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June 10, 2022

What To Know Before You Sue For Workplace Injuries

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Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News

Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on the job, you might be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. But there are a lot of factors to consider when filing a workplace injury claim.

Here are some things you need to know before suing for workplace injuries or contacting a work injury lawyer:

What Is Workplace Injuries?

Workplace injuries can occur due to an accident on the job or from prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions at work. Some of these injuries include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other repetitive stress injuries
  • Lacerations and puncture wounds
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Burns from hot surfaces or chemicals such as acids or bleach

The definition of “workplace” is broad

The definition of “workplace” is broad — it includes any place where the employer controls what happens there, including the office building, parking lot, and work-related social events. This means that it may still be considered a work injury f an accident happens on private property such as a grocery store or restaurant, but involves an employee’s job duties,

Your employer must have insurance

All employers with more than 50 full-time employees must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage at all times. Without it, they’re not allowed to hire anyone who works more than 40 hours per week. If you discover that your employer doesn’t have coverage (or isn’t meeting their responsibilities), you can report them to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission online or by phone.

You Must File A Claim Within Your State’s Statute Of Limitations

For most states, there is a statute of limitations on when you can file your case against your employer or their insurance company. You will want to make sure that you file within this time frame, otherwise, your case could be dismissed and not heard by the court.

Why You Need A Work Injury Lawyer

If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your employer’s insurance company refuses to pay you or offers you less than you think is appropriate, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Workplace injuries can result in both physical and emotional damage. If your injuries are serious enough, they may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation which can be expensive. In addition, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may have legal recourse for damages in civil court.

Your employer may offer to settle out of court

This is common for smaller companies or those accused of negligence. If this happens, it’s important to understand that you may have limited options if the settlement is not acceptable.

If you get hurt at work because of someone else’s negligence (or even just because of unsafe conditions), then you have the right to sue them for compensation for medical bills and lost wages that resulted from their carelessness.

Your work injury lawyer from Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy, LLP will advise you on whether you have a case, how best to proceed with the claim, and what damages may be available under the law.

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