“What will happen if I get hurt on the job?” It’s a common question asked by people each and every day. The thought of being injured on the job, especially if you live paycheck to paycheck, is incredibly stressful. You wonder about how you’ll pay your rent, buy food, pay your bills, and then you’d have to pay for medical care. For thousands of people who work as freight and material movers, it’s a very real concern. Thankfully, state laws require the majority of employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. What Is Workers’ Compensation? Workers’ compensation helps workers who are injured on the job or made sick because of work conditions. It can pay for medical care, prescriptions, x-rays, therapy, and even covers some of the lost wages of the worker. If you are injured on the job, you need to know how to properly file a claim and how to protect your rights as an injured worker. First, you should understand that it covers a large number of accidents that could happen at work. Even if you think it’s your fault, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. When the injury occurs, you should immediately alert your manager. An accident report needs to be completed even if you don’t feel like you were really hurt. Get medical care right away. Most workers’ comp insurance plans list the doctor you should see. If you see that doctor, you won’t have an out of pocket expense. You can go to the emergency room if you have a medical emergency. Freight and Material Movers Have a High Risk of Injury Freight and material movers have a high risk of injury. Think about it – you could slip and fall if you are physically handling packages and goods. You may hurt your neck or back if you lift something that is too heavy. If you handle hazardous materials, you’re at risk of getting sick from exposure if the material leaks out. You could also get chemical burns. These aren’t just the risks you take because of your chosen profession. These are work hazards. If you are a freight and material mover and you are injured on the job, you should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help protect your rights as a worker. Warehouse Accident: $1.9 Mil Settlement According to the Times Leader, in 2002, Robert Smith, a HVAC worker, was working in a warehouse environment. Mr. Smith stepped into a gap that was approximately one foot wide. He suffered injuries to his neck, his back, and his right shoulder. Ultimately, the court awarded more than $2.5 million to Mr. Smith to compensate him for his injuries. However, this settlement was later reduced to $1.9 million because of an additional out-of-court settlement. Your Legal Rights as a Worker As a worker, you have rights. You may think that you simply have to deal with injuries or illnesses that come up because of your job. That’s just not true. Workers’ compensation exists to protect you. If you are injured or made sick by your working environment, you need the help of a workers’ comp attorney who has a proven track record in helping workers just like you. A workers' compensation attorney can help you start the filing process and get the benefits you need. Protect your legal rights. If you’ve been injured, contact a workers’ comp attorney today.
