. You can help your fellow employee secure workers’ compensation benefits by attesting that they were indeed injured while on the job. On the other hand, you can help your employer avoid paying a fraudulent claim.
Example
While at work, John noticed Jane arrived with a noticeable injury. When asked what about it, she refused to answer but later on filed a workers compensation claim. In this situation, John is obligated to inform his employer that his coworker arrived at work with an injury and her claim might be fraudulent.
Can you secure workers compensation benefits without a witness?
The short answer is yes. Just because no one witnessed your accident doesn’t mean that you do not qualify for workers compensation benefits. Your first step should be reporting your injury to your employer and seek immediate medical attention. You should give your medical provider as much information as you can about when, where and how you were injured. If the insurance company or your employer rejects your workers compensation claim, you should consider hiring a New Bedford work injury lawyer to help you secure compensation.
A New Bedford work injury lawyer can help you
At Kevin P Landry law offices we offer free initial consultations and we are available 24/7. Call us today at 508-999-0800 and get a free case evaluation.
