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Marko Law Firm

Work Injury Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Work Injury Lawyer

If you are not able to work due to an injury or illness that took place at work in Grand Rapids, you may be qualified for workers' compensation benefits. When a workplace injury happens, you might find yourself missing out on paychecks, accumulating medical bills, and being overwhelmed with paperwork. This can be an extremely stressful and uncertain time. Fortunately, Michigan law protects workers from negative fallout related to work injuries by requiring companies 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 their workers from job-related injuries and illness. It offers a safety net for injured employees 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 employee to handle all the repercussions that come with an injury. Under the Michigan Workers' Compensation Act, people who are hurt on the job can get various kinds 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 careers
  • death benefits if a worker dies in a work-related accident

Unlike a personal injury claim, workers can qualify for benefits regardless of being at fault for a work-related accident. However, injured workers can not recover compensation for damages normally granted in a personal injury case.

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

Overexertion injuries can happen when a worker uses excessive physical effort to do a task and gets hurt. This includes lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing.Repetitive motion triggered 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 a production line.

Slip and Fall Injuries

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

Injuries from Contact with Equipment and Objects

Contact with equipment and objects refers to injuries that happen when an individual is struck by something or bumps into something. This can include an employee being hit 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 accidents like an employee being struck or crushed by collapsing structures, equipment, or materials.

Workers' Comp Can Also Cover Occupational Illnesses

In addition to being hurt, employees can also get sick with an illness due to their job. When this occurs, workers' compensation insurance is designed to help cover some of the expenses. Occupational illnesses include diseases that arise from hazardous work environments or workplace exposures. Some typical illnesses that occur on the job include:

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

Cases involving work-related illness are complex for a number of different reasons. One of the main reasons is that you will need to prove that your illness was caused by your job, and not from some other factor like genetics or something that happened 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 become injured in the course of your employment, you need to always report the accident, injury, or condition as soon as possible to your employer. This is important even if an injury seems minor. This, is because injuries that seem minor initially can end up being much more severe in the coming days or weeks.For example, an injury that might feel like just a strained muscle can end up being a sign of permanent nerve damage. Or a sore low 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 medical professional. This is the only way to learn the extent of your injury, and what can be done to recover. This is particularly 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 protect the long-term ability of an employee to keep and continue in his or her job. Finally, waiting too long to report an injury on the job may seize your right to claim any workers' compensation benefits.

Should You Get In Touch With a Grand Rapids Work Injury Lawyer?

Consequently, if suffer an on-the-job injury in Grand Rapids, consult with the Grand Rapids personal injury attorneys at Marko Law. Don't go through these tough times alone. We are here to help you with your case. We understand the causes and impacts of job accidents and injuries. Additionally, we know the laws and regulations associated with workers' compensation in Michigan and will work to maximize 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 a Work Injury Lawyer in Grand Rapids, 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.

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