It doesn’t matter what your job role is, you have the right to feel safe at work. Although some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, any type of workplace can be the scene of an accident. From a malfunctioning crane on a construction site to a faulty lift in an office block, poorly maintained equipment and buildings can lead to serious accidents.
If you’ve been hurt because of poorly maintained equipment at work, you don’t have to suffer in silence. To find out how a workers comp attorney could help you, take a look at your options:
Table of Contents
1. Claim Workers’ Comp
When an employee is injured at work, they’re usually eligible to claim workers’ compensation. This can cover the cost of your medical care, as well as the wages you’ve lost if you’re unable to work. However, obtaining workers’ comp isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The claims process is complex and there are many reasons why a claim can be denied.
Due to this, many people require the services of a workers’ comp lawyer in order to make a successful claim. As well as ensuring your claim is dealt with properly, an experienced attorney can increase the likelihood of you being awarded workers’ compensation and make sure that you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
2. Take Action Against Your Employer
If you sustain injuries at work because your employer has been negligent or reckless, you might be eligible to take legal action against them. By making a personal injury compensation claim in this way, you could receive more compensation than if you claimed workers’ comp, as punitive damages can be awarded.
There are, however, more issues surrounding liability when you make this type of claim, as opposed to a standard workers’ comp claim. By talking to a workers’ comp lawyer, you can determine whether your employer has been negligent in failing to maintain equipment and, therefore, whether the incident makes you eligible to take direct action against your employer.
3. Report Your Employer to OSHA
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets the standard for workplace safety and investigates accidents and incidents to determine whether an employer has breached regulations. While some types of accidents, such as workplace fatalities, must be reported to OSHA within a specific timeframe, OSHA don’t usually have to be notified if a more minor accident occurs.
If you believe that your employer has breached safety standards or is continuing to do so, you may want to contact OSHA to discuss your concerns. Often, this will lead to an investigation taking place, which could help to make the workplace safer in the future.
Taking Legal Action After a Workplace Accident
As you can see, there are many avenues open to you if you’ve been hurt at work due to poorly maintained equipment. By talking to a workers’ comp attorney, you can determine exactly you’re your rights are, based on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, and decide which option is right for you.