Worksite First Aid vs. Calling an Ambulance in Chicago

After a workplace accident in Chicago, you may have the option to either accept first aid at the worksite or call an ambulance. Which should you choose? Should you rely on the basic first aid training of a fellow employee, or should you play it safe and call 9-11? Regardless of which decision you made, you can contact an experienced Chicago workers’ comp lawyer for further guidance about your next potential steps.

When in Doubt, Call an Ambulance

If you’re not sure whether you need to call an ambulance after a workplace accident, it’s best to play it safe. Call an ambulance if you think that worksite first aid might not be enough to handle your injuries. Remember, you’re not a doctor. Chances are, your co-workers probably aren’t doctors, either. This means that the only way to determine how serious your injuries are is to see a medical professional.

You have the right to push back if your supervisor or employer tries to dissuade you from calling an ambulance. You also have the right to draw attention to certain safety issues at your workplace without fear of retaliation. No matter what your boss says, there is nothing wrong with calling an ambulance if you’re worried about your injuries.

First Aid Could Be Helpful for Extremely Minor Injuries

That said, first aid could be suitable if your injuries are extremely minor. For example, you might have suffered a very light laceration, and you may only need a Band-Aid. Perhaps you got something in your eye, and a simple trip to the first aid station could be all you need to wash it out.

With that said, even light lacerations can be problematic if they become infected. In addition, certain chemicals can cause serious problems if you do not wash them out of your eyes effectively. For this reason, even seemingly “minor” injuries may require professional medical attention.

Can I Still File a Workers’ Comp Claim if I Never Called an Ambulance?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you never called 911 at your workplace. Many injuries occur gradually over time, and these injuries still lead to compensation even if first responders never arrived at the worksite.

That being said, you should see a legitimate doctor as soon as possible after leaving your workplace. Explain your situation, and describe the first-aid care you received at the work site. Your doctor can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis, and this appointment will create valuable medical records that you can use when pursuing your claims. If you never see a doctor, you won’t have the necessary medical records to prove your injury occurred.

Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Chicago Help Me?

A workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago may be able to help if you’re searching for answers after a serious workplace accident. While the workers’ comp system is supposed to be easy to navigate, various factors could complicate your pathway toward compensation. Online research is a positive first move, but a lawyer could offer more targeted advice. Continue this conversation with Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources:

 chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dps/ContractAdministration/Specs/2019/Spec946800Exhibit12019CDAConstructionSafetyManual.pdf

osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf