If you’re like the vast majority of people, you want to go to work, do your job, and go home. However, when you sustain an injury at your workplace, this can inhibit your ability to do so. As such, understanding the most common workplace injuries is critical to mitigate damages and protect yourself. However, if you’ve sustained an injury, understanding the process of recovering compensation is critical. The following blog explores how a San Angelo, Texas work injury lawyer can assist you through these complicated matters.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the most common cause of workplace injuries is slips, trips, and falls. Unfortunately, these can occur in a number of different circumstances. For example, you may find that this includes falls from heights, such as working on scaffolding or a ladder. However, these also include slips and trips caused by hazards and unsafe workspaces. Dangers include unsecured cords and wires, debris, construction materials, loose floorboards, wet spots, and even unsafe stairwells. While slips and falls may not seem that serious, they can result in a number of intense injuries, like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries. Unfortunately, slips and falls can impact all types of workspaces, from construction sites to retail shops, which is why it is one of the most common incidents.
Unfortunately, another common injury that often impacts workers is electrocution. When equipment and technology are old or defective, an employee who attempts to use them, whether it’s a drill with a frayed cord or a shorted coffee maker, may be electrocuted as a result. Additionally, electrocutions can occur as a result of exposed live wires or unsafe workspaces near water.
How Do I Recover Compensation for Damages?
If you sustain an injury while at work, it’s imperative to understand how to recover compensation. In Texas, injuries sustained while on the job typically require you to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. This means you will file a claim with your employer’s insurance company to recover compensation for your lost wages and the medical bills you’ve accumulated.
To file a claim, you must notify your employer of the injury within thirty days. However, some injuries may require immediate attention, in which case you should notify your manager and seek immediate medical care.
While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can recover compensation for your injuries even if you are solely responsible for the accident, ensuring you recover the funds you need can be difficult. Unfortunately, you may find that the insurer denies your claim or your employer disputes the circumstances of your accident to avoid paying higher premiums. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, to help you recover the compensation you deserve. When you are hurt, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.
