In 2019, 5,333 workers died from a work-related injury, a number up 2% from the previous year. Accidental death at work is a nightmare for everyone involved. If your company failed to provide safety measures, it is important to know the legal steps you must take.
Read on to learn about five legal next steps when there’s been an accidental death at work.
Respond Immediately After the Incident
Although an accidental death is a shock, it is necessary to respond immediately after the incident occurs. The first thing to do is to call for emergency help for the victim. Business owners and managers should work together to get other employees to a safe location to ensure the problem doesn’t occur to someone else.
Accidental death at the workplace could mean that others got injured too. After getting employees away from the departed, check to see if anyone else got injured.
While an emergency service is on the way, you should assist anyone else who got hurt. For minor issues, first aid may be required. Anyone else who needs treatment beyond first aid should get help when the emergency services arrive.
Keep Evidence
Different states have accidental death laws that vary. It is important to make yourself familiar with these laws before an incident happens.
While the incident is on your mind, it is important to write down relevant details and gather as much information as possible. You should even speak to those who witnessed it if you didn’t see it for yourself. An accidental death should get documented for legal purposes.
All other injuries should be accounted for even if an employee says they are fine. They may seek medical treatment later on or file a claim for workers’ compensation.
Follow Through With Paperwork
Accidental death at work will come with a lot of paperwork. If another employee was badly injured, you should work with them to file a workers’ comp claim.
As a business owner, maintaining communication is key during an accident like this. Everyone should be involved, the employees, claims adjustor, the doctor, and the insurance agent.
Hire a Lawyer
If the employee was a loved one in an accidental death, the family may file a lawsuit. Employers should continue to keep the communication lines open, especially with their attorneys. As a business owner, you should consider going with the local choice when hiring a lawyer.
Begin Corrective Action
Even though death was accidental, there are probably ways to make the work environment safer. Chances are, your other employees are now spooked about coming to work.
It is important to let your employees know that safety is at the top of your priorities list. Before getting back to work, begin corrective action to prevent a reoccurrence from happening.
Know What to Do After an Accidental Death
When an accidental death happens in the workplace, it is important to know how to deal with it. It is good to be hopeful about injuries not occurring, but always know what to do in the event of one just in case. Not following the right legal actions after an accidental death could lead to negative outcomes for you and your company.
Keep coming back for more legal advice for the business industry.