While worksites and businesses can take measures to protect their employees from occupational injuries, sometimes accidents still happen. All it takes is for an accident to occur is for one person to act negligently. When an accident occurs and an employee is injured, they may file for workers’ compensation. If this has happened to you, it’s important to have a skilled Pascagoula workers’ compensation lawyer at your side to ensure your rights are protected. Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law stands up for the rights of workers in Mississippi and we’ll fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Which Jobs Have the Most Injuries?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses report from 2018, there were 2.8 million workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector. There were just under 40,000 nonfatal injuries from contact with objects and equipment that kept employees from working. A little less than 35,000 nonfatal injuries came from falls, slips, and trips.
According to a CNBC article, dangerous job industries include the following:
- Transportation
- Fishing
- Farming
- Logging
- Roof Construction
Unfortunately, the injuries that arise from these industries can be devastating. Brain trauma, spinal injury, broken bones, loss of limb, internal organ damage, and sprains can occur. If workers are in a dangerous environment and do not have the protective gear they need, then they may develop illnesses from toxic exposure. In some cases, the consequences of the toxic exposure may not be apparent until many years later, as illnesses can take time to develop. These illnesses can be terminal and require constant treatment to help slow down the illness and mitigate pain.
Even if you don’t work in the industries above or have a different injury, it’s still important to have a workers’ compensation lawyer at your side to make sure you get the benefits you need to recover.
How Can Workers’ Compensation Help You?
While you may know you’re able to file for workers’ compensation after a work accident causes an injury, you may not know what the benefits entail. Workers’ compensation can be thought of like a no-fault insurance policy. Proving negligence is not necessary in a workers’ compensation claim. The injured worker files the claim and they receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. They also cannot sue the employer for further compensation.
However, if you’re experiencing pain and suffering or emotional anguish, these are not covered in workers’ compensation benefits. These are recoverable in personal injury claims.
You may also find that your injuries arose not because of a workplace mistake, but because of the negligence of a third party on the worksite. This could be a negligent person outside of the company who was contracted to work on the site. If you work with equipment that was from a different company that malfunctioned and caused your injuries, then you may hold the equipment’s manufacturing company liable for your injuries and losses.
As you can see, there are many ways to approach getting the benefits you need. It’s important to go over your options with your lawyer so you can find the best way to move forward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Workers’ Compensation
When you’re seeking compensation, you’re going to need to be able to show that you were hurt because of a workplace accident and that your injuries have cost you in terms of medical expenses and losing days of work.
You may think the process is straightforward, but this may not always be the case. Your employer could make claims that your injury wasn’t the result of a workplace accident or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Your side of the story can be difficult to prove if you:
- Didn’t make a report
- Didn’t see a doctor
Without these pieces, you will not likely be able to get compensation. It’s important for you to take steps right after the accident happens so you can help make your case as strong as possible. Follow these tips:
- Make an accident report. If you’re able to report the accident after it happens, then you should tell the person in charge immediately. You’ll make a written accident report where you can document what happened, how it happened, and how you were hurt. Don’t leave any details out.
- See a doctor. You’ll also need to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. They’ll be able to evaluate your injuries and start treating them. You’ll know the extent of your injuries and approximately what your recovery will entail.
- Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer. Protecting your rights to fair compensation is how you can get the benefits you need so you’ll be able to recover from the accident losses. Having a lawyer at your side who is representing your best interests will be able to help you protect those rights.
When you are making the report and seeing your doctor, it may help to obtain copies and begin to start a file for your important documents. This way, you’ll be organized and ready when you meet with a personal injury lawyer.
Get Representation Today
Pascagoula has a myriad of businesses that employ many hardworking citizens. In the event you’re injured on the job and it wasn’t your fault, you deserve to know your options of how you can recover. Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law is well-versed in workers’ compensation law and will be able to apply it to your case.
To learn more about your claim, get in touch with our office today. In an obligation-free consultation, we can discuss what happened, how you were hurt, and the damages you’ve incurred. We’ll answer your questions and go over your options for seeking compensation.
It’s important to act quickly. The sooner you begin the legal process, the sooner you’ll know how you want to proceed and can start your legal journey. We’ll work diligently so you can get the financial security you deserve so you can move into the future with confidence.
