Getting involved in an accident that caused you an injury usually comes with several consequences. In addition to the payment of medical and hospital bills, it can also force you to take some time off work resulting in lost wages and a reduced capacity to earn a living for you and your family.
Moreover, the quality of your life is also affected since the injuries you sustained at work may also prevent you from doing your favorite hobbies and interests. This is why it’s important to know that you have rights that you can exercise to protect yourself in this kind of situation.
If you were involved in a workplace accident and suffered an injury as a result thereof, below are the rights you should keep in mind from the get-go:
Right To Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important rights you have as an injured victim in a workplace is your right to see a doctor and get the medical treatment you need. Typically, injuries can be minor or serious depending on the impact and type of the accident. As such, it’s important to have prompt medical treatment for injuries to avoid any further health complications.
Moreover, to allow yourself to recover quickly, you may get yourself checked by a competent physician. Also, seeking immediate medical attention after a workplace accident allows you to access medical reports for whatever purpose it may serve you.
Right To Return To Work As Certified By The Physician
If your doctor certifies that you can go back to work, then you have the right to return to your previous job. Without justifiable grounds, your employer can’t refuse to let you go back to work as it’s one of your rights as an employee. In fact, they may be required to make some changes to help you do your job efficiently upon your return.
As long as you and your doctor make sure that you’ve fully recovered from your injuries, your employer has no reason not to allow you to return to your job. Just be sure to keep in contact with them so they’re informed about your medical progress, including how soon you may be able to go back to work. That way, you can show that you’re not taking advantage of your situation.
Right To File A Workers’ Compensation Claim
Being injured while working for your employer may give you the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. It refers to a business insurance that aims to provide benefits such as wages from lost work time and payment for medical care to employees who suffer work-related illnesses and injuries.
So, if you know your employer is covered by workers’ compensation insurance, it’s within your right to file a claim against it. Since workers’ compensation laws vary from one state to another, make sure you’re familiar with the laws that apply to your state. Doing so can make the filing process smoother and faster. However, it’s essential to note that filing this type of claim may bar you from initiating a lawsuit against your employer in court.
On the other hand, in case your employer will require you to undergo drug testing for your workers’ compensation, it’s best if you know what to do so you can make a sound decision. In addition to hiring a lawyer for legal advice, you can also check out these details for more information.
Right To Sue An Employer In A Personal Injury Lawsuit
In case your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance to provide you with benefits, then you may enforce your right to sue your employer by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is especially true if you believe that your employer’s negligence has caused your workplace injury.
Generally, when you file an injury lawsuit in court, your aim is to get compensated for all the damages you’ve sustained as a result of the accident. However, to increase your chances of getting a fair compensation, you need to present pieces of evidence to prove the liability of your employer.
Right To Be Represented By A Lawyer
Whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, it’s your right to seek legal representation for all these processes. Typically, both of these proceedings can be complicated, especially if you’re not well-versed with the laws pertaining to these matters.
Therefore, it’s always within your right to hire a good lawyer who can advocate for your interests and ensure you receive the right amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The Bottom Line
If you’re injured in an accident at work, everything can be very stressful. From the financial burden to your physical recovery, there are many things to consider so you can fully recover and get your life back. To do this, make sure to keep the rights mentioned above in mind so you’ll exactly know what to do in this situation.