What To Do If You’re Struck By An Object At Work
Struck-by injuries are one of the most common ways that employees are injured in the workplace. These kinds of injuries are especially common on construction sites and in warehouses, where heavy machinery and up-high debris, boxes, and construction materials are all par for the course. If you have been injured due to a piece of equipment or debris striking you, falling on you, or catching you, you are not alone, and, statistically, you are somewhat lucky to be alive. According to statistics, over 700 employees die as a result of being struck by things in their workplace every year, with construction sites posing the greatest risk.
What to do After a Struck-By Accident
There is no limit to how accidents like this can occur on a construction site or at any place of work. 2 x 4s and heavy metal beams can cause fatal injuries and other wounds like broken ribs and traumatic brain injuries when they come into contact with an employee while swinging. Boxes, tools, and other debris can cause serious trauma, broken bones, and other injuries when it falls and strikes employees below. If you have been struck by a piece of equipment or other object in the workplace and believe you may be injured as a result, it’s important to report the accident and injury to a superior right away so that they can file a workers’ compensation claim. Of course, workers’ compensation claims only apply if you are classified as an employee. If you are an independent contractor you are not able to file a workers’ compensation claim, but can speak with an attorney to determine whether you have a personal injury claim against the employer or a third-party based on negligence. However, a legal determination needs to be made first as to whether you are actually an independent contractor or if you are in fact an employee. Negligence does not need to be established to bring a successful workers’ compensation claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If your personal injury claim is not initially accepted, a lawyer can advocate for you to appeal the decision and ensure that you get the benefits and compensation that you are entitled to. If your injury is serious, it’s important to consult with an attorney before you accept a settlement from your employers’ workers’ compensation insurance adjuster. An attorney will make sure that you have full and complete information about your injury, the effect it will have on your daily life, and what will be involved in treating the injury moving forward (such as whether surgery or ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or in-home care will be required), before you accept an offer to ensure that it is a fair settlement that meets or exceeds your needs, rather than just sounding good in the moment.
Talk to Berman, Sobin, Gross, LLP
If you have been injured in a workplace injury and are struggling to get the compensation and benefits that you are legally entitled to, the experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman, Sobin, Gross want to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/struck-by-objects
