What are my rights regarding a work-related injury?
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What are my rights regarding a work-related injury?
I am a 26 year old male who just started working at a new mining company. Have been employeed with them about 2 weeks. I started last Monday and on that Friday I was working on a piece of machenery when the catwalk I was on broke out from under me causing me to fall between 12-15 feet landing on my back causing an L1 compression fracture. I am currently on medical leave. The company has been great in reguards to staying on top of paying all related expences. I am wondering if I should be entitled to a seperate monetary settlement in relation to the injury being caused from equipment malfucntion?
Asked on December 6, 2012 under Personal Injury, Alabama
Answers:
Catherine Blackburn / Blackburn Law Firm
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I suggest you consult with a worker's compensation attorney in your area. Virtually every state has a worker's compensation system that requires employers (or their insurance company or a state fund) to pay your medical expenses, reimburse you for some lost wages, and, in some instances, pay a lump sum for permanent impairment.
Some states allow injured workers to pursue payments outside the worker's compensation system, but the employer's conduct usually has to be intentional or nearly intentional to get anything other than worker's compensation benefits from your employer. If a manufacturer of the catwalk is responsible or partly responsible, you may have a claim against that company. If someone other than your employer built the catwalk, you may have a claim against them.
Your injury is significant for a 26 year old man doing manual labor. It will have consequences on your future life and earning capacity. You owe it to yourself to obtain legal advice.
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