Getting hurt on the job is hardly desirable. Whereas before you were able to work freely and support your family, following a workplace accident you might not be able to perform the same tasks again for a while, if ever. In situations like this, it might seem as if you are suddenly all out of options and have nowhere to go. However, this could not be further from the truth. If you have been involved in a workplace accident and need compensation, you have alternatives to sitting around and feeling miserable. For starters, you should get in touch with a personal injury lawyer.
The Tatum Law Firm has many years of experience helping individuals win the settlements they need to get on with their lives, and we can do the same for you. By following this guide on workplace accidents, you can start to educate yourself on what to do if you are ever hurt on the job.
What Caused Your Accident?
“Workplace accidents” is an incredibly broad term that does not do justice to the painful effects of work-related injury. This kind of harm can come in a number of varieties, and if you have suffered from either of the following, you might have a case.
- Physical injuries suffered on the job that have caused you to miss extended time or have limited your ability to work again in the future.
- Disease or illness brought on by exposure to dangerous chemicals.
In general, employers are required to maintain a safe environment for their employees, though it deserves to be said that some jobs are more dangerous than others. As such, many states offer broad workers’ compensation plans to help these workers. Laws governing workers’ comp, however, can be tedious, so as soon as you are involved in an accident, you should immediately take administrative steps to protect yourself.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
Depending on where you live, there might be slightly different rules and regulations as regards your injury. That being said, generally speaking, you will need to notify your employer in writing the second you are injured on the job or made aware of an injury (i.e. in the case of workplace-related illness).
After doing this, you will need to submit the proper paperwork as required by your state, and you will want to do this quickly. Wait too long to submit a claim and the court will likely throw out your case. During this part of the process, it is imperative that you look for legal counsel.
Get Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer
Suffering an injury is bad enough without having to go through the courts system, but unfortunately, that happens to be the case most of the time. Workplace accidents are specifically wearisome, and if you have been hurt on the job, it is in your best interest to get help from a personal injury lawyer.
The team at the Tatum Law Firm has been doing exactly this for many years now, and if you want to learn more about the processes involved, contact one of our representatives directly.