If you’re injured or become ill at work, you should hire a workers’ compensation attorney. Whether you’re a dockworker or in the office, work-related injuries could happen anywhere. A negligent employer cuts corners and puts you at risk. An impatient coworker makes a mistake.
In 2023, there were as many as 4.07 million injuries associated with work (National Safety Council). Injured workers need to know the best things to do after a workplace accident. Learn what to do when you are hurt at work, and why an attorney is your best bet to maximum compensation.
Defining a Workplace Injury
Several factors affect a worker’s compensation claim. For example, if the injury occurred when you were on the clock or off-duty. Other things to consider include if you were working your normal job, or if you were on the way to work.
We’ve handled and won workers’ compensation cases for the past 24 years. If you’ve experienced one of the following common injuries at work, you may have a claim.
- Injuries at construction sites
- Workplace slip and falls
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Injuries from falls, or falling objects
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Faulty machinery and equipment incidents
What to Do if the Accident was Your Fault
You can still file a workers’ compensation claim if the accident was your fault. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You don’t have to prove fault. You just have to prove that the injury occurred at work.
Determining if Your Employer is Responsible
If hurt on the job, you may be able to hold your employer liable. Responsibility could also extend to third parties. We’ve handled workers’ compensation claims with liable contractors and subcontractors.
If Your Employer is Threatening Retaliation
If your employer is threatening to fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, that is illegal. An attorney could assist in defending your rights.
What to Do When Injured on the Job
1. Seek Medical Help
You should always seek medical treatment after a workplace accident, even if you think you’re okay. Whether it’s a minor ache or a broken bone, you should always go to the doctor. Any medical documents will help build your claim.
However, you must visit a doctor covered by your workers’ compensation benefits.
2. Report Your Injuries as Soon as Possible
You’ll want to inform your employer immediately. Don’t risk an extended length of time to report your work injury. Wait too long, and you risk damaging your claim. Most of the time, you sacrifice benefits if you don’t alert your employer within 30 days.
3. File an Accident Report
When you report the accident, you fight for your right to workers’ compensation. If you don’t file a report in time, you could lose your right to benefits.
4. Hire an Attorney for Injuries at Work
Work injury laws are difficult to navigate. When you hire an attorney, you can focus on recovery while they handle all legal matters.
What to Do If You Can’t Afford an Attorney
If you can’t afford an attorney, you still have options. Many law firms use contingency fees. Basically, you don’t pay any upfront charges unless you win. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Damages You Could Be Compensated for if You Were Injured at Work
Workers’ compensation laws help pay injured workers like you while you recover. They grant access to three types of compensation, including other benefits:
- Wage replacement or lost wages
- Compensation for medical bills
- Vocational rehabilitation, like counseling or assistive technology
An attorney could help you fight for other damages too. For example, imagine if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer) caused your injury. You could pursue a third-party personal injury claim for pain and suffering.
What to Do if Your Employer Denies the Claim
Don’t worry. If your employer tries to fight your claim, you can appeal the decision. However, this can quickly become complicated. An experienced attorney will help file the appeal and fight for you.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Legal Team
When your employer fails to pay worker’s compensation benefits, it affects every aspect of your future. Don’t risk representing yourself without a lawyer. Legal representation will help you every step of the way.
We’ve represented more than 250,000 clients in the past two decades. With more than $2 billion recovered, imagine what we could do for you. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed and help you return to work. Book your free case review today.
