Types of Accidents at Work and When to Hire a Lawyer

Worker deaths in the U.S. happen every day. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), workplace deaths have decreased from 38 worker deaths per day in 1970 to 15 per day in 2019. Injuries and illnesses related to the workplace also went down from 10.9 incidents per 100 employees in 1972 to approximately 2.8 per 100 workers in 2019. However, there's still a lot of work to do to get these numbers down.

Workplace accidents can cause severe injuries and deaths. The type of work you do and workplace conditions create these risks. The chances of getting into accidents in certain workplaces, like construction sites and quarries, tend to be greater than in others.

No matter the circumstances or workplace, if you have been hurt on the job, you may want to seek legal help from an experienced Virginia workers' compensation lawyer. You may be eligible to file a worker's compensation claim to obtain all of the benefits you are entitled to.

Common Types of Accidents at Work

All types of injuries can occur in the workplace. These injuries can cost both the employee and employer time and money. Here are some of the most common types of accidents at work that may cause severe injuries.

Falls on Slippery Surfaces

Trips, slips, and falls are common types of accidents in the workplace. Factors like wet floors, icy surfaces, poor lighting, and scattered cords and debris increase the risk of slips and falls. A fall can result in severe injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractured bones.

Company Vehicle Accidents

Employees who drive as part of their jobs face all kinds of risks on Virginia roads. Inclement weather, bad road conditions, and faulty automotive equipment are factors that can lead to accidents. The negligent actions of other drivers, such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving, can also lead to wrecks that injure employees.

Company vehicle accidents can also happen within the workplace. A truck driver may lose control while entering a warehouse and injure other employees.

If you are injured on the job through a motor vehicle accident that is the fault of another driver, you may even have both a possible workers’ compensation and personal injury case. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Different work environments have their own types of risks that can cause work accidents. In settings where employees use heavy machinery, the risk of catastrophic injuries is much higher.

Oftentimes, employers try their best to make workplaces as safe as possible. Manufacturers also have an obligation to make quality equipment that doesn't endanger the lives of workers. Still, there are times when machines malfunction and cause work-related accidents.

Common heavy machinery-related accidents that occur in Virginia may involve:

• Cranes
• Forklifts
• Loaders
• Bulldozers
• Excavators
• Dump trucks

If you or a loved one have been injured while using heavy machinery at work, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and should consult a lawyer today.

When to Hire an Experienced Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been hurt while performing their job, you should consider hiring a workers' compensation lawyer in Virginia. An experienced lawyer can guide you throughout the claims process and ensure you get all of the benefits you deserve.

Here are several reasons why you should hire a Virginia workers' comp attorney to help you with your work-related accident case.

When You Are Denied Workers Compensation Benefits

There are many reasons why insurance companies deny compensation claims. For example, the insurance provider may argue that your injuries are due to repetitive motion and thus deny your claim. In Virginia, workers' compensation laws don't cover repetitive motion injuries. The insurance company may also deny your claim if they believe your injury isn't work-related. 

If your employer or their insurance provider denies your compensation claim, contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney in Virginia to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can analyze evidence and help you contest the decision, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

When Your Employer Doesn't Have Workers Compensation Insurance

Virginia law requires employers with more than two employees to carry Virginia workers' compensation coverage. However, not every employer in Virginia complies with the law..

If you sustain a work injury and realize your employer doesn't have insurance, you should contact a workers' compensation attorney immediately. An attorney will help you understand your options and what benefits you may be entitled to.

You should also consider speaking to compensation attorneys if:

• You are confused or overwhelmed by the claims process
• You have a pre-existing condition
• You have significant medical bills
• You've received a re-evaluation request from the insurance company
• You plan to file for Social Security disability benefits
• Your employer retaliates against you
• You were injured by a third party
• You have an upcoming workers' compensation hearing

Get Financial Compensation for Your Work-Related Injury

Many types of accidents at work are preventable. When policies, training, and protective equipment fail to protect employees in the workplace, those who get injured or become ill deserve compensation. Workers who die due to workplace accidents also deserve justice. Their surviving loved ones and dependents should receive workers' compensation benefits on their behalf.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in the workplace, speak to a workers' compensation lawyer immediately. A lawyer can discuss your legal options and guide you throughout the process.

At Commonwealth Law Group, our legal team can gather and analyze evidence to build a strong workers' compensation claim. We are ready to file your claim and handle settlement talks with your employer and their insurance provider. If negotiations don't work out, our trial lawyers will handle litigation to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Contact us now to speak to our workers’ compensation attorneys.