If you’re like most people, you likely want to go to work, do your job, and go home at the end of the day. However, when your employer fails to implement safety measures or provide proper training and equipment, workplace accidents can occur, and you can sustain serious injuries as a result. If this represents your circumstances, you may wonder if you are eligible to sue your employer for their actions. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with Baltimore County workplace accidents attorneys to explore your legal options during these harrowing times.
What Kind of Workplace Accidents Are Most Common?
Unfortunately, accidents in workplaces are all too common, regardless of the industry you’re in. While construction sites often see some of the most injuries, office employees, healthcare workers, and even staff at retail stores can all sustain injuries as a result of unsafe conditions.
One of the most common accidents in any industry is slips and falls. When workspaces are not properly maintained or hazards are not remedied in a timely manner, unsuspecting workers can slip, trip, and fall as a result. You’ll also find that crush injuries, burns, electrocutions, repetitive stress injuries, fractures, and head traumas are common injuries sustained by workers.
Generally, it is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that your workspace is safe and hazard-free while providing adequate training and equipment to help minimize the risk of injuries. Additionally, your employer must ensure that these rules are enforced.
Can I Seek Compensation for My Injuries?
In the vast majority of instances, if you are injured at work, you are ineligible to file a lawsuit against your employer for the injuries you’ve sustained. However, this does not mean you cannot recover compensation; instead, you must file a claim through workers’ compensation.
You should note that there are exceptions to this rule. If your employer does not have insurance, you are eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for the damages you’ve endured. Additionally, if the accident was intentionally perpetrated by your employer, you will also be eligible to file a claim against them for the compensation you deserve.
It’s imperative to understand that workers’ compensation is often the most effective way of recovering the compensation you deserve. Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning you can be prohibited from collecting any compensation if you are found to have contributed to your accident in any capacity. However, workers’ compensation allows you to recover a portion of your wages regardless of the circumstances of your injuries, barring exceptions like attempting to physically assault another person or showing up to work intoxicated and sustaining injuries.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult, especially if your employer attempts to deny your claim for any reason. As such, it is imperative to connect with an experienced injury attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi to explore your legal options during these trying times. Contact our firm today to learn how we may assist you.