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Being an employee affords you certain rights in the United States. While you are owed the salary and benefits outlined in your contract, there are also protections against mistreatment by your employer. Another important right is your ability to seek financial compensation if you have been injured in the workplace. Most employers in the United States are required to pay for workers’ compensation insurance. Beyond that, you could pursue a personal injury lawsuit if someone’s negligence results in your accident.
Whether you work on a farm, in an office, or in a remote position, injuries can affect your livelihood. The cost of medical bills and lost wages can destroy your physical and financial well-being.
Let’s look at some common workplace accidents that could make you eligible for some type of compensation with a successful claim.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Either your employer or the property owner is responsible for maintaining a safe property for the people who lawfully use the premises. If they fail to do so, working conditions may be unsafe, leading to a dangerous fall. This could occur due to poor scaffolding policies on a construction site, wet walking surfaces in a retail store, or insufficiently maintained railings in an office building stairwell. If you fall because of a hazard that should have been managed, you could qualify for compensation via a liability lawsuit or workers’ compensation.
Toxic Exposure
Many occupations may involve exposure to chemicals that can cause serious health conditions. For example, falls and equipment malfunctions are not the only dangers on a construction project. Demolition of a building may expose employees to silica dust and asbestos, which can have long-term health effects. Even in an office setting, mold growth within an HVAC system can affect air quality and cause respiratory issues. If you suffer from a disease because of toxic exposure at work, chances are you can recover compensation for your legal damages.
Heavy Machinery Accidents
Numerous industries rely on heavy machinery to conduct operations, from farming to manufacturing. Unfortunately, heavy equipment is far more likely to cause serious injuries, especially if people get entangled in mechanisms or caught between large objects. Loose clothing is also a major concern when operating heavy machinery. If you get hurt because of a tractor operator’s negligence in an agricultural setting, you could pursue farm accident legal options to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and disability losses.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Some employees must drive as part of their work assignments. Perhaps you deliver goods from one location to another, or you provide transportation services. In either case, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and death in the United States. If you are involved in an accident while in the course of your employment, you could be compensated via auto insurance policies, workers’ compensation, or third-party liability claims.
Wear and Tear Injuries
Many workplace injuries do not happen in an instant. Instead, they develop over time and result from exertion or repetitive motion. If your role involves being slightly bent over for long hours, developing chronic lower back pain could make you eligible for disability benefits through workers’ compensation. Office workers who type all day could develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, making it difficult to do their jobs well and affecting other areas of their lives. If you suffer from a wear-and-tear injury while working, a claim could ensure you are financially covered for the losses you experience.
What to Do When You Get Hurt at Work
First, you should never dismiss your workplace injuries. Even if they seem minor at the time, they could develop into something worse, causing dramatic changes in your lifestyle or your ability to earn an income. It is crucial to take swift action upon learning of your condition to maximize your chances of fair compensation, whether through a workers’ comp claim or a third-party lawsuit.
Here are the steps you should follow to prepare for a potential claim:
- Report your injury to your employer or the property manager
- Seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis
- Follow the doctor’s treatment plan and document everything
- File a workers’ compensation claim with the appropriate authority in your state
- Gather evidence of the incident, such as surveillance footage, accident scene photos, or witness statements
- Consult a legal expert who specializes in that area of law
- Keep records of all correspondence related to your claim
- Respond quickly to claims adjusters and keep all documents
Advocating For Yourself Can Secure Your Financial Future
Injuries are a part of life, but they can threaten your long-term well-being when they affect your ability to work. If the injury occurs while in the course of employment, you may have several options to pursue compensation while you recover or if you are forced to find other work. Workers’ compensation, third-party liability, and different types of insurance can provide the financial benefits you need to move forward after your workplace accident.
It all starts with being proactive when you get hurt at work. Don’t wait for the injury to worsen, but report it right away and follow the process for seeking workers’ compensation. If this route doesn’t fit your situation, consult a personal injury lawyer to discuss third-party liability. No one should be financially punished for getting hurt while doing their job.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.