Industrial Accidents
What you need to know about work accidents
Unfortunately, industrial accidents are inevitable. On average, about 4 percent of U.S. workers fall victim to work accidents each year. While most incidents are minor, some result in debilitating injuries and even death.
From chemical spills and explosions to industrial machinery accidents and the handling of hazardous waste, the risks in an industrial workplace are many. While employee education and accident prevention programs can stop many of them from happening in the first place, they're a fact of life – which is why it's important to know what to do when they occur.
Legal Issues Arising from Industrial Accidents
Government investigations are usually warranted when work accidents result in serious injury or death. An independent third party must determine whether the accident was the result of negligence on the part of the employer or the employee. Workers with benefits packages are financially protected in the event they suffer an injury that limits their ability to work, but lawsuits often result if the accident is found to be the fault of the company.
In most cases, victims choose to consult accident lawyers even if the incident wasn't the fault of the company. Most workers aren't fully aware of their legal rights and responsibilities, and consultations with accident lawyers are, at the very least, informative and instructional. They can make you aware of legal courses of action you didn't know you had available.
Resources for Injured Workers
From construction accidents to manufacturing mishaps, the United States Department of Labor is an excellent place to turn for advice and direction if you've been injured. You're better off to get an impartial point of view before deciding whether or not to pursue legal action. Some accident lawyers may encourage you to consult them before they know whether or not you have the case, which is something done for their benefit, not yours.
Each individual U.S. state also operates its own workers' compensation agency. You can easily locate these agencies online if you have any questions about your situation, or if you want to learn more about collecting disability benefits on a short-term or long-term basis. Disability provisions are normally part of employee benefits packages, but may also be available through the government as well, if your job doesn't offer benefits.
That said, if an injury is the result of company negligence, accident lawyers are an indispensible resource. Many of them will work for you on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don't collect any payment until you've received your settlement. This is a boon to injured workers who need legal help but can't afford to pay the fees up front.
