As the old saying goes, “Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.” Being involved in a workplace injury can sometimes be a life-altering experience, leaving employees with a lot of physical and mental anguish, not to mention the heavy financial burden from their hospitalization.
While most workplaces typically adhere to industry-appropriate safety standards, there will always be a few bad apples, and if your employer was to blame for your injury and is dodging their legal and financial responsibilities, it’s time for you to look for work- related accident attorneys in New York.
What Constitutes a Work-Related Injury?
A combination of federal and state law introduced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the New York State Department of Labor regulates and enforces workplace safety standards in New York.
According to OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1904.5 (a), an injury or illness is considered ‘work-related’ if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to a condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition or illness.
What Are Some Common Work-Related Accidents?
While each workplace has its own unique dangers, there are quite a few that are commonplace across various industries. Some common work-related accidents include;
- Slip and Trips
- Strains and Sprains from overexertion
- Falls from heights
- Accidents involving heavy machinery
- Accidents involving fire & explosions
- Exposure to hazardous substances
What Should You Do When You Have a Work-Related Accident?
When you are a part of or have come across a work-related accident, there are a few things you can do that can help you with any future legal proceedings.
Immediately seek medical attention.
Your first priority should be getting yourself to a hospital to receive crucial medical treatment. Even if it is a small injury, we recommend that you go to a hospital since hospital records can be used to substantiate your claim.
Immediately notify your employer.
It is imperative that you file a report of the accident with your employer. The paper trail that is generated when you file a report can be very useful in showing that you have followed the proper procedures.
Keep records and gather evidence.
The greater the proof, the harder it is for the other side to dispute. Therefore, make sure you gather evidence such as photographs and witness statements, as well as medical records and incident reports. The presence/absence of records and evidence is what will ultimately determine the extent of your compensation.
Contact a top accident lawyer in New York.
The advice of accident attorneys can be very useful in deciding how best to present your claim. This would allow you to secure the maximum compensation and show your employer that you mean business.
Why Would You Need a Work-Related Accident Attorney?
When presenting your claim for compensation or any other relief following a work-related accident, an accident attorney is both your sword and shield. This is no exaggeration because—
The lawyer can sort out all the legal and documentary formalities.
When filing a claim for a work-related accident, the overly complex process requires people to submit a plethora of forms in a timely manner. Therefore, it is very likely that you might miss a form or a due date.
Accident lawyers can make sure that all the documents are submitted in a timely manner, saving you from a lot of hassle.
You will get advice on your legal rights and liabilities.
Depending on whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor, your rights and liabilities change significantly. An experienced attorney will immediately spot this distinction and advise you accordingly. Based on their advice, you can decide on your next step.
They can help maximize your compensation.
Beyond the actual physical injuries you would have sustained, the law accounts for several other factors, such as mental injury and loss of earning potential. An experienced accident attorney will understand these nuances and structure your claim accordingly to get you the highest possible compensation.
How Will You Find the Best Work-Related Accident Attorneys in New York?
Browsing the internet or asking about lawyers from someone who has faced a similar situation will point you in the right direction. But when it comes to choosing the best work-related accident attorneys in New York, here are a few things to consider:
Free Consultations.
Most lawyers and law firms will offer free consultations for them to gauge your situation.
Flexible Payment Options.
The majority of attorneys will work on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyers fees are also dependent on the success of the case.
Knowledge and Experience.
Lawyers with experience handling similar cases will know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
A work-related accident can lead to a lot of complications involving medical bills, future earning potential, and so much more. While New York’s law allows workers to claim compensation, sometimes the process is needlessly overwhelming and complex.
Set yourself on the path to recovering the compensation you need and deserve by choosing the right lawyer or law firm for the job.