Q: Yesterday I suffered an injury at work. Given the details I’ve provided, what’s the likelihood I take legal action?
Yesterday I was at work when a hand cart I was moving upended, tipping approximately 300 pounds of product in totes onto me. The cart caught an uneven portion of the floor, causing it to flip in my direction. When I asked for an ice pack I wasn’t referred to an emergency medical responder (which we have on staff). I was simply given the ice pack and told to get back to work, which I did briefly. When I realized just how hurt I was I told them I wanted to go the doctor, which they allowed. The medical report lists the following issues: “Accidental fall on same level from slipping, tripping, or stumbling. Arm contusion, right, initial encounter. Hand injury, right, initial encounter. Lumbar strain.”
Here are the main issues I would like to address:
1. I wasn’t evaluated by emergency responders on site
2. I wasn’t asked by management or our EHS leader if I was alright
3. A few months ago I filed a complaint about the uneven floor in that area and nothing was done
A:
It looks like your injuries arose in the course of employment. If that's the case, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney. Personal Injury and Employment Law were good choices for categories on your part, but WC attorneys specialize in workplace accidents. Most offer free initial consults. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
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