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Accidents in workplaces can happen at any time and in any work environment. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the safety of all their employees.
However, even with the best measures in place, accidents are unlikely. When they happen, the affected employees are eligible for compensation.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in the workplace, this article will help you understand how you can recoup the rightful compensation.
Steps to take after a workplace accident
1. Contact a worker compensation lawyer.
Following the workers’ compensation process can be confusing and stressful, especially if it is your first time dealing with insurance adjusters. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim’s process is a smooth sail from the start.
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in Hartford, Michael Chambers of Hartford Injury Law Firm is the attorney to call. He has over 15 years of experience and can help you build a strong case for your workplace-related injuries to ensure that you get fair compensation for your damages.
2. Get medical attention
Your well-being should always come first. If you suffer severe injuries in your workplace, it is essential to seek emergency medical help. Even if you think your injuries are not as intense, make sure that you see a doctor.
At times the adrenaline produced at the time of the accident can mask the extent of your injuries. Additionally, medical reports form a crucial part of the evidence that your legal team will use to prove your case when making a claim.
3. Report your injuries to your employer
Reporting your injuries to your employer is among the most crucial initial stages of the compensation claim process. Failure to file a report with your employer can lead to your workers’ compensation claim being rejected by insurance adjusters.
Different states have different statutes of limitations for reporting injuries to the employer. It is essential to understand your state’s statute of limitations to ensure that you comply.
4. Collect as much evidence as possible
The more evidence you have, the more your chances of having fair compensation. If your injuries allow it, try collecting as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. You can use your phone to take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and anything relevant to your case.
It is also essential to collect witness statements if there were other persons present at the time of your accident.
Legal remedies for workplace accidents
In most states, including Connecticut, employees are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system that ensures employees get compensation for their work-related injuries without considering negligence on the employer’s part.
Under other circumstances, employees may opt for a private cause of action against an employer based on individual violations. For example, if a worker suffers injuries resulting from an accident that occurred because an employer failed to follow the set-out industry laws and regulations concerning safety.
Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits are rarely on the mind of anyone until you find yourself in a work-related accident. Under most circumstances, the compensation process should be straightforward – you suffer injuries while on the job, so you get compensated for your damages.
The value of your compensation may vary on a case-to-case basis. However, a fair settlement should adequately cover economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages that may apply to your case.
Therefore, it is essential to work with a reliable workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure that you get a fair outcome for your work-related injury claims.