Statistics on occupational injuries, commonly resulting from trips, falls, slips, overexertion, and contact with equipment are essential for accident prevention. Businesses can prevent workplace accidents by adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and taking proper precautions. Nonetheless, despite the emphasis on workplace safety, workplace accidents prevalence remains high, and employers protect themselves from the financial burden by investing in a worker’s compensation insurance policy. Even though injured employees are entitled to compensation for the damages suffered, they need to protect themselves in case of workplace accidents to get justice.
Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Injured employees need to seek legal counsel to help with the complicated legal process of filing a compensation lawsuit or negotiating with the employer about a settlement amount.
You may read here about how an employer will offer a lump sum settlement to an injured employee to avoid a lawsuit. Even though settling seems like an easier approach to getting a settlement, injured employees usually get less because employers tend to lowball settlement. A workers’ comp attorney will employ legal expertise and negotiation skills in the litigation and negotiation process. In addition, an experienced attorney will ensure that employees get financial benefits that correspond to the financial damages related to their injuries. If you’re needing to find a St Louis workers compensation lawyer or one in your area, search ‘Best workers compensation lawyer near me’ to find the most trusted lawyer in your area.
Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Investigator
Even though employers invest in a workers’ compensation insurance policy to provide benefits to employees who get sick or injured from a work-related cause, the insurance company will only agree to offer financial benefits after confirming the injuries. Employers can refute the injury claims in some cases, especially if an employee violates safety protocols. The insurance company will go to the extent of hiring a private investigator to ascertain that a worker is not committing fraud. Employees can protect themselves from biases by hiring a private investigator to gather evidence to prove that the employer is responsible for the financial damages.
Seek Medical Attention
Smart employees start the process of getting a settlement by informing the employer about the workplace accident and submitting a demand letter to the insurance company. The demand letter should include information regarding how the accident happened, why the employer is liable, and the extent of the injuries and damages. Establishing the extent of damages and injuries requires a medical examination. Overlooking minor injuries that might end up causing long-term medical problems can cost injured employees a huge settlement. In addition to treating the injuries, a medical examination protects employees as they will have medical records to use as evidence during litigation or negotiation.
Employers protect themselves from financial damages and legal costs associated with workplace injuries by hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. However, the process of getting a settlement remains challenging to employees as insurance companies and employers utilize all the possible loopholes to avoid liability. These ideas will help employees protect themselves during a workplace accident and get a fair settlement.