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Have You Been Injured At Work? Don’t Let Your Boss Get Away With It!

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contact worker's compensation lawyer
When to consult with a worker's compensation lawyer cause of a job injury
contact worker's compensation lawyer
When to consult with a worker’s compensation lawyer cause of a job injury

When to consult with a worker’s compensation lawyer cause of a job injury. When your employer fails to keep workplace safety standards. 

Over 2 million workers’ injuries happen each year. These workers put their lives at great risk to make ends meet and support their families, but sometimes employers do not keep workers as safe as they should be kept. This is especially true if the employer is aware of issues with workplace safety standards, yet he or she fails to do anything about it. Unfortunately, workers in this position often suffer because of their employer’s negligence. 

And to escape responsibility for workers’ compensation claims, employers will try and trick workers into believing that they are not eligible for benefits or that they should settle with an insurance company without consulting a workers compensation lawyer. If this has happened to you, you should know that there is help available and that it doesn’t have to be the end of the line.

Contact A Lawyer

Fighting for your right yourself can be difficult in this situation, that is why you need legal help. If you have been injured on the job and feel that your employer is responsible for it, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer.  If you live in South Carolina, there are tons of law firms you can reach out to but if you are in Charleston, you can find a worker’s compensation lawyer in Charleston, SC for legal advice. One of the benefits they can provide is defending your rights and they will stick with you throughout the process to help you get the settlement that you deserve.

Remember, if your boss does not care about your safety, he or she will probably not be willing to compensate you for your injuries. The lawyer will review your claim and help you to determine if you have a case or not. If it turns out that your injuries were the direct result of your job, then they will fight for those benefits on your behalf. They can also arrange for your medical treatment so you won’t have to deal with the insurance company. The sooner that you do this, the better prepared they will be when it comes time for negotiations with your boss’s insurance company. They can also provide you with more options if your case is not as clear-cut and they may be able to find a third party that was responsible for the accident.

Report The Accident 

There are strict time limits governing the reporting of accidents. If you fail to report an accident to your employer within 7 days, they may refuse to pay your compensation claim. So you must find out what time limits apply in your case and act quickly. When you have been injured in an accident at work, it is important to report it to your employer straight away. If you fail to do so within seven days, your claim may be refused. Don’t delay reporting the accident immediately. Don’t rely on your employer to tell you about time limits in your case. 

contact worker's compensation lawyer
When to hire a worker’s compensation lawyer cause of a job injury.

They are required only to pay statutory entitlements. If you want full compensation for any losses due to your accident, it is up to you to know the law and protect your rights. Your first step should always be to report the accident to your employer in writing. You should also speak to your employer in person and ask them when you should submit a claim form.

Don’t be put off if your employer tries to discourage you from making a claim: they don’t want you to receive any money and may even try and persuade you that it wasn’t their fault. You may be told that you should claim money from your own insurance company. This is not true: your employer’s liability insurance policy only covers statutory compensation for employees, while any damages due to you would come out of their pocket. Make sure you know the law and don’t let your boss get away with it.

Collect Evidence 

If you have been injured at work, it is important to collect as much information about the accident as possible. This includes taking photographs of the scene of the accident, taking witness statements, and obtaining medical evidence. The evidence you obtain will help prove that it was your employer’s fault, should you need to claim them. If the accident was recorded by your employers’ equipment, this may be used as evidence in court. This also applies if your boss tries to report or record the accident differently from how it happened. If you are unsure about how to go about collecting evidence, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or trade union.

Don’t Accept Less Than You Are Entitled To 

Just because your employer offers you less than you are entitled to under the law, doesn’t mean that you should settle for it. It is important to take independent legal advice before agreeing to anything. For example, many employers will offer you an amount to settle your injury claim that is less than the maximum payout allowed under the legislation. You may be tempted to take this because it will ‘finish’ the matter quickly and it seems like more money than you deserve. However, by accepting their terms, you could be waiving your right to pursue additional compensation against your employer. 

Don’t decide to settle lightly. If you are considering an offer you must discuss this with a solicitor. Don’t be bullied into accepting less than you are entitled to.

Never ignore an injury at work. Even if the accident doesn’t seem serious, you could still be entitled to compensation. Reporting accidents immediately is vital and taking legal advice will help make sure you receive all of the compensation you are legally owed.

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