I Slipped and Fell at Work, What Should I Do?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are the third leading cause of death in injury-related accidents at work. For some workers, particularly those in the construction field, injury-related accidents occur at a higher rate. But, anyone can slip and fall at work – even those who don’t have a physically strenuous job, such as office employees.

If you were hurt in a slip and fall at work, call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for help. Our slip and fall workers’ compensation lawyers can help make sense out of your confusing workers’ compensation paperwork so you can get your claim filed right away and begin your recovery.

Call us at (312) 236-2900 to set up a free consultation.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Employers are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an organization that provides training resources to help companies maintain a safe and healthy workplace. If you slip and fall at work, it’s possible that your employer was not following OSHA enforcement correctly.

Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Uneven or cracked flooring
• Spills or liquids that make the floor slippery
• Inadequate lighting
• Materials blocking the walkway, such as debris, tools, or exposed cords
• Missing stair rails
• Failure to post warning signs about slippery conditions or other potential problems

While slip and fall injuries can be minor, they often cause serious injuries. In fact, according to the NSC’s most recent data, over 47,000 workers who slipped and fell suffered injuries severe enough to require a few days off work.

Injuries from a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident often results in injuries, such as:

• • Lacerations
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

Slips and falls at work may even lead to death. While the NSC found that the majority of fatal falls were from heights of at least 20 feet, 11 percent of fatalities were attributed to falls that occurred at six feet or lower.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall At Work

Illinois law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical treatment, lost wages, and related costs. However, workers’ comp benefits do not begin automatically—you must report your injury and file a claim.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

After a slip and fall, you should:

• Notify your employer as soon as possible
• Seek medical treatment immediately
• Document the hazard that caused your fall
• Keep records of your symptoms and missed work
• File a workers’ compensation claim within the required deadline

When a Third-Party Claim May Apply

Suppose a property owner, maintenance company, equipment manufacturer, or another third party contributed to the unsafe condition that caused your fall. In that case, you may also have grounds for a third-party injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.

Hurt at Work? Call a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Whether you need to file a first-party claim or a third-party claim with the insurance company, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is here to help. We understand how confusing the workers’ compensation process can be, and we’re here to guide you through the paperwork, providing support every step of the way so that you can focus on your recovery.

To arrange a free consultation with a trusted lawyer, contact us at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form.