Compensation for Work Accidents

U.S. law dictates that all employers have to follow specific safety regulations to ensure that each of their workers is safe on the job. Consequently, when a person is suddenly physically injured or dies while working, the worker's family may be entitled to compensation.

Work Safety Requirements

To protect employees' health and safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined an extensive, detailed set of guidelines for equipment, rules and regulations employers must have or abide by to keep their employees safe.

While some of these safety requirements are general and, therefore, meant for all workplaces, others are specifically written for certain sized or types of businesses. Some of the industries with more specific safety guidelines include:

• airline industry
• blood labs
• construction industry
• demolition
• hazardous waste disposal
• meat packing industry
• printing industry
• small business

If you experience a work accident, consult OSHA for a comprehensive list of the specific regulations that apply to your industry.

How Safe is Your Workplace?

Whether you have experienced a work accident or are starting a new job, it's important to know how safe your workplace actually is. As you evaluate your work environment, ask yourself:

• Does the company have a safety program?
• Does the safety program address both general and industry-specific safety issues and requirements?
• Is anyone responsible for heading up the safety team and enforcing its policies?
• Is the safety team meeting regularly to review and update requirements and safety equipment?

If the answers to most of the above questions are "No," then the employer doesn't offer an adequate safety program. At this point, reconsider whether you want to put your health in jeopardy or talk to the employer about instituting a safety program.

Lawyers for Work Accidents

After a work accident, seek the immediate medical attention you need. Keep in mind that some work-related accidents cause more severe and/or permanent injuries than others, meaning that you may need extensive, long-term care for your work injuries.

To help relieve your stress and pay for the cost of necessary medical care, consult a Massachusetts work accident lawyer as soon as your health is stable. During a free or low-cost consultation, a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer can:

• tell you whether you qualify for monetary compensation for your injuries
• start gathering facts and evidence for your work injury case
• assess the hazards present in your work environment, which can also bolster your case (especially if the hazards are a result of your employer's negligence).

To speak with an attorney about your work accident, contact us today.

175 Central Street
Suite 215
Lowell, MA 01852

Tel: 800-483-9219