Workplace Accidents

Injuries and illnesses that happen in the workplace are surprisingly common, even for jobs that are not especially dangerous. Workplace injuries include things like slips and falls, electrocution, motor vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, heavy machine accidents, spinal cord injuries, fallen object accidents, lacerations, abrasions, carpal tunnel syndrome, mesothelioma, burn injuries, broken bones, and death.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4.2 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2005. Statistics also show that a 20-year-old worker has a 30% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect employees who are injured or disabled on the job from experiencing financial hardship by providing eligible injury victims with fixed monetary restitution. Workers’ comp covers medical expenses associated with work-related disabilities or illnesses and pays the injured worker two-thirds of their normal monthly salaries while they remain impaired. Workers may receive additional compensation for permanent physical injuries or for the support of their dependents.

Unfortunately, some employers fail to provide their injured or ill employees with proper compensation, either by denying wage replacement or denying medical care reimbursement. Injured or ill employees and their families are seldom in a position to fight for their rights— most are focused on dealing with the injury, the medical bills, and other financial fall-out from being off of work.

If you have been injured or developed an illness in the workplace, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and/or some kind of social security benefit (SSI/SSDI). If someone other than your employer’s negligence caused your injury or illness, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Workplace accident cases are often very complex and require specialized legal knowledge and experience. If you’ve been injured or developed an illness and your employer is not treating your fairly, you need an experienced attorney to sort out your case and protect your rights.

Contact Siegfried & Jensen today for a free consultation. We’re here for you.