A workplace injury is defined as any injury that occurs at your place of employment during the course of your work. If you've been the victim of a workplace accident, it's crucial that you follow some important steps to protect your health, safety, and any workers' compensation claim that may result. Below, these steps are discussed in more detail.

File an Accident Report

An accident report is a document that details the circumstances surrounding the nature of the accident and your injury. As soon as possible after your workplace injury, tell your supervisor, employer, or human resources department that you want to file an accident report. This should be completed in a timely manner so that both you and your employer have a written record of the accident in case legal issues arise.

Seek Medical Attention

Always get medical attention in the wake of a workplace injury. Even if your wounds seem minor or aren't causing significant pain, going to a doctor is still a smart choice. Some injuries can be more severe than you might think, and certain types of pain may not become apparent until hours or days have passed. Also, if your employer requests that you see their doctor, do so; this keeps both of you legally protected.

Call a Workers' Compensation Lawyer

The workers' compensation structure is set up to be a no-fault system. Unfortunately, this doesn't guarantee that your employer or their insurer will not try to deny your claim. If you encounter any issues stemming from your workers' compensation claim, call an attorney to start exploring your legal options.

The workers' compensation lawyers of Bothe & Lauridsen, PC, in Columbia Falls have been serving northwestern Montana for more than three decades. Call (406) 892-2193 to schedule a consultation to discuss your workplace injury. By knowing the first steps to take after your work accident, you can ensure you're making the best decisions for your legal claim, your health, and your future.