In our previous post, we prepared a simplified guide for you on how to proceed when an employee suffers a workplace accident. That article focused on what you should do when an employee has a workplace accident. Now we will focus on a similar problem, but from the opposite side, and instead examine what NOT to do during an employee's workplace accident.
Do not try to worsen the consequences of the workplace accident
The first moments of an employee injured in a workplace accident are always focused on stabilizing their health condition. Often with the help of other colleagues, the employee receives basic treatment or emergency services are called.
If you have suffered a workplace accident, do not try in any way to consciously or unconsciously worsen your health condition. Follow the principles for providing first aid and in case of complicated health situations, remain calm until emergency services arrive (even considering the pain).
This concerns not only your health (so it doesn't deteriorate further), but also your claims for compensation. If you intentionally worsen your health condition, your compensation/damages for the workplace accident from the employer will subsequently be reduced.
Provide truthful information about the occurrence of the workplace accident
Incorrect and incomplete information can significantly complicate your path to obtaining claims from a workplace accident. Do not try to make your actions leading to the workplace accident look better than they actually were, and during consultation with your representative, always provide complete and truthful information about the origin and extent of your injuries from workplace accidents.
It is equally crucial whether the events leading to the workplace accident were influenced by the presence of alcohol or other narcotic and psychotropic substances. Every employee is obligated to submit to testing to determine the influence of narcotic and psychotropic substances in the workplace; similarly, in case of injury, the attending physician performs an assessment of such influence. However, the presence of narcotic substances is not only crucial for the employee injured in the workplace accident, but is also important for assessing the actions of other workers in the workplace when searching for the cause of the workplace accident. Records of the workplace accident should contain truthful facts; remember that workplace accidents are often witnessed by eyewitnesses who subsequently testify about its course.
Do not try to protect the employer's interests
If an employee's injury relates to work performance, always tell the attending physician that the workplace accident occurred within the workplace. Do not try to protect your employer's interests in these moments, but focus on protecting your own interests. The employer's interests regarding potential fines/compensation for the workplace accident can be protected later in the further process of employee rights from the workplace accident. Moreover, the employer is legally insured for cases of workplace accidents. Therefore, compensation payments for workplace accidents are often made by the employer's health insurance company.
Workplace safety is one of the fundamental rights of employees in the workplace. Every workplace accident may be a consequence of the employer's inadequate occupational health and safety measures. Thanks to the workplace accident, the employer can gain awareness of operational risks and prevent further workplace accidents among other employees (including fatal ones - resulting in death).
Do not make agreements with the employer without consulting an expert
A workplace accident on your side is associated with a whole range of claims that can be compensated and satisfied. To obtain the maximum amount of compensation, you must conduct a comprehensive assessment of all your claims. In case of a workplace accident, the employer may tend to offer you an agreement on compensation for your claims. Often, the offered settlement amount does not include all the employee's claims that they would otherwise achieve if they consulted with an expert.
Contact our expert employee rights portal so we can help you get the rightfull compansation. This way, you can be sure that the compensation and damages for the workplace accident will include all claims you can obtain in the given situation.
Employee Rights Advises
What not to do during a workplace accident and how to get the highest compensation you can learn through our employee rights portal. We defend and enforce employee rights. At the same time, we provide employees with basic education and assistance in the field of labor law and their rights (our blog).
We protect and enforce employee rights. We strive to improve the working environment of employees in the Czech Republic. We are also your support when dealing with workplace accidents. For news, advice and tips on employee rights, we recommend our blog section, or following our social networks Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Thank you.
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I suffered an accident at work and it was only through legal aid that I was able to find out what I could claim from my employer. I therefore claimed from my employer for reimbursement of medical expenses, compensation for wages during incapacity for work and a subsequent annuity. My employer also paid me severance pay, which I never thought would be such a large sum.
Marie R.
I contacted this company for help. I thought I was entitled to severance pay due to my medical condition and occupational illness, but my employer claimed I was not entitled to anything. Fortunately, I didn't take their arrogance lying down, and thanks to their help, they paid me severance pay and are still paying me an annuity due to my occupational illness. Thank you very much.
Radim K.
Thank you for your service and help in a difficult situation with my employer. I have dealt with unpaid compensation from my employer when travelling abroad for work. In the end we resolved everything. Thanks for your help, willingness, determination, and most importantly motivation to not give up just out of fear of being in a weaker position.
Kateřina D.
I got fired when I was pregnant at the time. I thought that was a valid notice. Fortunately, I took advice on the situation and was not left destitute and unsecured, thank you so much for your human touch, empathy and discretion in handling the whole matter.
Martin F.
Thank you so much for helping me with a problem at work. It was about the payment of wage compensation during and after the treatment period. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known I was entitled to anything like that. I am glad I sought information and chose your services. I don't wish anyone to experience such things, but if you already run into some problems, don't hesitate to choose the help of professionals, they are the people in their place.
