Injured from a fall at work, can I get workers’ compensation benefits?
A construction worker is exposed to several different risks, hazards and dangers. One of these is falling from an elevation. In fact, falling from an elevation is one of the more common causes of accidents that happen to construction workers.
Falling from an elevation may take place in several different settings. Some of these include falling or jumping to a lower level, falling down stairs, steps, roofs, ladders, buildings, scaffolds, trees, structural steel or building girders.
Falling from an elevation may occur from something as simple as walking up or down stairs, climbing a ladder or working from a ladder. Falling from an elevation may also be the result of a complex series of events that affect an ironworker far above the ground.
There are a variety of injuries that may result from falling from an elevation. These injuries may involve isolated or multiple areas of the body. The parts of the body that are affected most often by falling from an elevation are wrists, ankles, backs and knees. Some of the most common injuries are pain, soreness, strains, tears, sprains, bruises, fractures and concussions.
Were you injured at your workplace because of falling from an elevation? Were you able to continue working? Have you had to miss work?
It may be that you suffered serious injuries from falling. You may have missed a great deal of work. In fact, you may still not be able to return to work. Will you ever be able to work, again?
Have you received the workers’ compensation benefits that you are entitled to receive from your employer? Has your employer denied you workers’ compensation benefits? Has your employer told you that he will not let you have workers’ compensation benefits or threatened to fire you if you applied for workers’ compensation?
In all of the states, with a few exceptions, your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, in most situations, your employer will still have to pay for your medical bills and lost wages. State laws do vary and the procedures for applying for workers compensation may vary. Talk to your supervisor immediately if you have been injured in the course of your employment.
It is also important for you to know that your employer, by law, is not allowed to fire you for filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer has to have another reason for firing you.
Workers’ compensation is intended to be a compromise between you and your employer. Your employer is not allowed to deny you workers’ compensation if you are injured while performing your normal job duties. In return for immediate medical benefits and wage loss compensation, you have forfeited your right, under most conditions, to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer for additional compensation for your work injury.
If you still have questions about your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits or what you need to do to receive these benefits, www.usworkerscomp.com is the right place to be. The attorneys at www.usworkerscomp.com are ready to answer your questions and help you. Please be sure and fill out the free evaluation form at the bottom of the page.
