Many injuries that occur in dangerous workplaces can be prevented by properly following safety regulations. Although you can get hurt at any type of job, you never know what’s just around the corner, and failing to enforce or follow safety regulations in dangerous jobs such as construction, manufacturing, and utility work can have deadly consequences.
At Stanley Law Offices, we help injured victims and their families understand their rights when they’ve been hurt due to an employer’s failure to implement and enforce proper safety regulations. If you’ve been injured at a dangerous workplace, compensation may be available to help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages. We work hard to get you the maximum award you deserve!
Safety Should Be A Number One Priority In The Workplace
Even if you have strict safety regulations and procedures at work, it’s easy to become comfortable if you’ve been performing the same duties for years.
When workers first start a job, typically they are conscientious about following rules and staying aware of the risks. Over time, you, your employer, and other workers may develop a false sense of security about the dangers associated with the tasks you perform. This is known as risk normalization.
This behavior is often a major factor when mistakes and accidents occur. When someone takes a shortcut to save time or money and nothing bad happens, they’ll be inclined to repeat this dangerous behavior and others may emulate it, which can lead to disaster. However, there are ways to prevent the normalization of workplace dangers.
Who Is Responsible For Keeping Workers Safe?
Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees. Staying vigilant about following proper procedures and taking adequate safety measures rests with employers and supervisors, as well as workers. In addition to proper training, sufficient protective gear, and implementing best practices and procedures for workplace safety, employers and supervisors must ensure that these policies and procedures are followed. For example, if a worker consistently operates a forklift with headphones on and hits someone, causing injury, their employer may be liable for failing to make sure the employee was following best practices for safety.
Your employer should also provide written procedures for what to do if a workplace accident or injury occurs. If written procedures aren’t available, ask for a verbal explanation. Many people don’t like to “tattle” on others, but if you observe someone doing dangerous things at work, it’s important to report it to your supervisor or employer, even if you choose to do so anonymously.
Another key to minimizing the normalization of workplace dangers is to make conscious decisions about the risks you are willing to take every single day. Poor habits create unnecessary risk, so it’s important for workers and employers to periodically look around and identify which habits do not support a safe work environment.
How A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Although receiving workers’ compensation benefits usually precludes you from filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer, they may be liable for your damages if they were negligent in enforcing safety standards. In addition, if another worker caused your injury due to unsafe practices, they may be held personally liable for your injury.
If an injury was caused by defective equipment or machinery, an outside maintenance company or manufacturer may be responsible. A personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling cases involving dangerous workplace compensation can help you sort it out and advise you on the best course of action to pursue maximum compensation for your damages, which may include punitive damages for careless or reckless behavior.
Workers’ compensation attorneys and personal injury lawyers often work collaboratively to develop effective legal strategies to protect their clients’ rights and interests. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may suffer long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Pursuing the full compensation to which you are entitled can help you get the care you need and protect your family’s financial future.
Contact A Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one on the job, don’t go it alone; our personal injury attorneys can determine whether dangerous workplace compensation is appropriate in your case. To schedule a free initial consultation at Stanley Law Offices, contact us online or call 800-608-3333 or 800-372-3760. Our offices are conveniently located in Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown, and Rochester, New York, and Montrose, Pennsylvania. Se habla español. Get our hardworking crew working for you!
