Six Work Injuries That Warrant a Work Accident Injury Lawyer

0
Personal injury lawyer with clipboard and law.

Getting injured at work is more common than you may think. A work injury is one where you are injured while you are on job and you require medical treatment for your injuries, even if the medical treatment is relatively minor. You may need a work accident injury lawyer if your employer refuses to pay worker’s compensation or if you lose your job because you’re injured.

Six Work Injuries That Warrant a Work Accident Injury Lawyer

1. Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common reasons to file a workers’ compensation claim. Slip and fall accidents occur when you slip on a slick floor, if you trip due to poor lighting, clutter, or uncovered holes in the floor, or if you fall off of ladders or other high areas at a construction site. Slip and fall injuries can usually be prevented by following good OSHA standards, but many workplaces have circumstances where slip and fall accidents are more common.

2. Overexertion

Overexertion or muscle strains are another reason to file a worker’s compensation claim. Muscle strains usually happen because of repetitive motions, which can cause long-term pain, inflammation of the muscles, loss of mobility, and a decline in productivity. Many circumstances can cause overexertion including improper lifting, microtasks, repetitive work, or working on a computer.

Overexertion can also be caused by working without breaks to allow the muscles to rest. If you have been injured from overexertion at work, then the best thing to do is to seek treatment as soon as possible and file for worker’s compensation. Speedy treatment is the best way to prevent long-lasting medical issues

3. Falling Objects or Equipment

People who work in industrial settings are at higher risk of falling objects or equipment, which can cause serious injuries. Many of these injuries are related to the limbs, hands, traumatic head injuries, and broken bones.

If you’ve been injured by a falling object or equipment, then your employer is responsible for your injury because they likely have not observed OSHA protocols to prevent injuries. It’s also incumbent on your employer to ensure that all employees have the proper protective personal equipment to prevent more serious injuries.

4. Collisions

Usually, collision injuries at work occur if you are using specialized equipment such as a forklift or if you were using a motor vehicle to make deliveries. Your employer should have motor vehicle insurance for you as an operator of a company-owned vehicle, which should pay for your treatments.

However, there are some circumstances where your employer or your employer’s insurance will not want to pay for car crashes or other accidents involving specialized motor equipment, which is when you will need the help of Houston work accident injury lawyers.

5. Harmful Substances

Some work environments have a heightened risk of exposure to harmful substances. If you were working around hazardous chemicals or gases, and you do not have adequate protection for your skin, eyes, or lungs, then your employer may be responsible for your injuries.

Although it is the employee’s responsibility to wear proper personalized protective equipment, there are some circumstances where the employer provides banned or harmful substances for heavy-duty cleaning that can contribute to a workplace injury.

6. Explosions and Fire

Finally, some professions have a high risk of explosions or injuries from fires that can cause significant damage and even disfigurement. Work environments such as oil rigs are common places to be injured in a workplace explosion or fire. The type of injury you have will have a direct impact on your worker’s compensation claim, particularly if you need to have paid time off to recover from your injuries.

How Worker’s Compensation Works

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides both medical and income benefits to employees who are injured while working, regardless of whether the employer or employee is responsible for the injury. However, while this insurance is helpful, not all private Employers in Texas are obligated to provide workers’ compensation. And even if workers’ compensation is provided, not all employers are inclined to award compensation.

What If Your Employer Won’t Pay?

It’s very common for employers to avoid providing compensation for workplace injuries, which is why you may need the help of a lawyer to file your claim and receive your compensation. In Texas, you will have 30 days from the date of your injury to make a worker’s compensation claim. Once your employer has the claim, they are then obligated to process your claim so you can be compensated with paid time off and for any medical treatments you need.

You may need a lawyer during the benefit review conference, during any appeals you may need to file against your employer, or during a contested hearing if your employer refuses to provide worker’s compensation insurance. Work accident injury lawyers will help you gather the evidence necessary to prove you were injured on the job and help you file paperwork.

There are many injuries that qualify for worker’s compensation claims, including slip and falls, overexertion, collisions, and harmful substances. If your employer offers worker’s compensation insurance, then they are obligated to provide this insurance if you’re injured at work. In a case where your employer refuses to provide insurance, you may need a work accident lawyer to help you file a claim so you can receive your compensation.

Conclusion

You’re lucky if your employer or insurer gives you the proper compensation you deserve. But if they don’t, then you need an injury work lawyer. From assisting to negotiating with your insurers, your attorney can significantly help you. While you may not have avoided an accident, you have the right to demand claims. Contact a lawyer near you and get a free consultation.

Many people take a safe working environment for granted, assured in the knowledge that accidents in their role are incredibly rare. However, becoming complacent while carrying out everyday tasks can mean that even workplaces with less obvious hazards can pose risks to employees, no matter what their roles are.

Accidents can take place anywhere, and more serious incidents can have a long-term physical and emotional impact on those affected, while also having significant financial implications for the business itself.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here