Lowell, AR Workers Compensation Lawyer

Many people work jobs that pay well but have some level of danger. Indeed, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, and other professionals can be at risk of getting injured while on the job. It can be quite stressful to get injured while working because it puts a lot of things into question. You may ask things like, “Am I as good as I thought I was,” “Can I work anymore,” and, “How am I going to pay for this?” All of this and more can make getting injured on the job very distressing.

Luckily, our lawyers can help. We know our way around work injury and Workers’ Compensation claims, and we are ready to put that experience to work, helping you get the compensation you need to get back on track after a workplace injury.

To get a free case review, call our Workers Compensation lawyers at (479) 316-0438.

Injuries that Lead to Workers Compensation Claims in Lowell, AR

A Workers’ Compensation claim requires an injury, condition, or illness associated with your job. Various different workplace injuries can lead to these claims, and our Workers’ Compensation lawyers have detailed some of those injuries in this section below.

Broken Bones

A lot of different situations at work can lead to broken bones. If you work in an environment where a lot of dangerous machinery or weighty objects are present, there is a chance you may break an arm, leg, or other bone. The most common causes of broken bones in workplace accidents are getting stuck or caught in between something, having something heavy fall on a limb, or falling down and impacting the ground at an inopportune angle.

You will very likely need a cast, sling, splint, or other immobilizing device for any injury involving a broken limb. Additionally, you may need to regain strength in the affected limb, so if your job requires physical strength, you may not be able to return to work right away. Fortunately, any care you receive during that time can be part of your Workers’ Compensation claim.

Electrocution

People who have jobs where they interact with live electrical currents run the risk of getting electrocuted while working. Electricians, especially those working at construction sites, are particularly vulnerable, even more so if wires are not properly maintained and safety procedures are not followed.

Electric shocks are extremely painful, and getting electrocuted can result in permanent nerve damage. Moreover, getting electrocuted can cause you to lose control of yourself temporarily as the voltage causes your muscles to spasm. This could lead to follow-up injuries, such as falling from a great height. At its most macabre, electrocution of a sufficient voltage can result in death.

Amputation

Jobs where individuals work around or with heavy machinery have associated amputation risks. People who work in factories may lose fingers or a hand if heavy machinery malfunctions or is operated by untrained personnel. People like construction workers may suffer more serious amputation injuries due to the volatile nature of construction sites.

In addition to the burden of emergency medical care, amputees also have to handle complications that arise from adapting to a prosthetic limb. Not only are prosthetic limbs very expensive, but amputees may have to go through several of them before finding one that suits them best. Depending on the severity of the amputation, victims may not be able to go back to their prior profession and have to switch jobs.

What is Workers’ Compensation in Lowell, AR?

Workers’ Compensation is a system put in place so that workers can get financial support quickly after they are injured. Before Workers’ Compensation, workers would have to sue their employers to get damages under all circumstances. This was challenging for workers because the odds were often stacked against them, and it was hard to prove that an employer’s negligence resulted in injury. Moreover, it would still take a while for successful plaintiffs to get the payout they need to deal with their injuries.

As a result, Workers’ Compensation came into existence. With Workers’ Compensation, the employer essentially accepts liability and pays the employee because of their injuries in exchange for having the employer be unable to be sued. Most of the time, this system is beneficial to both parties.

Are There Downsides to Workers’ Compensation?

While Workers’ Compensation is a great system, it is not without its flaws. First, you can only get what would be considered economic damages in court from Workers’ Compensation claims. This means that you will not be able to collect for other things like mental anguish, the pain you experienced because of your injuries, and the mental, emotional, and other intangible effects of your injuries. To get compensation for those things, you will need to go to court.

When Does Workers’ Compensation Not Apply in Lowell, AR?

There are also some circumstances where Workers’ Compensation will not cover a workplace injury. In those instances, you will have to sue the relevant party the old-fashioned way.

Intentional Acts

Workers’ Compensation is meant to compensate any accidents that happen at work, but it does not cover injuries caused by an employer’s intentional acts. If your employer deliberately set out to hurt you, you cannot recover under a Workers’ Compensation policy – you will have to go to court.

Independent Contractors

Independent contractors are also not covered by Workers’ Compensation policies. Workers’ Compensation is meant to help employees, and independent contractors are, by definition, not employees. Fortunately, you can file a claim in civil court against whoever you believe injured you since you still have that remedy available.

Talk with Our Lowell, AR Workers Compensation Lawyers Today

If you have concerns about your situation, talk to our Workers Compensation lawyers by calling (479) 316-0438.