Fayetteville, AR Attorney for Injuries Due to Occupational Hazards at Work

When performing your occupational duties, you likely do not expect that you will suffer a serious injury that could affect your ability to earn for yourself and your family. A serious work injury could leave you with expensive medical bills that are difficult to handle while you are not working. Fortunately, our Fayetteville occupational hazard attorney can help a person that is injured at work file for Workers’ Compensation.

Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, understands how a work-related injury can impact your personal and professional career, and he is here for you. Workers that are injured on the job should be able to receive Workers’ Compensation, and our firm is dedicated to helping you pursue that compensation. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law at (479) 316-0438, or contact us online.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

It is known that some occupations are surely more dangerous than others. For example, a construction worker is at a significantly higher risk of being injured at work than a person that works in an office environment. However, there is a risk of being injured in any workplace. The following is a list of common causes of workplace injuries.

Negligent Use of Vehicles

Occupations that involve the manufacturing of items and shipping and handling typically employ the use of a number of vehicles. For example, forklifts are often used at shipping warehouses to transport materials across the facility. However, if an employee is not adequately trained on how to use a forklift, they pose a threat to their coworkers.

In some cases, an accident may not occur because a worker was improperly trained, but because the worker was struggling to meet a deadline. This could lead to driving with loads that are too heavy or speeding around the workplace. Broken bones and crushing injuries are just some of the injuries that can be caused due to the negligent operation of vehicles in the workplace.

Falling from Heights

According to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falling from heights is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Construction and maintenance workers often have to work at great heights to perform a number of tasks. That is why it is important for employers to have fall protection equipment to help workers in the case of an accident.

Unfortunately, some employers do not provide adequate protection for workers that must work at great heights. For example, failing to have a proper procedure in the event of a fall can lead to unacceptable response times to a fall accident. Fall accidents can also happen if scaffolding needed for construction is not assembled properly.

Poor Handling of Chemicals

Manufacturing plants will often require workers to handle various chemicals that can be hazardous if handled improperly. Employers are required to provide safety gear for employees that are engaged in the handling of dangerous chemicals. Failure to provide adequate equipment can lead to workers inhaling dangerous chemicals and having chemicals splashed on their skin.

Depending on the type of chemicals that an employee is working with, long-term exposure could lead to the development of illnesses like cancer and other serious conditions.

There are various other causes of workplace accidents. For example, a worker could suffer a slip and fall accident or be electrocuted due to poor wiring. When a severe injury occurs in the workplace, you should explore your options to receive compensation for your injuries.

Filing a Claim for a Work-Related Injury

If you believe that your employer is responsible for your workplace injury, you should consider filing a lawsuit or a Workers’ Compensation claim. It is important to note that electing to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer after a work-related accident may invalidate your right to apply for Workers’ Compensation.

To receive Workers’ Compensation after a workplace injury, a worker should inform their employer of the accident as soon as possible. While it is more important to seek medical attention first, you should note the date the accident occurred and the cause of the accident to file your report afterward.

After submitting a claim to your employer, the employer may refer you to a healthcare provider chosen by their insurance company to evaluate your injuries. The healthcare provider can help determine the extent of the injury and how long the recovery process will take. Your employer’s insurance company will then use this information to determine the benefits you will receive.

If you need assistance preparing to file for Workers’ Compensation, you should waste no time in speaking with an experienced attorney. Failing to file your claim within a certain timeframe could affect your eligibility for benefits.

Work with an Experienced Fayetteville Occupational Hazards Work Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a family member suffered a work-related injury, contact an experienced Fayetteville Workers’ Compensation lawyer today. Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, has over 20 years of legal experience litigating several types of Workers’ Compensation claims, and he is ready to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Ken Kieklak at (479) 316-0438.