What to Do If You Are Hurt on the Job and Insurance Won’t Pay
Being injured on the job can be devastating, particularly when an insurance company denies your claim or refuses to cover all of your medical bills. Work-related injuries can happen anywhere at any job, whether it is a construction site or an air-conditioned office.
If you are hurt on the job, you need an attorney who can help you get the recovery you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and more. You need an attorney who will stand up to insurance giants to get you the money you need. Contact The Karam Law Office at (832) 859-8453 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds in the United States. Most of these injuries are preventable with adequate training, proper safety protocols and equipment, and sufficient supervision.
Some of the most common work-related injuries are related to:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion
- Being struck by or caught in between objects or equipment
- Electrocution
- Exposure to harmful substances or chemicals
- Fires and explosions
Who Is Responsible for a Workplace Accident?
Determining who is liable for a workplace accident can be difficult. There may be multiple parties that can be held responsible. It is not your job to determine who was at fault, and you should never face retaliation for filing a report of a workplace injury. If you are injured at your workplace, file a report with your employer. Once you are able, contact an attorney to determine how to move forward.
However, it is important to note that some employers do not carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you have been injured in a workplace accident and your employer does not carry workers’ compensation, you will not be able to collect damages through workers’ comp. However, you can still sue your employer in a “non-subscriber” injury case, which looks very similar to a typical injury claim process.
Whether your employer pays for workers’ compensation insurance or not, The Karam Law Office can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
In some cases, an insurance company may try to deny your claim or tell you that you have insufficient coverage. If your claim is denied, you can still appeal and seek damages. An independent review of the facts is needed to determine the validity of your claim.
An insurance company that denies your claim in bad faith must be held accountable. Claims get denied or rejected for several reasons, including missing paperwork, insufficient evidence, and lack of coverage. If your claim is wrongfully denied, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Should I Accept a Settlement If I Am Injured on the Job?
Shortly after you are injured on the job, you may be contacted by an insurance representative. You should always have your case reviewed by an attorney prior to accepting a settlement from a negligent party. Early settlement offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries.
You should never feel pressured to accept a settlement or sign something giving up your right to file a claim for damages. If you are injured on the job and insurance won’t pay or is offering a settlement that will not cover your medical bills, contact our office.
Workplace Injuries Based on Industry
The type of injury you are most susceptible to depends on the industry that you work in. For instance, construction workers may have a greater chance of being injured from a fall to a lower level, while retail employees are more likely to suffer harm from tripping in an obstructed aisle.
No matter where you work, your employer must provide a safe environment free from hazards. Employers have a duty to provide adequate training for all employees and to have property safety equipment. Many workplace accidents would not happen if employers followed safety guidelines put forward by industry regulators.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term, irreparable harm. Many times when someone suffers a catastrophic injury, they are unable to return to work or obtain gainful employment.
Workplace catastrophic injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Head and neck trauma
- Injuries requiring amputation
- Damage to internal organs
If you suffer a work-related catastrophic injury, you need an attorney. Severe injuries can require years of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Without the help of an experienced lawyer, you may not receive the maximum recovery available in your case.
Work Injuries at Large Houston Employers
In Houston, offshore drilling is one of the largest industries in the area employing thousands of people. Accidents on oil rigs, pipelines, and drilling platforms are often catastrophic or even fatal. Offshore accidents can be caused by fires or explosions, exposure to harmful substances, malfunctioning equipment, and more.
Another large employer in the Houston area is construction companies. The private construction industry employs a huge number of Houstonians. As reported by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the leading causes of fatal construction accidents are falls, being struck by an object, caught in or between, and electrocutions.
Should I Contact an Attorney if I am Injured at Work?
After seeking emergency medical treatment for any injuries sustained while on the job, you should always consult an attorney. If your insurance claim is denied or the settlement offer is insufficient, an attorney may be able to help you get the money you need to be made whole again.
At a minimum, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, compensation should cover any of your out-of-pocket expenses. Both current and future medical costs should be incorporated into your recovery. You should never have to pay for another person’s wrongdoing.
Injured on the Job? Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
Workplace injuries can be serious, even fatal. You deserve an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. When an insurance company denies a valid claim in bad faith or fails to provide compensation for even basic damages, they must be held accountable.
At The Karam Law Office, we understand the difficulty and stress of workplace injury. You may be afraid to go against your employer. We will stand up for you and provide you the fierce representation you need to get a favorable outcome on your case. Contact our office today at (832) 859-8453 for a free consultation.