Accidents are quite common in workplace even though strict safety standards are maintained. Incidents such as falling or tripping or an arm getting cut due to the faulty machines often happen in factories. Sometimes improper ventilation or exposure to toxic materials also cause long term injuries. These have a toll on the life of the workers.Workers compensation claimscome as a huge support when they suffer from the physical, mental and economical impacts of such accidents.
Though most of us know work related injuries can be claimed, but again the process of claiming is not clear to us. Workers get very perplexed and don’t know what to do when such accidents occur. The main questions that one faces related to compensation claim are what, how, where, why and when. Let’s answer to each, one by one.
What isworkers compensation claim?
It is like an insurance, which provides economical support to the workers and dependant relatives when they suffer an accident due to the negligence of the employer or the organisation. A compensation claim protects workers and provides them with sufficient amount of money to cover medical and other basic expenses incidental to the accident.
How to claim compensation?
It is advisable to contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. A solicitor will not only tell you if the case is worth to be fought or not but will also tell you the chances of winning the case. The solicitor will help you translate the accident into a case with strong evidences. He will protect the rights of the worker.
Where is the case decided?
These cases are better to be negotiated than taken to court. With evidence the solicitor contacts the insurance company of the third party. If the third party agrees to come to a settlement, a compensation amount is decided. Only in dire situations, the court intervenes.
Why claim compensation?
Sometimes these work injuries cause irreparable changes. An accident might kill a worker or make them unfit to work any longer; in such a situation the worker’s economic condition deteriorates. Compensation will help the worker and his family to pull through difficult times. Another important thing is that the worker doesn’t need to worry about bearing the solicitor’s fees; it’s paid by the third party if the claimant wins the case. The worker can just take a chance because he has got nothing to lose; and if he wins then 100% compensation is guaranteed.
When to claim compensation?
Like all other personal injury claims, workers compensation claims requires the injured worker to claim within three years from the date the incident occurred. Else the case cannot be negotiated or fought in court.
It’s true that there are various industrial laws, which are followed. But the accident at workplaces throws light on the fact that these laws are not followed strictly. An employer should understand that if the workers are not given proper working conditions, their productivity will decrease. A well-lit, spacious and ventilated place with periodic maintenance of machines ensures that claims and compensations for work related compensation are greatly reduced. So, if you have had accidents at work don’t hesitate to contact a solicitor.
