Workplace Injury: What Happens If You Are Injured At Work
Accidents at work happen every day across the United States. Recent statistics have shown that approximately 4 million disabling injuries occur every year, and about 5,000 unintentional workplace deaths. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment and in some cases, employees are not receiving proper training at the workplace. In most cases, industrial accidents are not the fault of the employer, but if workers compensation is not available, the only choice some employees have is to file a lawsuit against their employer.
The most common workplace injuries in factories are caused by defective equipment, faulty tools, or an unsafe working environment. Construction accidents generally include falls from ladders, roofs, and scaffolding. Automobile accidents occur frequently to employees who drive delivery trucks, sales vehicles, or maintenance vehicles.
However, even in fields that are not typically considered dangerous, many types of injuries can occur. One of the most common workplace injuries to office workers is carpal tunnel syndrome caused by unsafe or improper equipment and tools. Back injuries, knee injuries, brain injuries due to falling objects, and strains and sprains are also common workplace injuries that can occur if the working conditions are unsafe.
Additionally, some factories and manufacturers use hazardous chemicals or toxins. If proper safety equipment is not in place, frequent injuries or illness can occur.
Workers compensation laws do not include the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if youve been injured at work. However, you are not prevented from filing a civil lawsuit against other parties who may be responsible for your injuries, such as manufacturers of dangerous or defective equipment, reckless car and truck drivers, and owners of unsafe property.
If youve been injured at work, you should contact a qualified attorney because you may be eligible to receive damages that are not covered by workers compensation. Because workers compensation laws vary from state to state, consulting an attorney is very important if youve been injured at work. You could be entitled to damages resulting from pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, future financial loss, disability, and other damages related to your injury.
