Injuries on the job are a relatively common occurrence. While most work injuries are minor in nature like cuts or burns, some work injuries can result in severe trauma, long-term disability, or wrongful death.
Regardless of whether the injury is minor or severe, you have a right to receive compensation for injuries you incur at work. If you have suffered injuries because of a work-related accident, you should contact a qualified work injury attorney in Lewisville at the Todd R. Durham Law Firm who can help you determine your eligibility for benefits.
First and foremost, you should report the injury to your employer. Next, ask your employer for a claim form and file a claim. In workers’ compensation cases, time is of the essence since you only have a limited amount of time to file your claim.
Finally, if you have been involved in a work accident, the most important thing to do is document everything. It may be wise to start a file and include the following:
Notes regarding exactly what happened before, during, and after the incident.
Documentation regarding the extent of your injuries such as photos and medical records.
A log of your conversations with insurance adjusters, doctors, lawyers, witnesses, etc.
Other pertinent information including important letters and medical bills.
All evidence of your injury; evidence may include photos of damaged property or the scene of the accident, as well as any defective product or piece of equipment that may have been directly involved.
Workers’ compensation laws were established not only to protect workers, but also to protect employers.
Because most employers are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, they are protected by the law from defending themselves against employee personal injury claims. This is not to say that you cannot sue your employer. However, it does limit the grounds on which you can sue your employer.
Essentially, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that negligence (whether by the employer or employee) is not an issue. Employees who sustain work-related injuries due to a defective product or machinery may pursue a third-party claim. These claims are usually filed against manufacturers of faulty products or equipment.
While the following list is not comprehensive, it does cover some of the more common work-related injuries covered by workers’ compensation:
Diseases contracted due to repeated and prolonged exposure to toxins at work such as asbestos poisoning.
Mental and/or physical strain caused by work-related stress.
Preexisting conditions, such as back or hip injury, worsened by job duties or the work environment.
Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injuries sustained on company grounds while “off the clock.”
While the following list is not comprehensive, it does cover some of the more common work-related injuries not covered by workers’ compensation:
Self-inflicted injuries.
Injuries sustained during the commission of a crime.
Injuries suffered due to employee misconduct.
Workers’ compensation is a complex system of laws with specific guidelines and procedures. If you have been injured in a work accident, you may be entitled to receive benefits. Workers' Compensation Attorney Todd R. Durham can help you recover damages and ensure that your rights are protected.
Do you have other questions about your work injury claim? When you contact Todd R. Durham, and we’ll provide you with the answers you need and deserve!
Call today at (214) 222-4000 to schedule your free consultation with the best accident lawyer Lewisville has to offer. You can also use our easy case review form on our website and someone will answer your inquiry shortly.
Address:
345 W Main St, Lewisville, TX 75057
