Most New York residents desire a straightforward work life: arrive, do their job, and go home. However, when employers neglect safety measures or fail to provide adequate training and equipment, workplace accidents can happen, leading to catastrophic injuries. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be wondering if you can sue your employer. This blog post will clarify what you need to know about these matters, emphasizing the critical role of a dedicated New York City Work Injury Lawyer in exploring your legal options during such challenging times.
What Kind of Workplace Accidents Are Most Common?
Workplace accidents in New York, unfortunately, remain prevalent across all industries. While construction sites frequently report a high incidence of injuries, office personnel, healthcare professionals, and even retail employees are susceptible to sustaining injuries due to hazardous conditions.
Among the most common workplace accidents are slips and falls. When workspaces are not adequately maintained or dangerous conditions are not promptly addressed, unsuspecting employees may suffer devastating slips, trips, and falls. Additionally, workplace accidents can happen due to overexertion from heavy lifting or repetitive motions, exposure to harmful substances, or inadequate safety precautions.
Generally, employers bear the responsibility of ensuring a safe and hazard-free workspace, along with providing sufficient training and equipment to mitigate injury risks. Furthermore, employers are obligated to ensure the enforcement of these safety standards.
Can I Claim Compensation from My Employer for My Injuries?
In most instances, if you are injured at work, you typically are barred from suing your employer. Instead, you will need to pursue a workers’ compensation claim to recover funds.
It should be noted that exceptions to this rule exist. If an employer lacks insurance, an injured party is entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for incurred damages. Furthermore, if the accident was intentionally perpetrated by the employer, the injured party will also be eligible to file a claim against them for due compensation.
Workers’ compensation is often the most effective way to get compensated for your damages. This insurance allows you to recover a portion of your wages regardless of who was at fault for the injury, as long as it occurred while performing job duties. However, you will not be awarded workers’ compensation benefits if you sustained injuries as a result of physically assaulting another person or were intoxicated.
If you have suffered a workplace injury, it’s in your best interest to connect with an attorney at The Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum as soon as possible. Early consultation is crucial to enable us to commence the process of advocating for your rights concerning any potential claim you may possess. This process is complex and necessitates the expertise of our legal team. Contact our firm today for guidance and skilled representation.