Impact of COVID 19 on Workers Compensation Claims in CA?

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How is COVID Impacting workers compensation claims in CA?

Workers’ compensation benefits in California have long provided needed medical care, free of charge, to injured California workers. Additionally, it can provide lost wages, depending on the extent of injury and how long you are expected to be out of work.

Who Gets Workers’ Compensation?

The great thing about workers compensation is that it does not matter who caused the accident or your injury or who is at fault. As long as you were injured while doing your job, a Modesto accident attorney can help you get workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries.

Sometimes it’s easy to show that you were injured at work. For example, if you are a driver and you get into a car accident, or if you are a construction worker and you are injured during an accident on the job site, it is clear that you were injured while at work.

Other times, it may not be so easy to show an injury is job-related, such as when someone contracts a disease or illness while at work. Because we can’t see germs in the air, there is often no way to tell exactly when or where we got a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or any other disease. The employer and insurance company will often say that you contracted your illness at home or while out in public.

To show that you became infected while at work, California law requires you to show that something about your job carries more risk or more exposure to disease than other jobs do. You also have to show exactly how you got the disease or how you were exposed to it while at work.

How Common Are COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Claims in California?

COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claims were common nationally and in California in 2020. The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) reported that 103,712 COVID-related workers’ compensation claims were made in 2020. That’s one of every six workers’ compensation claims that year.

Most COVID-19 claims were filed in the healthcare, government, and retail industries.

The state projects that as many as 4,000 COVID-related workers’ compensation claims could be filed for September 2021, and between 7,000 and 9,000 for August 2021.

This is likely due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, which caused cases to spike, especially in the more urban California areas like Los Angeles County. There, COVID-related workers’ compensation claims soared to five times their normal amount from June to July 2021. The county went from just under 19% of the total statewide reported COVID-19-related workers’ comp claims in June to 24% in July.

Getting Workers Compensation for Contracting COVID at Work

California recently made these rules a little easier for employees who get COVID-19 while at work.

The new California law makes it much easier for you to show that you got COVID from your workplace, which is required for you to get benefits.

COVID-19 Benefits for All Employees

The law says that as long as you are working at your job and not from home if there is an outbreak of COVID at work, the law will assume you contracted it from your workplace. This assumption applies to any workplace of more than five employees.

The law defines what an outbreak is to get the benefit of the presumption. If your employer has less than 100 employees, and at least four employees test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days, the event is considered an outbreak. For employers with more than 100 employees, an outbreak is when 4% of the total number of employees test positive within 14 days.

You must use any sick leave provided by your employer before you can get disability benefits from workers’ compensation. If your employer tries to deny your benefits, it must show that you contracted COVID from a source other than work. For example, your employer may try to show that one of your family members was sick or that you visited a public place that carried a high risk of COVID transmission.

The insurance company has only 45 days to deny your benefits. Otherwise, you will be considered approved. A Modesto accident attorney can help you fight any denial. However, while you are waiting for the insurance company to make its decision, you can still get up to $10,000 in medical benefits.

COVID-19 Benefits for Healthcare and Emergency Providers

Emergency responders, healthcare workers, and all others who work in a direct patient care setting also get the benefit of legal presumption.

Employees do not have to be doctors or nurses. Any job that deals with patients in a medical setting may qualify for the presumption, such as custodial staff, case or social workers, and in-home care providers. Unlike other workers, those in health care or emergency services do not need to show that there has been an outbreak to get workers’ compensation benefits after getting COVID-19.

Your employer can try to deny you benefits if it can show that you were never in contact with any person who had COVID. Once you make a claim, the workers’ compensation insurer has only 30 days to deny you. This is much less than the normal 90-day limit that insurers would have. You can get up to $10,000 in medical benefits while you are waiting for your insurance company to make a decision.

Just like employees who aren’t in these areas, health care or emergency responder employees must use work-provided sick leave before collecting workers’ compensation benefits for temporary disability.

