Serious Injury at Work? Protect Yourself With Legal Options
Serious injury at work? Protect yourself with legal options.
Injuries at work can be devastating, not just to your physical health but also to your livelihood. In the United States alone, workplace injuries account for nearly 3 million emergency room visits and 200,000 hospitalizations each year. The most common types of injuries in the workplace are sprains or strains, cuts and lacerations on extremities, contusions/bruises (i.e., a bump on the head), fractures/dislocations from falls or contact with objects (e.g., tools), electric shock or burns from power lines or equipment that has electrical malfunctions while workers are using it - all of which can lead to lost time from work meaning loss of earnings and also medical bills.
Shortlist attorneys
Look for those who have experience in workplace injuries.
-Take a look at their work history - how many times they've handled cases similar to yours, and the type of clientele they represent (small business owners vs large corporations) can give you an idea of who will best suit your needs.
-When talking with potential candidates, ask about their successes but also ask about cases they may have lost.
Choose the best attorney according to merit
-Find out if the lawyer is willing to handle your case for a contingency fee (you won't have to pay up front unless they win)
-Ask about their billing practices.
-Check into whether or not the attorney needs you in court as often and how much that will cost you.
-Discuss any potential conflicts of interest, do they represent parties connected?
Use A Local Lawyer
This is common sense, but it's worth repeating.
-A lawyer who practices in the area where you get injured will know local laws, procedures and players better than a general practitioner could hope to.
-They'll also be able to work more quickly with the insurance company when they're negotiating your settlement, which can mean quicker compensation for you.
Use firms with experience in this field. Philadelphia for example you'd choose Lacy Law Firm but if you were in Louisiana, then you'd Get Even Call Stephen and opt for Stephen Babcock in Baton Rouge, just to give 2 examples of great law firms.
Worker classification and the law
-Is the worker classified as an independent contractor?
-If so, then they may not be eligible for workers comp.
What happens if I go to work and get injured?
Good question! If you've been hurt on the job, whether it's during a time when you're working or commuting via public transit to that place, then you still have rights.
Hopefully, you'll never be involved in an accident, but you may know family members or friends who have and they need a great legal representation.