Canton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are unable to work because of an injury or illness that happened at work in Canton, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. When a workplace injury happens, you may find yourself missing out on paychecks, accumulating medical bills, and being overwhelmed with paperwork. This can be an extremely difficult and uncertain time.

Fortunately, Michigan law protects workers from negative fallout related to work injuries by requiring employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

What is Workers’ Compensation and How Does It Work?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is purchased by an employer to protect their workers from job-related injuries and illness. It provides a safety net for injured workers so that they are not left with no job and no money while trying to recover from an injury. Some jobs can be dangerous, and it shouldn’t be the responsibility of the worker to deal with all the repercussions that come with an injury.

Under the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Act, individuals that are injured at work can receive different types of financial support to cover their injury-related expenses. This includes:

• missed income from time off work
• medical bills
• job training if you need to change careers
• death benefits if a worker dies in a job-related accident

Unlike a personal injury claim, workers can receive benefits despite being at fault for a work-related incident. However, injured workers can not recover compensation for damages typically awarded in a personal injury lawsuit.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

The top three leading causes of job-related injuries make up more than 84% of all nonfatal injuries on the job. This includes:

Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries

Overexertion injuries can happen when a worker uses excessive physical effort to do a task and gets injured. This includes lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing.

The repetitive motion caused by stress or strain on some part of the body is because of the repetitive nature of the job. Common repetitive tasks include lifting boxes, typing on a computer, using a ten-key machine, sitting for long hours, and working on an assembly line.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common on-the-job injuries. They make up 25% of annual injury claims, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Falls on the job include falling from slippery floors, from tripping, and from heights like ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or various other structures.

Injuries from Contact with Equipment and Objects

Contact with equipment and objects refers to injuries that happen when a worker is struck by something or runs into something. This can include a worker being hit by a moving object, bumping into or being pushed in front of an object, being crushed in equipment, or being caught in wire or rope. It might also include accidents like an employee being struck or crushed by collapsing structures, equipment, or materials.

Workers’ Compensation May Also Cover Occupational Illnesses

In addition to being injured, workers can also get sick with an illness because of their job. When this occurs, workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help cover some of the costs.

Job-related illnesses include diseases that arise from hazardous work environments or workplace exposures. Some typical illnesses that occur at work include:

• Hearing loss
• Respiratory diseases
• Skin conditions
• Toxic chemical poisoning

Situations involving job-related illness are complicated for a number of different factors. One of the main reasons is that you will need to prove that your illness was caused by your job, and not from any other factor like genetics or something that occurred during your personal time. This is further complicated by the fact that a lot of illnesses develop gradually, which makes them more difficult to notice and to pinpoint the origin.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured on the Job?

If you get injured in the course of your employment, you should always report the accident, injury, or condition as soon as possible to your employer. This is essential even if an injury seems minor. This is because injuries that appear small in the beginning can end up being much more severe in the coming days or weeks.

For example, an injury that might feel like only a strained muscle can turn out to be a sign of long-term nerve damage. Or a sore low back from lifting a heavy object could be a disc herniation that needs surgery.

Further, you should always have a work-related injury assessed by a medical professional. This is the only way to find out the extent of your injury, and what can be done to recover. This is especially important for stress or repetitive motion injuries. In this case, making changes in the ergonomic environment might not only treat the injury but help to prevent injuries to others. Further, to preserve the long-term ability of a worker to maintain and carry on in their job.

Lastly, waiting too long to report an injury on the job may seize your right to claim any kind of workers’ compensation benefits.

Should You Get In Touch with a Canton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Consequently, if sustain an on-the-job injury in Canton, speak to the Canton personal injury lawyers at Marko Law. Don’t go through these hard times alone. We are here to assist you with your claim. We know the causes and impacts of work accidents and injuries. Additionally, we know the laws and regulations associated with workers’ compensation in Michigan and will work to make the most of the compensation you receive.

Contact Us Today to Get a Free Consultation

If you are ready to start your case or need more information about Workers’ Compensation in Canton, Michigan, contact Marko Law Firm today. Let us represent you as you seek justice and compensation for your pain and damages. Call (313) 777-7LAW today to get a free consultation or visit our website: MarkoLaw.com to get more information.