Employee injuries are unfortunate incidents that happen quite often. They sometimes result in fatal injuries and may lead to disability and loss of wages. Nevertheless, it’s the role of the employer to safeguard employee safety by ensuring a secure working environment.
If you suffer work-related injuries in Arizona, you can sue your employer and get compensation for the damages. Most Arizonian employers insure workers to cater to the medical expenses and the overall compensation cost. By hiring a skilled attorney, you can be sure to get a reasonable settlement for your damages.
What next after suffering workplace injuries?
There are various steps to take after suffering injuries at work. These include;
1. Repot/ record the accident details
Written information is critical in any personal injury case. If you suffer injuries in a work-related accident, you should notify your supervisor and record all the details in writing. Most companies have an accident book to document employee incidents, so be sure to use it. State all the facts and be as accurate as possible.
Also, don’t sign any document that contradicts your story. Most importantly, get a copy of the written document and keep it safely. Most insurance companies may also deny compensation if the report isn’t filed accordingly, and having a copy will go a long way. Your attorney will also need it to defend your case. These professionals handle different personal injury cases and, phoenixlawteam.com shares information on their practice areas and why you need an attorney for your case.
2. Seeking medical attention
There are different types of workplace injuries. These include;
Slips and falls- These injuries may include slipping off a wet or oily floor, tripping due to poor lighting, clutter, or unprotected sides. Slips and falls may also result from poor-quality ladders falling from roofs or construction sites.
Muscle strains– Muscles strains involve overexertion and repetitive strain injuries. They can lead to long-term debilitating pain and loss of productivity. They can result from; improper lifting techniques, heavy objects, repetitive work with no breaks, and collapsing structures.
Injuries from falling objects & working equipment- These injuries may result from poorly guarded machinery, falling tools, dropped load, or tipping over heavy equipment. These can cause severed limbs, traumatic head injuries, stress fractures, blindness, and many more.
Some injuries can be severe and life-threatening, and you can’t tell the extent unless you get examined by a medical doctor. This is why any personal injury attorney will advise you to seek prompt medical help.
Again, it’s your right to receive medical help. If your employer tries to hinder you from receiving medical attention, they are violating the law. In the event of an injury, most companies have a designated first-aid officer. This will help, but you should still see a doctor later on.
3. Confirm details of yoursick pay
Not all employees are entitled to full pay when on sick leave. This mostly depends on the employment contract and the terms therein. But, you still qualify for statutory sick pay if not eligible for full sick pay. Although this may not be enough to cater to all your expenses, it will go a long way. Therefore confirm the details and seek clarification from your employer of the local benefits office if unsure.
4. Medical appointments are key- don’t miss them!
You may have to attend several sessions at the doctor’s office. Some people skip appointments once they feel better and are back to work. This is a costly blunder, though! The insurance company may use this as a ground to deny you your right. Therefore, attend all medical appointments and keep proper documentation for all the visits. Your employer should allow you time for this until you recover.
5. Seek compensation
Engage an attorney to fight for your rights and negotiate the most suitable compensation for your damages. Your employer may make it difficult to pursue the claim if you don’t have an attorney. Your attorney will guide you through filing a compensation claim.
Also, the professional will help maintain pope documentation since such cases involve a lot of paperwork. There are some regulations regarding filing a claim, and the attorney will advise you to file the claim immediately. Otherwise, you risk losing your compensation rights if the timeline elapses.
What will determine the amount of compensation? Insurance companies strive to offer a minimum amount to earn higher profits. However, your choice of attorney matters, and you’re likely to get a higher settlement with a skilled lawyer. Other determinants include the type and extent of injuries and type of treatment. Severe injuries like neck and brain damages fetch a higher amount. You’ll also get a higher compensation amount if you require advanced treatment and surgeries or are disabled and unable to continue working.
How will a worker’s compensation lawyer help?
The best decision you can make after incurring workplace injuries is to engage a personal injury lawyer. The profession will improve your chances of getting the rightful compensation for your damages. First of all, the legal professional will help gather adequate medical proof as a basis for your claim.
Also, they will negotiate the best settlement depending on the type and extent of injuries and income lost. They will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and prove why you need proper compensation for the injuries incurred. The evidence is a critical aspect of your case and is one of the reasons why most worker’s comp claims are disapproved.
However, an attorney will gather other types of evidence to bolster your case. They will;
- Get testimonies about your job’s physical requirements
- Get statements from friends, colleagues, and family members about your daily tasks at work.
- Evidence showing the employer’s history of inadequate safety measures at the workplace safety
That’s not all, though! The attorney will represent you at the workers’ comp hearing and guide you throughout the case.
Final thoughts
All employees are entitled to compensation nation after suffering injuries at the workplace. Workers’ liability laws vary from state to state, and Arizona isn’t exceptional. If seeking to work in Arizona, learn of the statutes regarding workers’ liability and your rights as an employee.