New Legal Presumptions Are a Big Help to Sick Workers

The new law provides a huge benefit for sick California workers. The assumption means that if you and your employer meet the requirements in the executive order, you or your Modesto accident attorney don’t have to prove anything else. The law automatically assumes you contracted COVID at work, and thus that you should get workers’ compensation benefits.

This shifts the difficult part of a workers’ compensation case from you to your employer. Rather than you having to prove you got COVID-19 at work, your employer must disprove it.

What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?

Remember that even if you don’t meet the requirements of the new law, you can still get workers’ compensation after getting COVID at work. The automatic assumption that you were infected while doing your job won’t apply to you, and you will have to prove that is what happened.

Act Quickly

There are very strict time limits to report any workers’ compensation claims, COVID-related or not. If you don’t report a claim on time, you could lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

If you feel like you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should speak to a qualified Modesto accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will help you analyze your case, make your claim, and start getting the benefits you need as quickly as possible.

Jack Chemtob

I’m the founder and CEO of Accident.com, a leading network of nationwide injury attorneys. I’m responsible for corporate strategy, executive team leadership and overall business operations across all the company’s segments. With over 10 years of experience, I have held various strategic and operating positions at companies including SOSV (the largest seed VC), Morgan Stanley (in investor relations), and Warby Parker (in customer experience operations)

Can You Return to Work After Receiving TPD Payout?

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Returning to work after a devastating injury or illness is sometimes easier than done. But it is not necessarily impossible. This in turn begs an important question — or two. What if you get a total and permanent disability (TPD) payout? Can you go back to work after that? Maybe. Then again, maybe not. Keep reading to learn more.

What is TPD insurance?

Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance is a product that Australians can buy or get as a benefit through their superannuation funds. In either case it acts as a safeguard for someone who has experienced a drastic illness or injury. Specifically, it does so for someone whose injury prevents them from returning to their regular job.

This where things become a bit complicated. Why? Because there is no universal definition of total permanent disability. Instead, the definition varies between insurance providers. Therefore, the ability to return to work after making a TPD claim varies accordingly. Of course, other factors, such as each person’s unique circumstances, are also considered.

The best way to find out if you can go back to work after a TPD claim is to consult a lawyer who is well versed in this area. In the meantime, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Basic TPD policy stipulations

Even if you were badly hurt or seriously ill, there is always a chance that a new treatment or medication may help you regain enough function to work in some capacity. How that affects your ability to do so after a successful TPD claim depends on the policy stipulations.

Being unable to work in your own occupation

Let’s say your TPD policy provides compensation if you are unable to work in your own occupation. With this type of policy, you can make a claim if an injury or illness renders you incapable of doing a job compatible with your training and experience.

To clarify, let’s suppose your warehouse job involves heavy manual labor. Among other things, you’re constantly lifting and moving objects weighing 10 to 20 kilos. One day you hurt your back. Unfortunately the injury renders you incapable of bending, lifting heavy objects and doing other job-related tasks. In this situation you could apply for compensation in the form of a lump sum through your TPD insurance.

But what if your back injury does not prevent you from learning new skills associated with a different job? Here, you can probably return work compatible with your new skill set after your TPD payout.

Being unable to work in any occupation.

Now let’s say you have TPD insurance with a policy that only provides compensation based on your inability to work in any occupation. As its name indicates, you can only seek lump sum compensation through this policy if an injury or illness prevents you from working at all.

So, let’s suppose if you sustained a traumatic brain injury that prevents you from working in any capacity. Clearly, you could apply for lump sum compensation under this policy.

But here’s something else to consider. Suppose a new treatment or therapy comes along. And suppose it helps you get better after you receive your TPD payout? If your recovery is such that you can resume work in some way, you can usually return to work. This is true, even after you get your lump sum TPD benefit.

Additional TPD and related policy stipulations

Your ability to go back to work after a TPD payout may also hinge upon two additional factors. One is whether or not your TPD insurance includes additional stipulations. The other is whether your situation meets the stipulated criteria.

