If you have been injured on the job, it can be hard to know what your next steps should be. You might still be in a lot of pain and not sure if your injury is serious enough to need medical attention, or if you’re just dealing with some muscle strain. The good news is that there is an injury lawyer nearby who can help you through this difficult time.
1. You’ve Been Denied Worker’s Compensation
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve been injured at work. But what happens if your claim is denied?
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits. In most states, workers’ compensation is mandatory for employers. Experts suggest that this means that if you are injured on the job, you should be able to file a claim and receive benefits. However, claims can be denied for a variety of reasons.
The employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance: In some states, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. If the employer does not have insurance, they will not be required to provide benefits.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process will vary depending on your state but usually involves filing a request for a hearing with your state’s workers’ compensation board.
2. You’re Being Forced to Return to Work Too Soon
If you’re injured at work, the last thing you want is to be forced to return to work before you’re ready. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many workers in America. If your employer is pressuring you to return to work before you’re physically or mentally able, it’s time to seek the help of a workplace injury attorney.
Your employer may claim that they need you back at work in order to keep the business running, but this isn’t always true. In fact, employers often use this tactic to avoid paying workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re being forced to return to work too soon, it’s essential to know your rights and get the legal help you deserve.
3. Your Job Duties Have Changed Since Your Injury
If you’ve been injured at work, your job duties have undoubtedly changed. Perhaps you can no longer perform the same physical tasks you once could, or you’re now working fewer hours because of your injury. Either way, these changes can be difficult to adjust to and may even lead to financial hardship.
4. Your Workplace is Creating Dangerous Conditions for Employees
If you or someone you know has been injured at work, you may be wondering if your workplace is to blame. While some accidents are simply unavoidable, there are many cases where an employer’s negligence can create dangerous conditions for employees.
If you’re concerned that your workplace might be putting you at risk, look out for the following signs:
1. Lack of safety equipment or proper training – If your workplace doesn’t provide the necessary safety equipment or fails to properly train employees on how to use it, you could be at risk of injury.
2. Poorly maintained equipment – If the equipment in your workplace is not properly maintained, it could malfunction and cause an injury.
3. Hazardous materials – If your workplace deals with hazardous materials, there should be strict safety protocols in place to protect employees from exposure.
4. Unsafe Working Conditions Actively Causing Harm to Employees – The Unsafe Working Conditions Actively Causing Harm to Employees is a law that provides employees with the right to sue their employers if they are injured on the job. This law is designed to protect workers from being exploited by their employers and to ensure that they are compensated for their injuries.
5. Retaliation For Reporting Hazards
If you have been the victim of retaliation for reporting hazards at your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, and harassment. If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should contact a workplace injury attorney as soon as possible.
6. The Company Has Multiple Settlements or Violations on Their Record
If you’re considering whether or not to hire a workplace injury attorney, one red flag to look out for is if the company you work for has multiple settlements or violations on its record. This could be an indication that they don’t take safety seriously, and that you could be at risk of getting injured on the job.
If you’ve been injured at work, you may be wondering if you need a workplace injury attorney. While only you can decide whether or not to hire an attorney, there are some telltale signs that it might be a good idea to seek legal help. If your employer is giving you the run around about your workers’ compensation benefits, if your injuries are serious and preventing you from working, or if you’re facing discrimination or retaliation from your employer, then a workplace injury attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.