Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. While the majority of effects from this type of accident are mild, even a relatively minor injury can affect your ability to work. A workers’ compensation settlement can pay for medical bills and reimburse you for lost wages to help you recover after an accident. If you slipped, tripped, or fell at work or while performing a work-related activity, a slip and fall attorney from Smith & Baltaxe, LLP in San Francisco, CA, can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Bernhard Baltaxe and Byron Smith are skilled workers’ compensation lawyers who understand the complexities of these types of cases. Contact our office online or call (415) 292-7800 to speak to a member of our team and find out how we can help.
What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slipping, tripping, or falling on the job all fall under this type of workers’ compensation claim. The most common causes of falls at work include:
- Torn, uneven, or cracked flooring
- Inadequate lighting
- Exposed cables
- Wet floors
- Uneven or broken stairs
- Missing or insufficient warning signs
Any of these situations can lead to serious injury for employees. Most often, a slip or fall at work leads to a back, neck, or arm injury, which can significantly impact your ability to perform your job. If you were tripped or slipped at work or while performing a task related to your job, you likely have grounds to file for workers’ compensation.
How to Handle a Fall at Work
The first thing you should do after a fall at work is seek any emergency medical care you need. Once you have received medical attention, you should:
- Report the accident to your employer. If possible, you should file a formal written document relating the accident within 48 hours.
- Begin the process of submitting a workers’ compensation claim.
- Undergo a full medical evaluation. Your doctor can give you a better sense of the long-term implications of your accident and the potential cost of treatment.
Your employer may request that you use a provider within their network. However, you can always get a second opinion if you do not trust the response from the in-network doctor. Our attorneys can provide recommendations for trusted, local professionals.
The Importance of an Attorney
Workers’ compensation cases are complex. While you do not need to prove your employer was at fault, as in personal injury cases, you still need to have evidence that your injury was directly related to your work duties. Filing all the necessary paperwork correctly can quickly become overwhelming and a large number of workers’ compensation claims are initially denied.
We are here to support you throughout your process to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover after a fall at work.
Our team at Smith & Baltaxe can assist you with every stage of obtaining a settlement from your employer. We can guide you through the initial filing process and represent you in the case of a denial. Our attorneys understand how complicated these types of cases are. We are here to support you throughout the process to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover after a fall at work.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you were injured at work and are not sure you have a case, schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate workers’ compensation attorneys. We can review the details of your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office online or call us at (415) 292-7800 today to learn more.
