Many workers become injured on the job. When this happens, a workplace accident attorney can help the injured worker recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible after the injury, it’s even more important to be sure that the person who caused the injury is the one who should be held responsible.
The first step in determining whether a worker’s employer should be held responsible for an injury is to establish who is responsible for that injury. If you were injured because of a supervisor’s negligent behavior or failure to provide a safe work environment, then the supervisor’s employer may be liable for the injury. On the other hand, if you were injured because of another worker’s negligence, then the employer of the negligent worker may be liable.
To determine who is responsible for your workplace injury, it’s important to know the relationship between the worker who was injured and the employer who hired them. When it comes to a supervisor’s liability, the law considers the person who controls the workplace to be the employer. This means that a supervisor’s employer is responsible for any injury that occurs within the scope of his or her employment. For example, if you were injured on the job because your supervisor failed to properly train you, then the employer of the supervisor is likely liable.
If you were injured because of a coworker’s negligence, however, the law defines “employee” differently. In this case, the employer of the negligent worker is only liable if the negligent behavior occurred while that worker was acting in the course and scope of their employment. For example, if you were injured on the job because your coworker failed to lock a door that led to a public area, then the employer of the coworker is not liable.
In addition to establishing the employer’s responsibility, it’s also important to know the details of the injury. For example, if you were injured in a forklift accident, it’s unlikely that you can hold the owner of the forklift company liable. However, if the forklift belonged to a business that you worked for, then the employer of the owner of the forklift may be responsible for the injury.
The workplace is a dangerous place. While the government provides protections, employees often don’t realize their rights until they’ve been injured.
A work injury is a physical injury suffered on the job that is related to your employment. It can include injuries from accidents, such as being run over by a forklift or falling off a ladder. Or, it can include illnesses or medical conditions you develop on the job that are related to your employment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Your employer must provide you with the tools and training to do the work. They must also ensure that you’re provided a safe working environment. They can’t force you to work in unsafe conditions, and they cannot fire you for being injured while on the job.
But, your employer isn’t responsible for injuries you cause yourself. They aren’t responsible for the negligence of a coworker who injures you. And, they aren’t responsible for your injuries unless they contributed to the cause of your injuries.
If you’ve been injured at work, your first step is to make sure that you’re taken care of. This means seeking medical attention right away, and following any instructions your doctor gives you. You may need to take time off of work to recover.
If your employer hasn’t given you proper accommodations, you should contact a work injury lawyer. These professionals will help you decide if you have a case and how to proceed with the legal process.
If you’ve been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You may qualify for temporary disability benefits to help you pay for medical treatment, and for permanent disability benefits if your injuries prevent you from performing your regular job duties.
If you need help finding a work injury lawyer, please visit the National Association of Work Injury Attorneys.