Examples include provisions related to activities of daily living (ADL) and provisions related to loss of one or more limbs.

ADL provisions

ADL provisions usually (but not always) stipulate that you must be incapable of doing any two of the following activities unaided, by yourself:

  • Getting dressed
  • Taking a shower or bath
  • Ambulating (walking, standing, getting into bed)
  • Eating
  • Using the toilet

If you can do any of these things while using an adaptive or supportive device, you probably won’t meet relevant criteria. If you do meet the criteria, however, you may be able to return to work after a TPD claim. More specifically, you may be able to do so with no effect on your benefit.

Loss of limb provisions

To reiterate, different TPD policies contain different language pertaining to the loss of one or more limbs. Common stipulations mandate that you have lost, or have lost the use of:

  • Both arms
  • Both legs
  • One arm and one leg.

If you experienced the loss of or loss of use of any limbs as detailed above, you may be able to return to work after a successful TPD claim. Just as importantly, you may be able to do so with no effect on your claim or claims.

Repayment of TPD payout upon return to work

One of the most common concerns people have when they make TPD claims is the repayment of benefits. Specifically, they are worried that they will have to repay the benefit if they go back to work.

The good news is that this concern is unwarranted. Repayment is not usually required if the recipient goes back to work.

Remember, however, that you cannot provide inaccurate or misleading information to the insurance provider when you make a TPD claim. Deliberately doing so allows the provider to seek repayment of benefit based on a fraudulent claim.

To avoid any additional complications, it is critical that you consult an lawyer who can help you understand the nuances of making a TPD claim.

If you’re in the situation where you need to make a claim on your TPD policy, contact Perth Workers Compensation Lawyers today for an initial case assessment. Check out the rest of our site to find one near you.

Australia Lawyers

Australia Lawyers is a network of expert lawyers who provide high quality, innovative legal help to those who need it. Our objective at Australia Lawyers is to provide legal help to people who want legal help from lawyers who have strong expertise and experience and a proven track record in their relevant area of law.

Careless Actions Cause Injuries and Fatalities Every Day

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Every day across the U.S., people suffer severe and potentially fatal injuries. If you’re hurt in a car accident, are harmed by a defective product or pharmaceutical, become injured or ill on the job, or for another reason, it’s vital to know that you have rights.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, compensation could be available to you to help you get medical treatment, pay your bills, and move on with your life. For example, if someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you could be owed compensation from the at-fault party through a personal injury claim. Similarly, if you lost a loved one in a tragic accident that was not their fault, you could pursue a wrongful death claim.

If you were injured or became ill at work, you could be eligible to seek worker’s compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault. If a third-party, like a contractor, caused your accident, you could file a third-party claim.

With so many legal avenues for getting the fair compensation you’re owed after an accident, it’s crucial to understand how these accidents happen and what you can do to get the fair amount you’re owed if you’ve been hurt. Here, we’ve provided specific information about workplace accidents and wrongful death claims for you to better understand these cases.

The Dangers of Workplace Accidents

Injuries When a worker is hurt performing work-related duties or becomes ill due to workplace conditions, you might be entitled to benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation exists to help injured workers get treatment and a portion of their wages as they recover. In exchange for this coverage, the employee typically waives the right to sue their employer for damages.

The most common causes of workplace injuries include:

  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Falling from heights
  • Dehydration
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Malfunctioning machinery or equipment

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Georgia can help you get the benefits you’re owed, and will make sure the insurance company or your employer don’t wrongly deny or diminish your claim.

Some of the benefits you could be entitled to include:

Disability benefits pay a percentage of the injured employee’s lost wages depending on the extent of the injury and qualifications they meet. There are four types of disability payments:

  • Temporary total disability
  • Temporary partial disability
  • Permanent total disability
  • Permanent partial disability

Medical benefits pay upfront for all necessary and reasonable treatment required to evaluate and treat the work-related injury or illness.

