Workplace Injuries: What Are Your Legal Rights?

Prepare for workplace injuries to protect your health and rights and increase compensation. Knowing your rights, what to do, and who to call after an accident is crucial for your health and safety and can help maximize the compensation you receive.

What Are Workers’ Rights to Prevent Accidents?

Employee safety is protected by federal and local laws. All of the workers have the same rights:

A Safe Work Environment: Employers are required to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. This includes proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to federal and local safety standards.
Access to Safety Information: Workers have the right to know about potential hazards in their workplace and previous accidents.
The Right to Report Unsafe Conditions: If you notice unsafe conditions, you have the right to report them without fear of retaliation. OSHA protects whistleblowers who raise concerns about workplace safety.
Proper Training: Employers must provide adequate training for all employees, especially those in high-risk industries like construction or manufacturing.

What Are Workers’ Right After an Accident?

If you’re injured on the job, you have rights that ensure you receive proper care and compensation. Here’s what you need to know:

Emergency Medical Treatment: Your employer is required to provide immediate medical attention if you’re injured at work.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Worker compensation insurance is mandatory in many states. After an accident, workers can have all their medical expenses covered and may receive compensation for lost wages and rehabilitation costs.
Legal Representation: Workers have a right to legal counsel to help them build a case, navigate the claims process, negotiate with employers or insurance companies, or file a lawsuit.
File a lawsuit: If your employer is not covered by workers' compensation insurance or does not want to recognize your labor relationship, you can hire workplace injury lawyers to file a lawsuit against your employer.

What Should Workers Do If They Are Injured on the Job?

Follow these steps to protect your rights:

Seek Medical Attention: Nothing is more important than your health and safety. Even if you don´t feel pain, seek medical attention. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately.
Document the Incident: Ask a coworker to take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment or conditions that contributed to the incident.
Report the Accident: Notify your supervisor or employer in writing as soon as possible.
Keep Records: Save all medical records, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury. These documents will support your claim for workplace accident compensation.
File Workplace Injury Claims: Through workers' compensation or with the help of a lawyer, file an injury claim. Lawyers can help you build a strong case and negotiate with them to maximize the compensation you receive.
Consult a Lawyer: Insurance companies are not incentivized to help injured workers as much as possible. They often offer low settlements, minimize injuries, or dismiss claims to save money.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

Benefits typically include:

Coverage for medical expenses
Wage compensation for lost income
Disability benefits for permanent injuries
Vocational rehabilitation if you’re unable to return to your previous job

Even if you’re an irregular worker, there are other ways to seek justice. Workplace injuries can be life-altering, but knowing your rights, what to do, and who to call, can help you protect your health and rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Being prepared is your best defense.