Many people find good paying and long term employment working for Chrysler’s assembly line. Yet despite the good pay and benefits, many employees don’t have money put aside to help in the case of a major emergency of any sort. An on the job injury or sickness can cause a financial nightmare. Protection for Workers Who Get Hurt or Sick on the Job Thankfully, each state legally requires most employers to have a workers’ compensation insurance plan. It’s provided without expense to workers. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to pay for injuries or illnesses that are caused because of the work environment. It can pay for medical care, surgery, prescriptions, and more. For workers who cannot work, it may also provide a portion of the lost wages. Company Profile: Chrysler Chrysler is a vehicle manufacturer. They have 13 different facilities within the United States that produce parts for vehicles. Their legal name is FCA US, LLC. They employ around 770,000 people. Risks to Chrysler Employees Although there are some clerical and management professionals employed by Chrysler, the majority of their positions involve working on an assembly line building parts and cars. Those whose main job it is to paint the vehicles or supervise automated machines that paint are at risk of being exposed to paint fumes and primer that can damage the lungs. Workers on the assembly line are at risk for faulty equipment electrocuting or falling on them, back and neck injuries, and even a slip and fall. Hurt on the Job? If you work for Chrysler and you believe that you were hurt or made sick on the job, you should file a workers’ compensation insurance claim to get help with your expenses, even if the accident was your fault. It’s important that you don’t continue to work after you get hurt. That can make even mild injuries worse. If you’ve hit your head, been burned, or hurt your back or neck, it is important that you get immediate medical care. Tell your supervisor right away and ask about the workers' compensation process. You’ll also need to complete an accident report as soon as possible. This will help you document exactly what happened leading up to the accident. Ask your supervisor or HR representative how you can make an appointment with the doctor listed on the workers’ compensation insurance policy. This doctor is generally free for workers who have filed a claim. You’re also free to see your own doctor, but you may be required to pay for it. If that's the case, keep any receipts as you may be able to be be reimbursed. Get Legal Help It’s also important that you take the time to learn about workers’ compensation law from a workers’ comp attorney who represents injured workers . Stokes v. Chrysler illustrates why. Workers’ compensation claims may seem straight forward, but there are many instances where they can get complicated. One of those areas is when a worker has a preexisting condition. In this case, a man needed surgery on his cervical spine after more than 25 years of employment. However, Chrysler countered stating that Stoke’s claim should be denied because his back had a pre-existing condition: rheumatoid arthritis. A pre-existing condition won’t necessarily negate your workers’ compensation claim. Make sure that you get the compensation and help that you deserve. Find out more about workers’ compensation law from a qualified attorney. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Chrysler or FCA US, LLC, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
