Workers’ Compensation Benefits | Workplace Injury | Occupational Illness
In all 50 states, when you’re hurt on the job, you have a right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. The amount you receive is based on your average weekly income for the last 52 weeks and includes disability payments to cover lost wages, as well as payment of most medical expenses related to your injury.
If you’re hurt on the job, The Legal Café offers a relaxed environment where you can connect with an attorney to help you secure benefits. Find a workers’ compensation attorney now.
Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp Laws
There are only two requirements to qualify for workers’ compensation payments: you must be hurt, and the injury must occur while you are “on the job.” Workers’ comp benefits are available for virtually all types of injury or illness a worker might suffer:
- Falls from heights – This includes falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, buckets, cranes, harnesses, upper construction levels, warehouse racks or shelving, or elevated platforms, walkways, or ramps.
- Slips, trips, and falls – These types of injuries may be caused by wet or slippery floors, broken tile, torn carpet or linoleum, broken steps or stairs, cracked pavement or cement, extension cords, or jobsite debris or clutter.
- Dangerous or defective tools, machinery, or equipment – Power tools and hand tools, heavy equipment, poorly designed or carelessly manufactured tools or machines, equipment breakdowns, or explosions
- Electrical exposure – Contact with overhead power lines, exposure to live electrical current, overloaded circuits
- Motor vehicle accidents – Collisions that happen while you are on company business.
- Injuries caused by co-workers – Co-workers can injure others if they are unqualified to do the job, not properly trained to operate equipment, or not properly supervised while using dangerous equipment.
- Exposure to toxic substances – Including lead, asbestos, silicate and other chemicals that cause cancer, heart problems, or other illness.
At The Legal Café, we have the resources to help you find an experienced lawyer to protect your rights. To connect with an attorney, complete our online form or visit us in the heart of the courthouse district in Fort Worth.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney to Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Most employers pay for workers’ compensation claims by purchasing workers’ comp insurance. Their premiums are based on the number of claims the insurer has to pay, so they have an incentive to deny your claim or pay you as little as possible. In addition, workers’ compensation insurance companies make more money by paying less to settle claims.
For those reasons, you can usually expect, even when it seems like you have an “open and shut case,” that your employer and/or the insurance company will challenge your application for benefits. They may argue that:
- Your injury didn’t happen at work
- Your injury is not as serious as you say it is
- Your injury doesn’t keep you from doing your job
It’s common for an insurer or employer to send an attorney to your workers’ compensation hearing. If you don’t have your own counsel, you’ll be at a distinct disadvantage, and you can’t expect the judge to help you.
There’s one other good reason to hire an attorney. While workers’ compensation is intended to be your only source of recovery after a work-related injury, that’s not entirely true. Workers’ compensation only covers injuries caused by the carelessness of your employer or a co-worker. But if you’re hurt on the job by an unrelated third party, you can file a civil lawsuit for damages. In fact, you can file an application for workers’ comp benefits at the same time you file a lawsuit for injuries caused by a third party.
Protect Your Rights in a Workers’ Compensation Claim
At The Legal Café, near the courthouse district in Fort Worth, we have the resources to help you find qualified legal counsel to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Complete the form provided or visit us today at 114 Main Street in Fort Worth. File a workers’ compensation claim today.