Workplace injuries are some of the most affecting and unfortunately common circumstances that a person can find themselves in. Being injured on the job can result in missed work, accumulating medical bills and the stress that comes from not knowing how you’re going to support your family. If you’ve been hurt due to the actions or negligence of another, sometimes the best recourse is to file an injury liability lawsuit. However, this still leaves the question: Who is at fault and who can you sue when you’ve been injured on the job?
If You Were Injured by a Defective Product
One of the most common causes of a workplace injury is a malfunctioning product or piece of machinery. For example, if your job requires you to work with a certain piece of equipment, and this equipment injures you, then you can sue for liability. Generally speaking, whomever manufactured the faulty product or piece of equipment is the party at fault. In order to win your case, however, the manufacture will have to be proven to be at fault, possibly taking responsibility themselves for your injury.
It’s important to note that if you are injured during the regular course of your job by properly functioning equipment that you use every day, your injury will most likely be covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not maintain workers’ compensation insurance, they could face serious legal repercussions.
Injuries from a Toxic Environment
Ideally, your workplace would be completely safe and free from hazards likely to cause you long-term harm. Unfortunately, not every employer is committed to keeping their employees safe, and some may overlook safety regulations and expose their employees to harmful substances. Likewise, some may not provide proper training for employees to learn how to safely handle chemicals.
This is known as a toxic work environment, and it is one of the major drivers of workplace injury. Whether you’re exposed to dangerous chemicals on a regular basis or work in an environment with poor air quality or some other environmental hazard, long-term exposure to a dangerous work environment can lead to serious damage to your health. If you can prove your poor health is a direct result of a toxic workplace then you have solid grounds to sue.
Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney
If you have been hurt due to the negligent behavior of your employer, you may have the opportunity to sue in addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, receiving your just settlement rests on proving your employer’s negligence, toxic environment or a faulty product or piece of equipment was at fault for your injury. Proving fault is much easier when you work with a workers’ compensation attorney. Contact the McMahan Law Firm today for help with your case so you can receive the assistance you need.
