{"id":2818,"date":"2017-03-28T19:25:02","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T19:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/?p=2818"},"modified":"2017-03-28T19:25:02","modified_gmt":"2017-03-28T19:25:02","slug":"what-to-do-when-you-get-hurt-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/contelawyers.ca\/what-to-do-when-you-get-hurt-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Personal Injury 101: What to do When You Get Hurt at Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

Workplace Safety 101: What to do When You Get Hurt at Work<\/h2>\n

When you go to work for the day, you usually don\u2019t expect to suffer an injury or accident. But accidents can happen at any time, so it\u2019s best to understand what to do when you get hurt at work<\/strong> so you can get fair compensation.<\/p>\n

Everyone has the right to a safe workplace, and when you clock in for our shift, you aren\u2019t thinking that today will be the day you suffer a serious injury. But any day could be the day, and you should always know what to do.<\/p>\n

Workplace accidents can happen wherever you work, whether you\u2019re an industrial factory<\/a> worker or a retail employee.<\/p>\n

An accident can catch you off guard, but you can be prepared. Get to know the law and the rights you have as a Canadian citizen.<\/p>\n

We can\u2019t prevent accidents. But we can compensate them and hold the appropriate parties liable for their negligence.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to do when you get hurt at work, and an overview of the options you have for retribution.<\/p>\n

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Accidents can happen at any time, so it\u2019s best to understand what to do when you get hurt at work so you can get fair compensation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Your Employer\u2019s Duty to Prevent Workplace Accidents<\/h3>\n

When an employer runs a business, they are obligated to care for the well-being of their employees.<\/p>\n

Under Canadian Tort Law<\/a>, everyone is required to maintain a duty of care to one another. When someone enters a business\u2019 property, whether they are a customer or an employee, standards of safety have to be met.<\/p>\n

For workplaces with more than 20 employees, there also needs to be a joint health and safety committee<\/a>, with at least one worker and one management personnel present. In addition, a certain amount of workers must have First Aid training.<\/p>\n

If an employee is hurt, the employer is required to follow certain procedures<\/a>. This includes filling out an employer accident report form<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When you suffer an injury, your employer is required to provide suitable alternative options that will accommodate your injury. For example, if your job was to stock boxes in the back room, and you suffer a knee injury, they could have you file paperwork instead.<\/p>\n

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When you suffer an injury, your employer is required to provide suitable alternative options that will accommodate your injury.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Types of Work Accident Claims<\/h3>\n

Personal injury at work<\/strong> is a common type of claim we see as lawyers. As employees, we expect to go to work every day and trust that we\u2019re in good hands, but this isn\u2019t always the case.<\/p>\n

The most common work related injuries<\/a> in the office and retail environments are to the hands or lower back. These areas can cause serious injuries in the future if they aren\u2019t cared for right away.<\/p>\n

You are also at risk for slip and fall<\/a> injuries if your employer neglects to care for their property. If equipment, surfaces, or stairways aren\u2019t maintained properly, and you fall, they could be liable<\/a> for your injuries.<\/p>\n

Emotional distress<\/a> is another type of injury you might suffer at the hands of your employer. If they are subjecting you to unfair treatment, verbal abuse, or discrimination, they are negligent.<\/p>\n

Other types of personal injury at work can include equipment malfunction<\/a> due to improper maintenance, and in some cases, assault between co-workers.<\/p>\n

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Emotional distress is another type of injury you might suffer at the hands of your employer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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What to do When You Get Hurt at Work<\/h3>\n

If you suffer a personal injury at work, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. When you go to take your claim to court, you\u2019ll be required to show that you got attention right away.<\/p>\n

When you let your injuries go uncared for, you become liable because you allowed them to get worse. This also gives you less proof that the injuries were from the accident itself.<\/p>\n

File your claim right away. The Ontario <\/strong>Statute of Limitations<\/strong><\/a> allows 2 years from the date of the incident for your claim to process.<\/p>\n

The process itself isn\u2019t quick, so you want to give yourself ample time to make sure you get the compensation you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also extremely important to keep everything. This includes medical documents, receipts for treatment items, photographs of the accident, and the accident report itself.<\/p>\n

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case is going to be, and the better the outcome of your recovery will be.<\/p>\n

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The Ontario Statute of Limitations allows 2 years from the date of the incident for your claim to process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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If I Get Hurt at Work What do I Get Paid?<\/h3>\n

The amount you\u2019ll get in your settlement depends on your specific situation. The factors that determine your settlement amount will include the severity of the injury, how much care and treatment your injury requires, and how much work you\u2019ve had to miss.<\/p>\n

Generally, you can claim for your pain and suffering, as well as the income you\u2019ve lost from not being able to work. These are the most common claims, but there are many others you could qualify for.<\/p>\n

Here is a breakdown of the reimbursements you could be entitled to:<\/p>\n