Virginia Utility Worker Accidents Lawyer
Utility workers, as their name suggests, work on public and private utilities such as electrical and gas lines, cable, and the sewer system. These workers often have very physically demanding jobs, and they are regularly exposed to many dangers on the job. Fortunately, most utility workers know how to avoid such risks.
If you are a utility worker who was injured on the job, it is essential to remember your legal options. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. If your accident was the result of employer negligence, you might be able to seek compensation.
Contact a Virginia utility worker accidents lawyer today to learn more.
On-the-Job Hazards
Utility workers are exposed to a variety of hazards each day. Such risks are usually avoidable with the right type of protective gear and training, but occasionally, accidents do occur. Due to the nature of their employment, utility workers are often at risk of sustaining serious, life-threatening injuries if something does go wrong for some reason. The following hazards are most likely to pose a threat to utility workers:
- Slip, fall, and trip accidents
- Ladder and scaffolding accidents
- Falling objects
- Electrocution
- Explosion accidents
Such accidents can leave a person incapacitated and unable to work for years, even when the injuries they cause are minor. For this reason, employers should take measures to ensure utility workers are safe at job sites.
Filing for Workers Compensation
When a utility worker is injured at work, they are usually able to file for workers compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are provided by employers with at least a certain number of employees, and when a worker is injured on the job, they are paid benefits equal to a portion of their regular salary until they can return to work. They are also usually eligible for free medical treatment. Workers’ compensation usually pays at least 80 percent of the monthly salary earned by a worker.
Unfortunately, receiving workers’ compensation is often easier said than done. An employer does have the right to dispute the claim filed by an employee if they do not believe they deserve compensation. Often, they will attempt to argue an employee suffered from a preexisting condition or an employee injured themselves outside of work. Such tactics are unfair but typical.
Luckily, a Virginia utility worker accidents lawyer may be able to help injured employees. To obtain compensation after an appeal is denied, most injured workers must attend a hearing, during which their lawyer will represent them.
Settling a Case
At some point, an employer may attempt to offer a settlement. A settlement is a sum of money paid to a plaintiff by a defendant. If the plaintiff accepts the payment, they must drop their case. Accepting a settlement is sometimes the best deal.
Speak with a Virginia Utility Worker Accidents Attorney Today
If you are a utility worker who was injured on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and living expenses. Depending on how you were injured, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, which can provide for you and your family until you can return to work.
Get in touch with a Virginia utility worker accidents lawyer today if you think you may have a case.