Death benefits are also available for surviving family members that lose a loved one in an accident. If another person’s actions caused your loved one’s death, you could seek compensation for funeral costs and a percentage of their lost wages before the fatal injury or illness.

How to Handle A Wrongful Death Case

If your loved one died because of someone else’s careless or intentional actions, you might be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to Georgia law, wrongful death is a person’s death that another party causes with reckless, intentional, negligent, or criminal acts.

It’s crucial that you hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Georgia to help you with your case. The legal process is complicated and confusing for anyone who hasn’t gone through it before. If you choose not to seek legal representation, the opposing party might take advantage of that and intimidate you into dropping the case.

There are only a handful of family members that are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. They include:

  • Surviving spouse and minor children
  • Surviving parents
  • A personal representative of the deceased’s estate

Damages refer to the expenses and intangible losses suffered by an accident victim. When you pursue this type of case, you could recover compensation for your expenses and any losses your loved one suffered prior to their death. The available damages include:

  • Medical expenses associated with fatal injury or illness
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Pain and suffering experienced before the victim died
  • Lost wages and benefits, including what the deceased would have earned if they survived
  • Loss of companionship, care, and other benefits the deceased provided

There’s a statute of limitations you must follow if you wish to pursue compensation from the at-fault party that caused the death of your loved one. The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years. That means you have two years from the death date to file your lawsuit; otherwise, you’ll lose your right.

What to do if you’ve been hurt in Georgia

If you get hurt at work, suffer from a dog bite, or lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, it’s recommended that you hire an experienced attorney to represent you. If you were bitten by a dog, for example, a Georgia dog bite lawyer will be able to evaluate your claim, investigate the accident, gather relevant evidence, and demand fair compensation from the person or party that caused you harm.

If you have a worker’s compensation claim, your attorney will make sure your application is complete and accurate and will appeal your case if your employer or their insurer deny or attempt to underpay your valid claim.

If you need a wrongful death lawyer in Georgia, make sure to choose a law firm with the right experience, resources, and compassionate attention necessary to help you and your family recover compensation and get a measure of closure.

Jessica

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory  Publish articles here as other bloggers are doing.

Temporary Foreign Worker Wages Program in Canada

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Updated Wages for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

Canada has always been a land of opportunities for the number of immigrants travelling here on a yearly basis. Many families come here for better life standard, better health system and to help their children get their better education. Many students around the world apply to Canada’s world class educational institutions for a better future and growth in their careers. Canada has always kept their immigration programs hassle free so that students can easily apply and get their enrollments.

Foreign workers from many other countries also get hired by many acknowledged fortune 500 companies and other mid-sized corporations for the skills they possess. Many of these foreign workers tend to apply for permanent residency through various immigration programs especially LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment). Job security and protection of these workers have always been a concern to ensure the real talent gets a better growth in the Canadian market.

Planned Avg 2019 Salary Increases

The COVID-19 Effect on the job market

With the coronavirus affecting the job market worldwide, Canada has introduced a new median hourly wages for temporary foreign workers in the country. Canada has always been a frontrunner in dealing with unexpected situations and one with such severity like this one, Canada has already came up with measures. The nation is known to put the welfare of its citizens/residents as a top priority and with exactly keeping in line with that, the Canadian government has announced a new median hourly wages which took effect from 11 May 2020. This new effect will definitely relieve the temporary foreign worker minds.

new median hourly wages

As you can notice from the table, the rates are different in each territory or province. Although the rate may be the same or may have reduced in some provinces, the majority of the provinces have raised the median hourly wage; albeit marginally. However, at this unique and unfortunate situation, any raise is better than none. Provinces Nova Scotia and Yukon visibly does not have any change in their wages. Alberta and Ontario has seen a raise of $1 in their wages which also holds the highest percentage of foreign workers in Canada. Nunavut has seen the biggest growth in their wages by $2.

