Workplace injuries can be life-altering, and when they occur, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In 2022, in the US, employers from the private sector reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries. Workplace injuries and deaths cost US employers around $167.0 billion that same year.
Often, employees are left wondering if their employer's negligence was the cause of their injuries. If you suspect that your injury was due to negligence, it's essential to confirm the cause before seeking compensation.
This guide will help you navigate the process of determining if employer negligence played a role in your injury.
According to TorHoerman Law, negligence can manifest in several ways, such as inadequate training, failure to maintain equipment, or ignoring safety regulations. If your employer has a history of cutting corners on safety measures, it could be a sign of negligence.
For example, if machinery was not regularly inspected and maintained, leading to your injury, this might be considered negligence.
It could even be that the employee was forced to work despite raising concerns to their employer about being unable to do so. This was seen in the case of Marty Whittaker, a worker at a plumbing company.
Whittaker was forced to operate a jackhammer despite being physically unable to do so at one point. Hence, this has led to him injuring himself and being unable to work. Whittaker is now working with a personal injury lawyerto sue his employer on the grounds of employer negligence. Once you suspect that negligence played a role in your injury, the next step is to gather evidence. Documentation plays a vital part when it comes to building a strong personal injury case. You should start by collecting any incident reports, as well as safety violation records and witness statements related to your workplace injury.
You might even consider grabbing a few photographs of the workplace accident site. Photos of any equipment involved in your injury can also help establish the conditions that led to your injury.
Besides, don’t underestimate the power your medical records hold when it comes to detailing the extent of your injuries.
Personal injury lawyers specialize in evaluating situations like yours, determining whether you have a valid claim, and guiding you through the legal process.
When you approach a personal injury attorney, they will review the evidence you’ve gathered and assess whether it points to employer negligence. Personal injury attorneys have the expertise to identify breaches of duty that may not be immediately apparent to you.
Personal injury lawsuits are built on establishing that the employer's negligence directly caused your injury. A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you gather additional evidence, such as expert testimony, to support your claim.
Expect to pay at least 33 percent of the final settlement amount to the lawyer. In some cases, they might charge up to 40 percent, depending on the length and complexity of your personal injury case.
To confirm negligence, it's important to understand the legal responsibilities that employers have toward their employees. Under occupational safety and health laws, employers are required to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards.
Now, if the employer fails to meet these obligations, they can be held liable for their employee’s injuries. For example, if an employer ignores safety protocols to save time or money, and this leads to an accident, they can be considered negligent.
Similarly, if an employer fails to address complaints about unsafe conditions, this can also be grounds for a negligence claim. If your personal injury lawyer determines that employer negligence was indeed a factor in your injury, the next step is to take legal action.
Your personal injury attorney will help you out as you navigate the complex legal process. From filing the initial complaint report to negotiating a settlement, they will do it all on your behalf and for you.
As you can tell from our discussion so far, determining whether employer negligence led to your injuriescan be a complex process. Yet, it’s critical in every way so that you can secure the compensation and justice that you so deserve. Taking the right steps now can ensure that justice is served and that you receive the support you need to recover from your injuries.