Serious personal injuries can occur at the workplace, impacting an employee’s ability to perform their job and earn a living. While serious injuries can occur, minor injuries such as sprains and bruises can also impact an employee’s ability to perform their job, which may lead to a loss of work and financial difficulties. Due to the wide range of industries and job types, work-related accidents and injuries can take place almost anywhere, from minor personal injury accidents to more serious personal injuries such as trucking or large vehicle accidents and even death.
Employer responsibility and OSHA
It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that proper steps are taken to make the workplace as safe as possible for its employees. Failure to provide a safe work environment could potentially expose employees to work related injuries. If you were injured on the job, your employer may be responsible if they failed to do what is required of them to create a safe workplace environment.
- If your injury is sustained as a result of a defective machine or piece of equipment there may be a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller of the machine or equipment.
- If your injury is sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident or collision you may have the right to sue others who caused the accident to take place.
- If your injury is sustained as a result of employer or co-employee negligence you may be limited to remedies available under the worker’s compensation system.
The United States Office for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines in place that help insure worker safety. These guidelines have helped establish rules that are designed to prevent employees from working in unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous conditions that may impact the employee’s health or safety. If an employee is injured due to improper workplace conditions, or the employer failed to follow the proper OSHA guidelines, the injured employee may be entitled to compensation.
Many work-related accidents are subject to Workman’s Compensation insurance policies, arbitration agreements, and other obstacles to recovering compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can carefully evaluate these work-related claims to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Compensation for work-related injuries can include medical bills, past and future lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful death
Catastrophic work-related accidents can lead to death. In these cases it is not uncommon for wrongful death lawsuits or claims to be filed by family members or beneficiaries of the person who died. These claims may be filed to obtain monetary damages to cover the earnings the deceased person would have provided. Other recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills, funeral bills, and other expenses associated with death
- Lost benefits
- Loss of inheritance
- Pain, suffering or mental anguish
- Loss of companionship, care or protection
- Punitive damages
Workplace injury lawyer
It is important that following your accident you seek the help of an experienced workplace injury lawyer to help ensure that you or your loved ones receive the best outcome. Your lawyer will fight on your behalf to help you recover fair and reasonable compensation for the injuries you sustained.