If you are injured at work, it is crucial to understand your rights. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can help you pay for medical expenses and missed wages. Additionally, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. Keep reading to learn more about your rights if you are injured at work.
Common causes of injuries at work
There are many ways that someone can get injured at work. Some of the most common causes of workplace injuries include:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Chemical exposure
- Being hit by falling objects
- Lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Machinery accidents
Tips to prevent work injuries
While some injuries are hard to prevent, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some examples:
Wear the proper safety gear for your job
For example, if you work on a construction site, you should always wear a hard hat, steel-toe boots, and other protective clothing. Follow safety protocols, and don’t take shortcuts.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t take risks. If you see a potential hazard, report it to your supervisor. Do not ignore warning signs or safety procedures.
Know your limits
If you are asked to do a task beyond your physical capabilities, speak up. It’s better to ask for help than to risk getting injured.
Take your breaks
If you are feeling fatigued, take a break. It’s essential to rest your body, and you will be less likely to make mistakes if you are well-rested.
Understand Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are injured at work, your first step should notify your employer. Your employer is then required to provide you with information about workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you pay for medical expenses and missed wages. To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you will likely need to complete some paperwork and undergo a medical examination.
If you ever get disabled due to an injury, the company must give you a disability benefits package. This benefit will depend on your salary and how long you have been with the company.
In addition, if you have been paying for a long-term disability policy through your employer, you may be able to receive benefits through that policy as well. But the challenging part is that some insurance companies deny valid claims only to save money. In this case, you need to find a good lawyer to help you receive your disability insurance claims.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may still be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. This is typically only an option if your employer was negligent in causing your injury. For example, if your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may be able to sue for negligence.
You may also be able to sue for your employer’s negligence in failing to provide you with the proper safety equipment. For example, if you were injured while using a defective piece of machinery, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of that machinery.
It is important to note that you can only file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if workers’ compensation benefits are not available to you. Otherwise, you would be required to seek benefits through the workers’ compensation system.
What to Do if You Are Injured at Work
So what exactly should you do after the injury? First, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will ensure that your injuries are documented and treated. It would help if you kept all of your medical bills and records, as these may be used as evidence in a future lawsuit.
Next, you will need to notify your employer of the accident and injury. You should do this in writing and keep a copy for your records. You will need to follow your employer’s procedures for filing a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
It is also essential to speak with an experienced attorney to help you understand your rights and options. An attorney can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case. If you have been injured at work, don’t hesitate to speak with an attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
Final thoughts
Your rights as an employee are essential, and you should never hesitate to speak with an attorney if you have been injured at work. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you pay for medical expenses and missed wages. Still, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if they were negligent in causing your injury. Understanding your rights is the first step in ensuring that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
