Coping With Workplace Accidents: Knowing Your Rights

 

Coping With Workplace Accidents: Knowing Your Rights

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Did you know that a large percentage of people that are entitled to personal injury compensation due to workplace accidents never get the money they deserve?

 

There are many reasons why this is the case. Some people wrongly believe they will spend the next few years going to and from the court, while others think it is going to be too expensive. If you choose a law firm wisely, this won’t be the case. Research law firms near you. For a good example you can head to hupy.com/offices/green-bay–wisconsin-office.cfm for more information on this. Nonetheless, one of the main reasons is because there is a lack of knowledge regarding what constitutes a personal injury.

 

This is generally the case in regards to claims involving workplace accidents. A lot of employers do not know their rights and, therefore, they do not make a claim for the injury they have sustained.

 

Let’s take a look at what you should expect from your employer and your working life in general…
  • Your employer must inform you of the potential risks and dangers of your working environment.
  • If you work more than a six hours stretch, you are entitled to a rest break of at least twenty minutes.
  • Your employer must tell you what to do in an emergency and how to get first-aid treatment.
  • You must be aware of what has been done to protect your health and safety.
  • If you have concerns about your health and safety, you have a right to contact your local authority, and you should not get in trouble for this.
  • Your employer must provide guidelines on how to do your job safely. This is important when avoiding the likes of repetitive strain injury and vibration white finger.
  • If you think you are in danger you have the right to leave the area and stop working.
  • You must be informed about any changes that could have an impact on your health. For instance, noisy environments that could result in industrial deafness must be addressed.

 

For Leisure Freak UK readers Head to https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/information/working/your-rights-in-the-workplace/ for US readers see https://employment.findlaw.com/employment-discrimination/employees-rights-101.html for more information on your workplace rights.

 

So, what actually qualifies as a personal injury claim, and what doesn’t?

There are three key questions you can ask to determine this.

 

  • Did the accident happen within the last three years?

 

Most people are unaware of the fact that personal injury cases actually have a three-year time limit. Court proceedings must be issued before the deadline. Therefore, there truly is no time to waste. You don’t want to miss out on compensation because your claim has reached its sell-by date.

 

  • How did the incident occur?

 

It is imperative to determine who is at fault for the accident in question. Claims are only successful if you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s error or negligence.

 

  • Did you see a medical professional for your injuries?

 

Many people bypass a visit to the doctor when they have suffered a minor injury, as they would rather not go through the hassle. However, if you do this, there is very little chance you will be entitled to compensation. After all, you will not have received a professional diagnosis and there will be no proof of your injury.

 

Physical and health related setbacks can slow if not completely undermine our personal finance goals. When it’s because of unnecessary workplace accidents causing injury then we shouldn’t shy away from seeking legal remedy. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding regarding your rights in the workplace, as well as the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you have a good chance of claiming.