Workplace injuries are common throughout the United States in all occupations. From a car accident while on the clock to a slip-and-fall on a wet floor in the warehouse, workers can get injured in countless situations. Fortunately, federal benefits exist to ensure employees don’t get overwhelmed by medical debt and lost wages while recovering.
Unfortunately, some employees feel guilty about getting hurt at work and choose to remain silent and heal on their own without filing a workers’ compensation claim. They believe they are suing or somehow punishing their employer by filing a claim. This is simply not true. The workers’ compensation program exists for the benefit of the injured worker. Your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance for that very reason. You are not suing your employer; you are simply claiming the benefits that exist for you if you get injured on the job.
It is important for injured workers to remember that they deserve compensation. Ultimately, injuries can cost a great deal of money. Whether it is for medical treatment, a surgical procedure or lengthy physical therapy, medical debt can quickly become overwhelming. Additionally, if your injury is preventing you from returning to work full time, you will likely face financial peril.
Another important factor to consider is the cause of the accident. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, your employer will be forced to correct an unsafe situation. That could mean a fix to faulty construction, providing personal protective gear for employees, providing safety instructions to employees or replacing defective safety features on heavy equipment.
If you were injured on the job, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for guidance and representation.