Marko Law Firm - Dearborn Height Workers' Compensation Lawyer

If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness that took place at work in Dearborn Height, you might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. When a workplace injury occurs, you might find yourself losing 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 job 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 a company to protect its workers from job-related injuries and illness. It offers a safeguard for injured workers to ensure they have not left with no job and no money while trying to recuperate from an injury. Some jobs can be hazardous, and it should not be the responsibility of the worker to handle all the consequences that come with an injury. Under the Michigan Workers' Compensation Act, people who are injured at work can receive various types of financial support to cover their injury-related expenses. This includes:

• Missed income from time off work
• Medical expenses
• Job training if you need to change professions
• 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 job-related accident. However, injured employees can not recover compensation for damages normally awarded in a personal injury case.

‍Have You Been Injured at work?

‍Accidents and injuries occur everywhere, even at work. This is particularly true in certain occupations and industries, such as:

• Working in construction
• Jobs that require using heavy machinery
• Inventory stocking
• Delivery driver
• Working for a moving company
• Landscaping and lawn service
• Iron and steelworkers
• Agricultural work
• Truck drivers
• Garbage collection
• Roofers
• Fishing industry
• Logging

But the truth is, accidents can occur even in fairly tame work environments. For instance, even an office worker can be injured on the job. Sitting at a computer all the time can create injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or vision problems. Or there could be a slippery floor or a staircase that can cause a fall. If these injuries go without proper medical attention, they can lead to further more serious injuries down the line.

‍Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

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

• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
• Slip and fall injuries
• Injuries from contact with equipment and objects

Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries

‍Overexertion injuries can occur when a worker uses excessive physical effort to do a job and gets hurt. This includes lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing. The repetitive motion caused by stress or strain on some part of the body is due to the repetitive nature of the task. 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 among the most common on-the-job injuries. They account for 25% of annual injury cases, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Falls at work include falling from slippery floors, tripping, and heights like ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or other structures.

‍Injuries from Contact with Equipment and Objects

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

‍Workers' Compensation May Also Cover Occupational Illnesses'

‍Along with being hurt, employees can also get sick with an illness because of their job. When this occurs, worker's compensation insurance is designed to help cover some of the expenses. Job-related illnesses include diseases that arise from dangerous work environments or workplace exposures. Some common illnesses that happen at work include:

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

Cases involving work-related illness are complicated for a few different factors. One of the main reasons is that you will need to prove that your illness was caused by your job, and not by some other factor like genetics or something that occurred during your personal time. This is even more complicated by the fact that many illnesses develop gradually, which makes them more difficult to notice and to determine the origin.

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

‍If you get injured during your employment, you need to always report the accident, injury, or illness as soon as possible to your employer. This is necessary even if an injury seems minor. This, because injuries that appear minor initially can become much more severe in the coming days or weeks. For instance, an injury that may feel like just a strained muscle can turn out to be a sign of permanent nerve damage. Or a sore lower back from lifting a heavy object could be a disc herniation that requires surgery. Further, you should always have a work-related injury examined by a doctor. This is the only way to figure out the extent of your injury, and what can be done to recuperate. This is particularly important for stress or repetitive motion injuries. In this case, making changes in the ergonomic environment may not only treat the injury but help to prevent injuries to others. Further, to preserve the long-term ability of an employee to maintain and carry on in his or her job. Lastly, waiting too long to report an injury at work might foreclose your right to claim any kind of workers' compensation benefits.

‍Should You Get In Touch With a Dearborn Height Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

‍Consequently, if sustain an on-the-job injury in Dearborn Height, consult with the Dearborn Height personal injury lawyers at Marko Law. Do not go through these difficult times on your own. We are here to assist you with your claim. We know the causes and effects of work accidents and injuries. Also, we understand the laws and regulations associated with workers' compensation in Michigan and will work to make the most of the compensation you receive.