What is the significance of the median hourly wage for temporary foreign workers?

The territorial and provincial median hourly wage is used by all Canadian employers including Immigrationlawyertorontofirm.ca to determine the requirements that need to be met for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Whether or not the employers have to apply for LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) under high-wage and low-wage positions is determined by the wage offered by the employer and the location at which the opening is available. This is not a set measure but just a minimum number that needs to be offered. Jobs with bigger responsibility and better skills will of course be hired a higher wage.

Keeping up the hiring processes amidst the travel restrictions due to Coronavirus

Hiring new employees has become all the more difficult for employers due to restricted movement across borders. However, the government is doing everything in its power to help the employers continue with their recruitment process. A few measures that are discussed below have been introduced so that foreign workers can still be recruited despite the travel restrictions worldwide.

With so many travel restrictions now imposed, many companies have now started to hire the talent virtually in order to keep the workflow going. This will ensure the job security of these foreign talents and once it is safer travel, they can easily immigrate to Canada.

New curbs taken for LMIA applicants

The following measures for all LMIA applications were introduced by the Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC).

  • If the employers want to enter a different person’s name on the LMIA due to COVID-19, the name change process has been made fast-track. It can be accomplished sooner.
  • Those employers whose applications fall under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program or the Agricultural Stream, in general, need not freshly apply for Housing Inspection. A report that was previously valid can be submitted.
  • Previously, employers of workers in the low-wage stream had one-year as the maximum duration of employment under the LMIAs. It has now been raised to two years. This is a part of a three-year pilot program.
  • Minor administrative changes that do not in any way affect the terms and conditions that need not be submitted by the employer to the LMIA.
  • All LMIA requirements for jobs in the agricultural sector have been removed until 31 October 2020.
  • Occupations in the agricultural sector are given top priority under the LMIA

To make operations safer for new employees, Canada has introduced a $50 million initiative. This is to help workers complete the mandatory isolation period. Recruits will be allowed entry only for essential reasons. This is determined by the Canadian Border Services Agency.

The above change has already been rolled out and taken in place. You can head to the CIC website to see more updated information on these changes.  It is important to stay up to date with all the latest immigration information. In case you need some personal consultation with a well knowledgably and reputed lawyer; you can book your consultations at Immigrationlawyertorontofirm.ca. Bookings can be done easily and you can also find plethora of information on other immigration programs. It is always advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer when you have doubts related to any application an Immigration lawyers not only help with LMAI applications but also assist in successfully filing any immigration application. Immigration lawyers can also help you in your immigration appeals or in case your application is rejected the first time, immigration lawyers can help you navigate the immigration laws and help you successfully file it the second time. As many foreign and temporary resident workers immigrate to Canada, staying up to date with the latest changes is important. Canada has always been a land of opportunities for many aspiring people around the world and it welcomes you to start your journey!

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

A Checklist for Workers’ Compensation Accident Victims

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It is crucial that a worker that has been injured on the job take appropriate steps following an accident. By following certain steps, the injured worker can ensure that his or her rates are adequately and fully protected. Additionally, the injured worker increases his or her chances of obtaining the best possible settlement for the accident case. Here is a checklist of things an injured employee should consider doing following a Workers’ Compensation accident.

The first and perhaps most important thing to do after a Workers’ Compensation accident is to report the accident.

  • As quickly as humanly possible, the injured worker should report the specifics of exactly how the accident occurred to his or her supervisor. Make sure to provide as much detail and description on how the accident occurred to your supervisor. That way, there’s a full and comprehensive record of what occurred. Next, you want to make sure that your employer fills out what is called a First Report of Injury.
  • This, the employer is legally required to fill out. After the employer fills it out, he or she must submit this First Report of Injury to the employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance company. There are strict deadlines governing how quickly this First Report of Injury must be provided to the insurance company. Initially reporting the accident to the employer can help ensure that the subsequent First Report of Injury be as detailed and comprehensive as possible. The next item on the checklist applies to those that experienced personal injuries from their workplace accident. If injuries were sustained, regardless of their severity, medical treatment should be obtained. Workers’ Compensation accidents can cause very, very mild injuries to very catastrophic injuries, including even death. Whatever injuries were suffered, you want to make sure that you obtain prompt and appropriate medical attention to fully address your injuries stemming from the accident. Additionally, by obtaining medical treatment, medical records will be generated, which will document the full extent and nature and quality of the injuries you sustained in your work accident. Keep in mind, you can go to any medical provider you wish to following your work injury. You do not have to go to any particular medical provider.

