Every company owes a duty to its workers to protect and educate them about the risks and hazards of their working environment. An organization that neglects to protect its employees will be liable for accidents that happen on its premises, including trip and fall accidents. A trip and fall lawyer can help you file for worker’s compensation if you are a victim of this type of accident in your workplace. Here is more information about trip and fall accidents and creating a worker’s compensation claim:
What Is a Trip and Fall Accident?
Trip and fall accidents occur when a person’s foot collides with an obstacle or uneven surface. Such incidents can happen due to loose tiles, unsecured cables, poor lighting, and lack of warning in working areas. If you or other employees warned your employer of work hazards and the company did not implement any changes, you qualify for a trip and fall accident claim.
Types of Trip and Fall Damages
Trip and fall accidents result in minor-to-significant injuries, depending on the height of the fall and the surface the employee hits. An accident victim can also develop psychological trauma and emotional distress while recovering from the physical injuries. Some common injuries experienced after a trip and fall accident include:
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal injuries
- Stress and anxiety
Employees can suffer more than physical and psychological harm after an accident at work. The expenses incurred while treating and recovering from various injuries can drain the worker’s savings and strain their living standards. They might lose wages and other financial benefits, like commissions, from missing work.
What To Do After an Accident
If you are a victim of a trip and fall accident at work, you must prove that the incident occurred due to the company’s negligence. Negligence in personal injury claims refers to the lack of care owed to you by the responsible party. This negligent behavior leads to damages and injuries that could have been avoided with proper care. To prove negligence, you must visit a doctor immediately for a medical examination. The doctor will assess whether any injuries or illnesses you suffered resulted directly from the trip and fall.
Consolidate any photographs and documentation showing the company ignored workplace hazards. Use this opportunity to gather witness accounts and other complaints that support your case. Consult a trip and fall lawyer for help understanding how to file for worker’s compensation using this evidence.
How Worker’s Compensation Works
Worker’s compensation is a federal program that pays benefits to workers who have been injured or disabled on the job. It covers medical expenses incurred due to the injury, such as hospital visits, consultations, medical treatments, and rehabilitation. If your injury causes you to miss work, worker’s compensation recovers lost wages until you can return to work.
While some injured workers can return to their jobs quickly, others might struggle with long-term injuries. For employees who suffer permanent injuries or disabilities, worker’s compensation will cover lifestyle adjustments necessitated by the impairment. The compensation will cover training expenses if the injuries prevent workers from returning to their previous role but do not impair their ability to start another occupation.
Hire a Trip and Fall Lawyer
A personal injury attorney with experience handling trip and fall claims will help you understand how to get maximum compensation. They will work with your employer to negotiate terms and agree on a fair settlement plan. If the negotiations fail, they will represent you in a court hearing to determine the company’s liability and compensation package. Contact a trip and fall lawyer near you today to learn more about filing for worker’s compensation.
