Workplace Personal Injury Cases: Can You Recognize Them?

The workplace can be a dangerous place, even if you work in an office instead of a warehouse. Injuries happen for a variety of reasons, whether it be inattention to a Wet Floor sign, forgetfulness to close that overhead cabinet door, or simply a fall in the parking lot on a rainy morning. Often times, an employee doesn't realize the severity of an injury when it happens. The likelihood that they don't want to be embarrassed sometimes covers the fact that they have been injured and need medical attention. Many large employers have a small medical staff to lend assistance in these situations, but they may not be the best choice to evaluate an injury if specific tests (such as an x-ray) are needed. Employers may attempt, as a part of routine policy, to have employees sign waivers of liability when an accident occurs. But since this is typically a form that will limit the employee's right to be evaluated by an independent doctor or medical facility and should be reviewed very carefully before signing. If signed, it may prevent recouping medical expenses when an injury causes problems down the road (days, or even years) after initial treatment. This is where a personal injury attorney can assist in determining if a personal injury claim is warranted, and if so, can provide legal assistance in filing and litigating the claim.

Many types of injuries may require the professional assistance of a personal injury lawyer to ensure a fair and proper settlement. Not only can personal injuries occur to the body, but to the mind, spirit and emotional well being of a person as well. These factors need to be considered when determining the amount of potential compensation a company may offer to an injured employee. Those who are injured often do not consider the fact that a long period of recovery is may be required and that may include the assistance of medical personnel at an additional cost. By consulting with a personal injury attorney, these costs can be discussed and may be able to be recovered in full or even via a partial reimbursement.

An attorney who specializes in the specific type of injury can offer legal guidance with an overview as to the types of treatments available before and after any statute of limitations has expired. For example, in recent years repetitive stress injuries, such as those that develop from overuse of typing, are becoming more common as people use computers more at both the workplace and at home. Damage caused to the upper extremities (arms, wrists and fingers) can often require long-term treatment with braces, supports or even surgery. Since individuals utilize their private insurance benefits to pay for these expenses, they do not realize a personal injury claim may be warranted. A personal injury lawyer can provide legal guidance in these types of situations.

Legal guidance from a personal injury attorney is essential and should be utilized before signing any type of document from an insurance company.