All too often, injured iron and steel workers are taken advantage of by their employer or insurance company and end up with much less than they deserve.
From climbing great heights, working in hot environments, enduring exhausting hours to being exposed to hazardous materials, ironworkers and steelworkers are at a greater risk of sustaining injuries while on the job. But what happens when these workers are injured on the job? Do they know their rights and the type of compensation they may be entitled to? All too often, injured workers are taken advantage of by their employer or insurance company and end up with much less than they deserve.
This article will discuss the most common injuries ironworkers and steelworkers face, the type of workers’ compensation benefits they may be entitled to, and how to file a claim for these benefits.
Dangers of the Job
When you think of an ironworker or steelworker, the first thing that may come to mind is someone working on a skyscraper high above the ground. While this is one type of work these professionals perform, they also do various other tasks, including installing and repairing bridges and working on roofs and tunnels. No matter what task they’re performing, there’s always a risk of sustaining a serious injury.
Common Injuries Sustained by Ironworkers and Steelworkers
The most common injuries ironworkers and steelworkers face are slips, trips, and falls. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, with fatal falls accounting for 36% of all construction worker deaths.
In addition to slips, trips, and falls, ironworkers and steelworkers are also at risk of being struck by an object, caught between two objects, and electrocutions. Other common injuries these workers face include:
All these injuries are serious and can result in a worker being out of work for an extended period. This is why it’s so important for injured workers to know their rights and what type of compensation they may be entitled to.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Injured Ironworkers and Steelworkers May Be Entitled To
Injured ironworkers and steelworkers may be entitled to various workers’ compensation benefits, including:
To kickstart the compensation process, you must first report your injury to your employer. Do it as soon as possible and make sure you do it in writing. Compared to a verbal report that can be misinterpreted or easily obscured, a written report provides a paper trail and serves as one of the documents that can support your claim.
Once you’ve reported your injury, your employer will have to provide you with a claim form to fill out. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to submit it to your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Your employer or their insurance carrier will then have 14 days to respond to your claim. If they deny your claim, you’ll have the option to file an appeal.
Generally, filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a serious injury. This is why it’s important to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will know how to navigate the system and ensure your legal right to compensation is protected.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured on the job, you don’t have to go through this process alone. The attorneys at The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman are here to help. We have over 30 years of experience helping injured workers and can evaluate your case for free.
Speak With a Workers Comp Attorney
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