What You Need to Know About Workplace Accidents and How an Attorney Can Help

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

Nobody expects to be injured on the job, but it happens to thousands of people every year. There are many dangerous jobs out there, including construction work, agricultural work, steel working, and so much more however, even those who work in offices are injured yearly. You could become injured when driving to a location during work time. No matter how your workplace accident occurs, it is helpful to have an attorney on your side through it all.

Common Types of Work Injuries

The U.S. Department of Labor collects annual information concerning workplace injuries. According to their research, some of the most common types of work-related injuries include:

Overextension: This is typically referred to as one of the most common workplace injuries. When a worker pulls, pushes, or lifts objects, they are at risk of overextension. As a result, they could receive sprained and torn muscles, ten- dons, and ligaments. Some of the most serious injuries, like disk herniations in the back, may occur.

Repetitive Motion: Repetitive motion injuries are caused by repeatedly making the same motions in the workplace, such as jobs involving typing. These injuries can affect the shoulder and neck, wrists, and even a person's vision. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common repetitive motion injuries.

Slips and Falls: These injuries usually occur when debris or fluids are left on the floor. They can result in serious injuries like those to the head, bone fractures, and torn ligaments.

Falling Objects: Especially in the construction workplace, falling objects can cause trauma. Objects may fall from product shelves, ladders, forklifts, and more. This could result in head, face, neck, and feet injuries.

Moving Vehicle Accidents: If a worker must drive a company vehicle like a truck, car, or van during work, they are at risk of moving vehicle accidents. They can occur anywhere, including on highways or in a parking lot.

What to do After an Accident

There are some steps that you can take to protect your legal rights after an accident in the workplace. The first thing that you should always do is receive medical attention, especially if it is an emergency. If an employer suggests a doctor to you and you are unhappy with the outcome, you may ask the employer if you can see another doctor. In most cases, you will be entitled to a second opinion, even if you must pay for it yourself. Depending on the extent of your injuries, it may be worth it!

You should always make an accident report not only for your employer to investigate the situation that caused your accident but also to assert your rights as soon as possible. This could work as a preventative measure to save the health of other employees in the future as well as protect you. The employer must then take measures to file a workers' compensation claim with their insurance company on your behalf. When you report the injury, this can take place.

Determining

Liability

No matter who was at fault for your injury, you will be eligible for workers' compensation under the laws. For instance, what should you expect if your employer failed to provide you with the correct equipment for a job and you fell? Or what if a third party left a liquid on the floor, and you slipped and fell? In these situations, you will still be covered by workers' compensation.

In fact, workers' comp benefits will still cover you even if you have contributed to your accident. For example, if you improperly use a machine despite your training and are injured, you will still receive workers' comp benefits. However, you should not expect to receive these benefits if you intentionally inflicted the injury, were intoxicated, or violated a company safety policy. You could then find that your compensation is reduced.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured and begun the workers' compensation process, it is complicated and has trials along the way. Even though they are legitimate, workers' compensation claims will often be denied by employers or insurance carriers, which means that you will have to go through an appeals process. You want to avoid facing this process on your own, so you should have an experienced attorney who understands the workers' comp laws in New York. Contact the Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. Call 855-7688845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.usl