When Should You Report Your Workplace Injury?
Any time someone is injured on the job, it’s important they report their injury as soon as it makes sense to do so. There are certain deadlines that each state imposes related to seeking compensation for work-related injuries, making it essential that you know what the deadlines are in the state where you live and work. For example, California allows only 30 days from the time of the accident, while Michigan allows 90. Other states simply require that the injury gets reported as soon as possible. If you’ve been injured on the job, please don’t wait to speak with an experienced Newark work injury lawyer. Whether you were harmed while working in New Jersey, New York, or elsewhere, the team at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can help you navigate your options. This is true regardless of whether you told your employer about your accident right away or you are hesitating to report it because you fear retaliation or some other negative consequence potentially associated with coming forward.
What If You Report Too Late?
If you don’t report your injury by the deadline required in your state, you could have certain benefits denied, if not all workers’ compensation benefits. Again, each state deals with this situation differently. For example, in Colorado, injured workers have four days to report their injuries. For each day after that four that they are late in reporting, a day of benefits is generally lost.
There are other circumstances in which you could be excused from reporting your injury late and could still receive compensation. Some examples include:
- When your boss or supervisor witnessed the actual accident, or should have otherwise been aware of it without your report.
- When you are in a coma or otherwise incapacitated and are physically or mentally unable to make the report.
- When your employer doesn’t incur any harm by you failing to make the report.
- When your workplace doesn’t have a workers’ compensation notice posted where everyone can easily see it.
With that said, you don’t want to “count on” exceptions to the rule. If you’ve been hurt at work, even if you don’t want to tell your employer yet or report your accident formally yet, speak with a Newark work injury lawyer to preserve your options for later.
What If You’re Unsure?
If you’re unsure whether your report is late, you can speak with your employer, the insurance company or a Newark work injury lawyer. There may be some possibilities for you to still receive compensation, even if you miss the deadline. For example, if your back was injured during the course of employment, and you let it go for 20 days beyond the initial injury, you might think you’re just out of luck. If your job requires heavy lifting, and you have been doing that since your original injury, it’s possible you have aggravated the injury. You may be able to file a claim to receive coverage for the expenses of the aggravated injury.
Contacting a Lawyer to Walk You Through the Process
When you receive a workplace injury, the dos and don’ts can get confusing. Instead of trying to navigate the system on your own, it could help to have a lawyer by your side. Contact a Newark work injury lawyer today for answers to your questions or to get started with the process of obtaining your benefits, if you’re ready to do that now.
Are Some Jobs More Dangerous Than Others?
As a Newark, New Jersey work injury lawyer can attest, injuries can arise in any work environment. However, some jobs are more susceptible to workplace injuries than others. The United States Census, Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collected data to determine the most dangerous jobs in the country. The following are the results and reveal how dangerous certain occupations are.
If you have been injured on the job, contact Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to find out how a Newark work injury lawyer from our firm help you get the financial compensation and benefits you may be entitled to under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws.
Let’s take a closer look at what these jobs are.
1. Construction Workers
Construction workers perform physically demanding jobs and often work at significant heights or outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Falls, being struck by objections, and electrocutions account for most of the injuries and fatalities among construction workers.
2. Agricultural Workers
Unfortunately, farm-related injuries are common. The heavy machinery and defective motor vehicles like tractors that agricultural workers use often lead to serious injuries.
3.Truck Drivers
Although truck drivers are limited to the number of hours they can drive per shift, many disregard truck driver rules and regulations and work longer than they should. This results in fatigued driving and injuries.
4.Power Workers
Power workers are responsible for installing and repairing electrical cables and wires. Since they are regularly towering heights and working with electricity, they suffer from more injuries and fatalities than police officers and firemen combined.
5. Fishermen
Professional fishermen are exposed to the dangers of working in open water. A vessel problem, onboard injury, and falling overboard can all lead to fatalities, making it important for fishermen to practice drills often.
6. Roofers
Burns, equipment injuries, and falling from heights are all common threats that roofers face every time they are on the job. Roofers should be mindful of the weather and always wear safety equipment when performing work.
7.Aircraft Pilots
Takeoff and landing can be particularly dangerous for pilots, especially those who fly private planes. Since private planes are usually poorly maintained when compared to commercial planes, private aircraft pilots should ensure their planes are in tip-top shape before flying.
8. Logging Workers
New home construction is more popular today than ever before. That’s why the death rate for loggers has significantly increased. Inexperienced loggers are prone to accidents.
Contact a Newark Work Injury Lawyer for Help
If you suffer from any workplace injury, we encourage you to reach out to a work injury lawyer Newark clients recommend from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. We can explain your legal options and assist you in filing a workers’ compensation claim so you can pay for your medical bills and lost wages.