How Do You File a Work Accident Report?

Monday, August 19, 2013

How Do You File a Work Accident Report?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

For many people, the potential of getting hurt at work is very real. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, created accident and illness report forms for business and their employees as a way to both raise standards of work conditions as well as have a log of potential dangers on the job. When you’re hurt at work, it’s important to fill out an accident form, as it can help if you are planning on filing a claim with a workers comp attorney. How do you go about filing an accident report, and how can a lawyer help in this situation?

How to File a Report

Obtaining the proper forms, either from your employer or off of the internet, is the first step. Injuries that should be reported include injuries that result in the loss of consciousness, ones that require medical attention, time away from work, or duty restrictions, or accidents that caused someone’s death.  Illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer, chronic diseases and damaged eardrums should also be reported, but mild injuries requiring only first aid need not be reported to OSHA. Your employer should have the proper forms on hand in the event of an accident, but if not, you may need to seek the help of a workers compensation attorney.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

A workers comp lawyer can help you file a report because they have more experience doing so. While this may be your first accident on the job, you’re definitely not their first client. They will know not only how to file an accident report but also how to follow through and seek the compensation you may be entitled to, to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you’re not sure if you have a claim that can be made, a workers comp attorney can also help you figure out if there’s a case.