Work Injury Law – Understanding Your Rights

When you go to work, you don’t expect to sustain injuries that could prevent you from working or leading a normal life, and yet, according to the National Safety Council, over 4 million people are injured at work every year. That’s an injury every seven seconds.

While the most common injuries are cuts, lacerations, and pain caused by poor posture or standing for long periods, many other injuries can have a life-changing impact or be fatal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 174 work-related deaths in Ohio in 2017.

Imagine not being able to work and earn a living due to negligence on the part of your employer or leaving your family to struggle after you are gone. Sadly, this is a reality for many families across the country.

Workplace Safety – The Employer’s Responsibility

Employers in every state are required by law to provide their employees with a healthy and safe work environment. However, many fail to comply with the latest health and safety regulations and put their employees at risk of injury, illness and long-term health problems. There are also times when injuries occur even if every conceivable precaution has been taken to protect them.

These injuries can include anything from:

1. broken bones
2. occupational illnesses
3. aggravations of pre-existing conditions
4. psychological issues

No matter how an injury is sustained, it is important that you understand work injury law and whether you can make a claim through a workplace injury lawsuit.

Health and safety in the workplace is regulated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), a federal law. OSHA allows individual states to develop and administer their own health and safety regulations and laws, but only if they are approved by the federal government and only if they satisfy corresponding federal standards. In Ohio, there is currently no approved program and therefore federal standards apply.

I’ve Been Injured – What Can I Do?

Whether you have had a slip or fall, been injured by falling objects or faulty equipment or you have an occupational condition such as hearing damage here are the next steps after a workplace injury.

1. Take action as quickly as possible. It makes no difference if you are a full-time, part-time, or self-employed employee – you are entitled to make a claim for compensation for injuries you have suffered at work as a result of employer negligence.
2. Seek medical attention as quickly as possible, or in the case of a gradual or occupational illness, see your doctor. The treating medical provider must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board, except in an emergency situation.
3. Let your supervisor know about your injury as soon as you realize that you have a problem. If you fail to notify your employer about your injury or a diagnosed occupational illness within 30 days, you could lose the right to claim compensation.

Can I Sue My Employer?

You may be able to file a work injury lawsuit against your employer if your employer does not hold appropriate workers’ compensation insurance or if the employer intentionally causes you harm. You may also be able to file a claim against a third party, such as a contractor on a construction site.

Start Your Claim Today – It’s Your Right

If you have been injured while at work, we can help you to claim the workers’ compensation benefits you so rightly deserve, and also determine whether you can file a third-party claim. Our work injury lawyers will work closely with you to examine your case and who to blame for the accident and the injuries you have sustained. We do everything on your behalf, from gathering medical evidence to securing the maximum compensation you are entitled to.