Landscaping professionals often contend with a variety of hazards in their line of work, from operating heavy machinery and handling tools to exposure to chemicals and working in variable weather conditions. The physical nature of the job also presents risks such as falls, cuts, or muscle strains.
In light of these occupational hazards, it’s crucial for landscaping workers to know the appropriate actions to take if an injury occurs. Prompt attention not only facilitates better recovery but can also be vital in securing just compensation for any harm endured on the job. Here are some of the most important things you can do following a landscaping injury:
Seek Medical Attention
The immediate priority after sustaining an injury during landscaping work is to seek medical attention, even if the harm does not appear severe at first. Some injuries develop over time, or their severity may become more evident only after a professional assessment.
Thorough and prompt medical documentation of your injuries acts as the foundation in any workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit you may pursue afterwards. They are official records that validate your claim regarding the extent of physical damage suffered and will help establish causation between your accident and your injury.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
It is essential to notify your supervisor or employer about an injury as quickly as practical, ideally in writing. The reporting step creates a crucial record necessary for any potential workers’ compensation claims or further legal action. It’s okay to let them know what happened in person, but always follow up with a written report.
In most cases, failing to promptly report an incident to your employer will complicate or even jeopardize your path to recover compensation.
Document Everything
Keeping a record after your injury is important, as it bolsters the integrity of your claim. This should include details of how the incident occurred, any visible injuries you sustained, the medical treatment you received (including dates and outcomes), and communication records with both employers and insurance representatives.
Consult a Personal Injury/Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s highly recommended to consult with a personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer who can provide guidance tailored specifically to your circumstances.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles work injury attorney will be capable of navigating complex claims processes, interacting with insurance representatives and other relevant parties, and just generally advocating for the best possible outcome.
Determining if You Have a Workers’ Comp or a Personal Injury Claim
To determine whether you have a workers’ comp or personal injury claim from your landscaping injury, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two areas of law.
Workers’ Comp Claims
Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries occurring in the course and scope of employment without consideration of who was at fault for the injury. These types of claims provide wage replacement benefits and compensate you for a portion of your lost wages.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims, on the other hand, usually involve harm caused by another party’s negligence or intentional acts. It can occur while working, but it could also happen outside of an employment context. In a personal injury case, you would need to prove that someone else was legally responsible for causing your injury.
Personal injury claims may offer a broader range of potential damages, including full compensation for medical bills, past and future wage loss, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, these cases require proving someone else was at fault for your injuries.
Our Los Angeles landscaping injury lawyers can examine your situation to determine whether you’re looking at a workers’ compensation claim, personal injury claim, or potentially both. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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