The next item on the checklist is something you should not do.

  • What you should never do following a Workers’ Compensation accident is to sign any paperwork an insurance company sends to you. They may send you various forms, which can be confusing to one who has never seen such forms. Make sure not to sign or complete any of this paperwork because, by doing so, you may be unwittingly jeopardizing your rights to full compensation.

Next on the checklist is something you must do, which is to attend an independent medical exam, also known as an IME.

  • The IME is a medical appointment that is arranged by and paid for by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance company. If you are out of work due to a work injury and an insurance company is paying you weekly compensation benefits, the insurance company, by law, is allowed to have you seen by a doctor of their choosing. This IME physician is paid handsomely from the insurance company to write a report. This report will be largely based on the doctor’s review of your medical records, as well as an in-person examination that he or she conducts of you. Therefore, by law, you must attend the independent medical exam if one is scheduled for you.

Next, always consider the possibility of a third-party case.

  • By law, you cannot sue your employer for a work injury. You cannot sue for negligence against your employer stemming from a workplace accident. However, if your workplace injury was caused by a third party, then a third-party lawsuit may be possible. This is oftentimes seen in the context of a motor vehicle accident or a slip and fall accident. Frequently in those instances, it is a third-party such as an individual or a company that negligently contributed to a workplace accident. If that is the case, you may have an underlying Workers’ Compensation accident claim to pursue, as well as a potential third-party negligence claim to pursue against the applicable individual or company responsible for causing your accident.

The final item on the checklist for injured workers to do is to contact a Workers’ Compensation injury attorney.

  • Apply for workers’ compensation in St. Louis that is experienced will understand how to effectively navigate your case through the legal and court process. Workers’ Compensation Law can be quite complex. Therefore, having qualified representation and advocacy on your side can help to best promote your rights and entitlements under the Workers’ Compensation Law.

Christopher Earley is a Workers’ Compensation attorney in Boston who handles Workers’ Compensation accidents as well as all types of personal injury accident cases. For over 15 years, the Law Office of Christopher Earley has been dedicated to representing the injured. If you or someone you know needs the assistance of an injury attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher Earley today at 617-338-7400.

Mike

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory, the best and free online attorney directory. Guest bloggers can also publish their articles here as other bloggers are doing.

Oklahoma Construction Site Injury

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As of 2018, 85,600 people were working in the construction field in Oklahoma, building and maintaining our infrastructure, workplaces, homes, and more. Unfortunately, the risks associated with working on a construction site are high, and people are getting injured every day.

Construction Site Statistics

Working on a construction site is a risky endeavor. Every day, construction workers handle hazardous building materials and electric wires, scale tall buildings, and operate heavy machinery. It’s no wonder that research has found that construction work is one of the most dangerous industries.

According to data by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, one in five worker deaths is in the construction business. These deaths were primarily caused by what OSHA calls the “Fatal Four.”

The “Fatal Four” indicates the following:

  • Falls: 33.5% of construction site fatalities happen due to serious slips and falls. This can include incidents such as tripping over improperly placed construction equipment, falling into hazardous material, or falling off of poorly secured scaffolding and ladders.
  • Struck by an object: 11.1% of construction site deaths happen when the worker gets hit by an object. This can include being struck by a flying object, like a misfired nail gun, or being struck by a falling object, such as a tool. This also includes being struck by a swinging object, such as heavy machinery, or being struck by a rolling object, such as a vehicle in motion.
  • Electrocution: 8.5% of construction-site fatalities occur because of electrocution. This can occur when wires and other electrical conduits are not safely used or secured, or when workers are improperly trained in electric work.
  • Caught in or in between an object: 5.5% of construction site deaths occur when a worker is caught in or in between an object. This can include cave-ins, body parts being pulled into machinery, or when the worker gets caught between the equipment and a fixed object.

