In 2020, 4,764 workers in the United States suffered fatal injuries at work. Workplace accidents often involve getting hurt twice. First, with the initial injury, and then again when you don’t get the workers’ compensation you’re entitled to.
Too often, workers don’t understand their legal rights. Understanding your rights is crucial, as workplace injuries can have a huge impact on your future. Want to learn more about worker compensation? Then read on.
How Do People Get Hurt?
The most common types of workplace injuries involve falls. Construction accidents often involve falling from a great height, so fatalities and serious injuries can occur.
It’s not just people who can fall; sometimes people are hit by falling objects. While it’s not common, some workers experience electrocution incidents.
Often, in these kinds of incidents, a worker makes a mistake. But that doesn’t mean there’s no accident claim to be made. Safety regulations should protect workers from their mistakes. Even if you feel you were to blame for an incident, the company could still have been negligent.
Legal Protections for Workers
Even if there’s no negligence, that doesn’t mean you won’t get any compensation. Basic Worker’s compensation will provide most accident victims with medical benefits and wage replacements. To make sure you get worker compensation, always report injuries as soon as possible.
If you feel there was employer negligence, you can file a personal injury claim. If you’re successful, you’ll get additional compensation.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident, your priority is getting medical attention. While you shouldn’t delay reporting the incident, don’t try to start the proceedings from the hospital waiting room. Look out for your health first.
Once you’ve seen a doctor, you should report the incident. You should also take the time to gather any evidence. Things like photographs, witness statements, and medical reports could be crucial in your case. Don’t delay too much in putting your evidence together – the longer you wait, the harder it gets.
You should go online and click for workers compensation specialists to learn more about what you need to do.
What is the Employer Responsible for after an Incident?
The employer will also need to take prompt action. First, they need to figure out exactly what happened. Until what caused the incident is properly understood, work can’t continue. Things can only start up again if it’s clear strict OSHA guidelines are in place.
Your employer will need to demonstrate that they’ve fully understood the circumstances of the incident. They’ll also need to show how they’re going to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Victims of construction accidents Need legal help
If you’re even injured at work, you should always get some legal advice. Sometimes people feel ashamed that they made a mistake, so they don’t seek advice. But most construction accidents involve mistakes by multiple parties.
Often, talking to a lawyer helps you see how the incident wasn’t totally your fault. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so it’s never a bad move to explore your legal options.
Are you interested in learning about some more topics relating to workplace regulations and the law? Check out the rest of our blog posts.