What Are Your Rights If You Were Injured at Work?
Accidents at work happen all the time. While we never expect these sad tragedies to happen, it’s good to know that companies are required to pay for workers’ compensation insurance in every state to safeguard their employees’ health and well-being. To help reduce workplace injuries and accidents, creating a safe and healthy work environment is a must. Regardless of how careful you are, work-related injuries can still happen. Broken bones, head injuries, disease, psychological ailments, burns, and other occupational dangers are all possible injuries. Continue reading if you’ve been hurt at work and are unsure how to proceed and obtain proper workers compensation payments.
The most important thing for employees to know is that if they are hurt on the job, they should notify a supervisor as soon as possible, verbally and definitely in writing. Some states demand written notice to the employer, while others allow verbal notification. Employees should, however, disclose all on-the-job injuries to supervisory officials in writing to be safe. Because some jurisdictions have a limited filing date (known as the statute of limitations), you should file as soon as possible to avoid losing any legal claims to workers compensation benefits from your employer.
Can you sue your employer for a work-related injury?
Suing will not be a possibility unless the employer intentionally and knowingly caused the employee injury. Workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault system, which means the employee does not have to establish fault in order to file a claim and get fair compensation for the injury. If an injured employee does not have workers’ compensation insurance, they can bring a personal injury case in civil court against their company.
Is it necessary for you to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?
That is debatable. If your accident was mild and straightforward, you may not need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. However, if you have experienced a serious injury or occupational sickness that necessitates extensive recuperation and medical care, consulting an attorney may be a wise decision. When your health and financial well-being are at stake, it’s in your best interests to seek fair recompense for your injuries. An attorney can assist you in understanding your rights to fair compensation and pursuing these financial benefits to the fullest extent possible.
What Are the Different Types of Workplace Injuries Covered?
The easiest approach to address this issue is to list the types of work-related injuries that are not covered. Worker’s compensation insurance is unlikely to cover accidents caused (wholly or partially) by drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants. Similarly, injuries that occur during a break or lunch away from work, or during a commute, are unlikely to be covered.
What Happens If Your Employer Isn’t Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Employers may not have insurance in some cases because they do not satisfy the minimal number of ploys that demand coverage. Depending on the details of your injuries, you may be able to submit a personal injury claim for a personal injury lawsuit. Because you must establish your company was at fault for the injury accident, suing your employer in a court of law takes far longer than filing a workers’ compensation claim.