OSHA has said that eliminating these causes would save almost 600 lives a year. While the “Fatal Four” are the most dangerous types of construction-site accidents, there are countless ways in which someone can be hurt while working on a construction site.

In the event of an accident, workers could suffer severe injuries that could have a lasting impact on their lives and livelihood. When this happens, they may need to turn to an experienced injury lawyer to help them get the workers’ compensation benefits they’re owed, or help them file a third-party injury claim. While not all workers are aware of their rights and legal options, a personal injury firm like this one, Abel Law Firm in Oklahoma City, could help them recover compensation. The firm lists the following as types of construction cases they handle:

  • Construction Equipment Defect
  • Construction Company Negligence
  • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries
  • Lifting Injuries
  • Exposure to Toxic Substances
  • Head/Brain Injuries
  • Amputations

For injured workers, an accident could mean not just physical pain, but also serious financial stress and strain. For those whose paychecks are the primary or sole means of supporting themselves and their families, an accident could have a devastating impact on their life and livelihood.

For this reason, it is recommended that all employers provide a safe workplace and reinforce safety procedures. Employees should also pay attention to proper safety procedures and processes to keep themselves and their co-workers safe.

Jessica

Find top rated attorneys and law firms profiles with Find Attorneys Directory  Publish articles here as other bloggers are doing.

When Do You Need to Hire a Workmans Comp Attorney Macon

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Being injured is never good but the experience happens to be much worse when you get hurt while trying to do your own job at the workplace. True, your employer needs to provide you with a workman’s compensation when the fault had not been yours but unfortunately, there is a slip between the cup and the lip and you might find yourself being deprived on account of performing your duty.

No worries! You can always seek out an able workman comp attorney Macon and demand what is rightfully yours. You are entitled to claim damages by the law and no employee or insurance company can cheat you out of your legitimate claim. However, you need to think objectively and decide whether you can represent yourself successfully instead of paying a good amount as the lawyer’s fee. Rest assured, most firms operate on a contingency basis and will not charge you any fee until and unless the case is settled in your favor.

However, it becomes mandatory to hire a specialized workers compensation attorney Macon when your case happens to be complex that requires the expertise of a legal professional. Here are a few scenarios that you just cannot ignore and have to get in touch with a qualified professional. Do check…

The claim is denied – Many employers in conjunction with the insurance carrier deny the rightful claims of their employees in the hope that the employees would be too intimidated to appeal. Do not make this mistake therefore and contact an attorney ASAP.

Insufficient Benefits – The amount that had been settled for you to receive happens to be inadequate. It does not cover your expenses or the amount you lost in wages while you were being treated for your injuries.  Do not be prepared to accept an unfair settlement though. Get an expert to help you with it and appeal for a better settlement that will do you justice.

Discrimination – Filing a worker’s comp claim is your right and you are entitled to the compensation as per the law of the country. Do not allow yourself to be subject to discriminatory practices afterward though. Assert your rights and appeal for justice by contacting a quality lawyer if you find your employer has sacked you or reduced your wages and absolved you from the responsibilities that you had handled earlier.

Your attorney will not only represent you in court but will also be able to collect the evidence on your behalf. Drawing up a settlement is also the forte of lawyers as is representing you at trials or negotiating with the insurer.

Moseley & Hinson

This article is written by Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, L.L.P. Team. Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, LLP, has been representing people with legal needs for over 50 years. Our law firm uses the vast resources available and we have the experience needed to handle successfully a wide range of complex legal issues