Tips for Avoiding On-the-Job Injuries
When you suffer an on-the-job injury in New Jersey, there are two primary ways in which you can seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses. The first is to file a claim for benefits under workers’ compensation. Under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation law, most employers are legally obligated to pay benefits to their employees who suffer injuries on the job. There are some exceptions; but, as a general rule, if you qualify as an “employee” (and not an independent contractor), there is a good chance that you will be entitled to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
The second way that injured workers can seek compensation is to file a personal injury lawsuit. Although employees generally cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries, if a person or company other than your employer was at fault (for example, in a vehicle collision), you may be able to file a claim to recover all of your injury-related losses.
Of course, no one wants to get injured on the job. Getting hurt at work often means multiple doctor visits, lingering pain, and potentially life-changing consequences – not to mention being forced to deal with the insurance companies. So, to help protect yourself, here are some tips for avoiding accidents at work.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself at Work?
While some accidents and injuries will be unavoidable, here are some things that you can do to help yourself avoid getting injured on the job:
- Take Care of Any Non-Work-Related Conditions. Do you have a medical condition that arose in your personal life, unrelated to work? If so, you should see your doctor. Untreated injuries can put you at greater risk for getting hurt on the job, and non-work-related medical conditions generally are not covered by workers’ compensation.
- Drive Safely. While commuting generally is not considered a “work-related” activity for purposes of claiming workers’ compensation benefits, if your job involves driving, there is a good chance that you will be able to claim benefits in the event of a collision during your workday. When driving for work, it is important to be safe at all times, and that includes stopping yourself from talking on the phone or texting behind the wheel.
- Request Proper Training and Safety Precautions. If you work in construction or another occupation that requires you to work under dangerous conditions, your employer and any contractors and subcontractors on the job site may have certain duties with respect to ensuring the safety of your workplace. It is important to make sure that you understand your rights, and you should know how to speak up if a company asks you to put yourself in harm’s way.
Were You Injured on the Job? Request a Free Consultation Today
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey Hasson, P.C., we provide experienced, aggressive legal representation for workers’ compensation and personal injury claims in Bergen County and Hudson County, New Jersey. If you were injured on the job and would like to speak with an attorney about claiming maximum compensation, please call (201) 928-0300 or contact us online today.