What to Do After a Workplace Accident? Employee Rights and Compensation Guide (2025)
Workplace accidents can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is important for an employee to act quickly to protect their medical and legal rights. Additionally, taking the correct steps significantly strengthens the compensation process. In this guide, I explain in detail what to do after a workplace accident and what rights an employee has.
What Is a Workplace Accident?
A workplace accident is an event where an employee suffers harm to their health while performing their job or due to their work. This type of incident directly affects the employee’s physical or psychological condition. Moreover, some incidents are considered occupational even if they occur outside the workplace.
For example:
falling at work,
injury from equipment,
a traffic accident on the way to work in company transportation,
injury while carrying out an employer’s assignment.
1. First Steps After a Workplace Accident
1.1. Seek Medical Assistance
First, move the injured employee to a safe location. Then, call for medical help. Thus, the process begins correctly from both medical and legal perspectives.
1.2. Notify the Employer and SGK
The employer must notify SGK about the accident within three days. Furthermore, this notification initiates the official process.
More details are available on SGK’s website:
https://www.sgk.gov.tr
1.3. Prepare a Workplace Accident Report
Record the details of the incident, witnesses, and mechanism of the accident. This helps, as the report strengthens the compensation claim.
2. What Rights Does an Employee Have?
2.1. Temporary Disability Benefit
If the employee is unable to work during treatment, SGK pays a daily allowance.
2.2. Permanent Disability Income
If the injury results in lasting damage, SGK provides a monthly disability income.
2.3. Material Compensation
The employee may claim compensation for financial damages, such as loss of income or medical expenses.
2.4. Moral (Non-material) Compensation
If the employee suffers physical or emotional distress, they may demand moral damages.
2.5. Compensation Rights
If the employer violated occupational safety regulations, the employee has the right to seek compensation.
The amount is determined by:
salary,
the employer’s level of fault,
severity of the damage.
Additionally, proper calculations help the employee recover losses more effectively.
3. How to Obtain Compensation After a Workplace Accident?
3.1. Collect Documentation
First, gather all evidence. Then, prepare the following documents:
workplace accident report,
witness statements,
medical records,
camera footage,
SGK notification.
As a result, these documents significantly strengthen the case.
3.2. Seek Support From a Lawyer
Workplace accident claims require technical knowledge. Therefore, consulting a labor law attorney speeds up the process. Moreover, a lawyer ensures an accurate compensation calculation.
3.3. Do Not Miss the Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit
An employee may file a compensation lawsuit within 10 years. However, quick action helps preserve evidence and increases the chance of obtaining compensation.
4. Employer Obligations
The employer must ensure safe working conditions. Additionally, they must implement occupational safety measures. Also, they must notify SGK and prepare all necessary documents.
If the employer fails to fulfill these obligations, their level of fault increases, and the compensation amount becomes higher.
5. Most Common Causes of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents generally occur due to similar reasons. For example:
lack of safety measures,
absence of protective equipment,
technical failures or poor maintenance,
excessive workload and overtime,
insufficient training.
Thus, in many cases, employer negligence is the main factor behind the incident.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employee receive compensation after a workplace accident?
Yes. If the employer is at fault, the employee has the right to request compensation.
Is a traffic accident on the way to work considered a workplace accident?
Yes. Accidents that occur while commuting to or from work are considered occupational.
What happens if the employer does not notify SGK?
The employer receives an administrative fine. However, the employee can still request compensation.
Conclusion: Employees Must Know Their Rights and Act Correctly
Workplace accidents lead to serious consequences. Therefore, an employee must collect evidence and manage the process correctly. Additionally, if the legal conditions are met, the employee can request compensation and recover their losses.
If you need professional assistance, CR Partners provides legal consultations regarding workplace injuries and labor rights. To book a consultation, click here.
