No matter what type of job you have, it is possible that you may slip and fall at work. Many slip-and-fall accidents occur at the workplace due to:
- Debris on the floor
- Uneven carpeting or flooring
- Damaged work equipment or property
- Losing balance or tripping over something while on an elevated surface
While a slip-and-fall may not seem serious at first, injuries may develop in the weeks or months following your accident. Common fall injuries include:
- Spinal injuries (e.g., dislocated discs)
- Soft tissue injuries (e.g., neck sprain)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures (e.g., wrists, arms, legs or ankles)
- Nerve damage
- Bruises and lacerations
- Emotional trauma
Filing a worker’s compensation claim after a slip-and-fall
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to make sure that their employees work in a safe environment. However, workplace injuries do occur, which is why virtually all employers in New York are required to have workers’ compensation insurance for all employees.
If you have been injured due to a slip-and-fall accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical expenses stemming from your injury, as well as lost wages.
To file a claim for workers’ compensation after a workplace slip-and-fall, you should first notify your employer of your accident within 30 days. You should then file Form C-3 with the Worker’s Compensation Board within two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered your injury. You may also have to fill out Form C-3.3 if you suffered an injury to the same part of your body in the past.