What To Do If You're Injured at Work
In the event of a workplace injury, a swift response is the shortest path to an ideal resolution. Even if your injury seems minor or your workplace tells you otherwise, it's imperative to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Companies often have specific policies, procedures, and plans of action in the event of an injury in the workplace — taking too long to seek compensation gives your employer ample time to deny paying for treatment or to prepare their own frequently skewed or false reasoning for the injury that's not in your best interest.
Even seemingly insignificant work-related injuries can lead to long-term workplace complications and lower your overall quality of life. They might also affect your ability to work in the future.
Prioritize receiving medical care and then contact Peters Law Firm.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents
Our team is devoted to helping you get the compensation you deserve in the event of a workplace injury due to negligence on the part of your employer or the involvement of a third party.
We have extensive experience with a wide variety of workplace injury cases, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Back and spinal injuries
- Ear and face injuries
- Loss of limb
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Bone fractures
- Thermal, chemical, and electrical burns
- And much more
To find an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, call (712) 328-3157 or contact us to schedule a consultation with Peters Law Firm.
Get the Compensation You Deserve With Peters Law Firm
Our team will delve deep into your case, providing extensive investigations, legal counsel, and guidance to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We protect your rights as a worker in Iowa or Nebraska, and we aim to see that you get workers’ compensation and restitution for further damages.
Peters Law Firm is a professional law firm that will provide excellent service and a resolution that puts you first.
Contact us online to schedule a meeting about your workplace injury claim, or call (712) 328-3157 to speak with a workplace injury lawyer in Southwest Iowa today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Accidents
What are the most common causes of workplace accidents?
The top five leading causes of work-related injuries are:
- Overexertion and bodily reaction
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Contact with equipment or objects
- Transportation incidents, including work-related auto accidents
- Violence and injuries by a person or animal
The first three workplace accidents listed account for nearly 85% of all non-fatal work-related injuries.
What are accidents in the workplace?
Workplace accidents are sudden or unexpected events that lead to physical and/or mental injury or death. In the U.S., there are an estimated 337 million workplace accidents each year.
A workplace injury can take place at the physical location of the workplace or elsewhere. Because they're typically referred to as "sudden," workplace accidents differ from occupational diseases that are caused by repeated exposure to a harmful substance or activity.
For instance, if a piece of equipment injures your back, that's a workplace accident. If a repetitive work activity eventually causes back problems, that's an occupational disease.
Why do accidents occur in the workplace?
Workplace accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Distractions, such as personal problems and life events like divorce, often trigger accidents, as they prevent workers from focusing on accomplishing tasks safely.
Unsafe working conditions and poor enforcement of safety regulations also play a big role in workplace accidents.
Who is responsible for safety in the workplace?
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says employers are responsible for workplace safety.
Employer safety responsibilities include providing:
- A workplace free from serious recognized hazards
- Signage to warn employees of potential hazards
- Safety training in one or more languages workers understand
Employers should also correct all OSHA safety violations, clearly post OSHA citations, and report and keep records of all work-related injuries and fatalities. They're also prohibited from discriminating against employees who exercise their rights under OSHA.
If you've been involved in a workplace accident, talking with a workers' compensation attorney can help you take appropriate action.
Contact Peters Law Firm at (712) 328-3157 to learn more about workplace accidents and schedule a free consultation today.