Worker Buried Alive on Job Site

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, a worker was buried alive. The accident occurred around 10 AM Saturday morning in North Charleston, South Carolina. The accident occurred when a 53 year-old construction worker fell into a hole at a construction site on Harley Street.

According to investigators, the victim was on a backhoe moving dirt when he apparently fell into the hole and the dirt covered him. A co-worker noticed that the victim had gone missing and began searching for him when he noticed the hole covered with dirt. The victim was found dead underneath the dirt. Officials are still investigating the case.

Workplace Injuries

Sadly, many injuries and deaths occur while at the workplace. Often times, these grave injuries and fatalities occur on dangerous construction sites that are in violation of safety standards. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 6.5 million people at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation. Potential risks for workers in construction include:

•          Scaffold collapse
•          Trench collapse
•          Falls from heights
•          Electric shock and arc flash
•          Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
•          Repetitive motion injuries

To help prevent injuries while working on construction sites it is imperative for employers to provide goggles for eye and face protection, helmets for head protection, and gloves for hand protection.  Employers are also expected to train employees on proper conduct when handling dangerous equipment.  

For solutions and other protective measures, visit the official website of the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration at www.osha.gov.

Workers Compensation Attorney

When injured at work, your employer’s insurance should cover your injuries, medical care, and lost wages. If for some reason, the insurance company is not providing you with adequate care and compensation, you should contact a worker’s compensation attorney immediately.

A worker’s compensation attorney will work to maximize your compensation potential and provide you with the treatment and benefits your rightfully deserve when suffering from a workplace injury. For a free consultation regarding your claim, contact the worker’s compensation attorneys at Rawa Law Group.  

Factory Collapses Killing Over 300 Workers

In Savar Bangladesh, a factory collapsed on April 26, 2013 killing hundreds of innocent workers. The garment factory was eight stories tall, housing five garment companies and employing around 2,500 employees. The death toll resulting from its collapse has reached over 300.

On Friday, rescuers realized that more survivors were trapped underneath the rubble. A new rescue mission is taking place as officials are endeavoring to release the trapped victims. Many are hurt and unable to move, but are in urgent need of medical treatment. So far, 2,348 people have been rescued. Several have been hospitalized and remain in critical condition.

Cracks in the Building Alarmed Workers

A day before the collapse, cracks appeared in the structure of the building. Many Bangladesh citizens are enraged over the industry’s lax safety standards. Despite some of the workers’ concerns over the cracks in the building, many were told to still report to work.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Associations said it would pay the salaries and dues of workers who were impacted by the collapse by the first week of May. The cause of the collapse is still being investigated by authorities. The number of people trapped inside the rubble is unknown. However, it is reported that 595 people are still missing.

Worker Rights, Safety Violations, and Resulting Injuries

Sadly, various incidences similar to the story told above occur frequently around the globe. Employers and building owners fail to maintain workplaces in a safe manner that protects employees. As a result, numerous employees are suffering from preventable injuries.

Employers are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment at the workplace or they can be held liable and punished by fines and violations. Unfortunately, many employees suffer debilitating injuries due to the irresponsibility of the employer.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were recently injured while on the job, you should speak to a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your injury and rights. A workers’ compensation attorney will work to earn you the rightful compensation you deserve. Often times, workers will be taken advantage of and not be given the monetary amount they deserve. Contact us today in order to protect your legal rights. 

Injured Employees Get Back to Work Sooner

Sometimes, when people are injured at work, there is a stigma that this could be a long term disability, that this could somehow make workers appear less than deserving of their job.  However, a new report shows the injured tend to get back to work sooner than those who are ill.  This is exactly why there is a Workers' Compensation system in place.  This system is intended to aid workers to get back to work and resume their normal lives.  When employees are injured, the Workers' Compensation system steps in to provide lost income to keep this employee's family afloat. 

How the Injured Get Back to Work Sooner

With workers' compensation, injured workers gain the ability to pay their bills while they seek medical care that is covered for their injury.  According to recent figures, this accounts for a net loss of only 13% of their income over the year compared to a 60% loss of income for people who suffer non work related illnesses that keep them out for extended periods.  

Typically, the following injuries are covered by your employer's Workers' Compensation policy:

• head injuries
• neck and back injuries
• broken bones
• internal organ damage
• amputations
• death

These injuries can keep employees out of work for an extended period of time. With Workers' Compensation, workers are able to get back to work sooner due to the benefits they receive. If you have suffered a work injury, you should call a skilled work injury attorney to help you gain the compensation you need. 

Exposure to Crystalline Silica Could Cause Work Injury

My father owns a stone and tile business, which is often frequented by masons.  When these masons chip away or grind at a variety of stone products including granite and quartz, masons can be exposed to silica particles in the air.  

Recently, a New Jersey judge determined a worker's 35 years of exposure to silica contributed to his fatal lung cancer.  In the case, Johnson v. Campbell CP NO. 2007-11564, the NJ judge determined his silica exposure came from his job.  


Silica Exposure Could Cause Work Injuries

Crystalline silica is a highly toxic substance which is a lung carcinogen.  When ingested, this substance can be extremely harmful to workers, causing a work injury.  These injuries can include the following:

• silicosis 
• inability to breathe due to scar tissue in the lungs from ingesting crystalline silica
• chest pains
• respiratory failure
• death

Protect Yourself from a Work Injury Due to Silica

On the job, there should be precautions taken to ensure that workers are safe and do not inhale silica, causing a work injury.  These precautions are intended to save workers' lives.  Workers should protect themselves in the following ways:

• exhaust ventillation
• protective respirators 
• wear washable or disposable work clothes and discard them before going home
• shower and remove silica dust before going home
• do not smoke
• do not eat or drink in areas containing silica

Protect yourself when you're working around crystalline silica to prevent a work injury that could be potentially fatal.  If you've been injured on the job, call a skilled work injury attorney today.  You may be entitled to compensation for your work injury. 

Millennials Most Stressed Generation, Could Be at Risk for Work Injuries

A new survey entitled "Stress in America," conducted by the American Psychological Association concludes that the Millennial Generation (18-33 yr olds) are more stressed than any other living generation.  According to the study, this generation is rising whereas older generations' stress is in decline.  In an era when the economy is bad, stress has been high for everyone, it seems.  But for the first time, it seems that to Millennials sheltered from harsh realities, they won't live up to high expectations set by their parents.  This realization drives their stress higher and has even been known to interfere with their job performance.

The Danger of Injury Due to Stress

When employees are stressed on the job, there is an increased concern for worker injury.  Stressed out workers could injure themselves in a number of ways because they fail to pay close attention, or are unable to decompress and focus.  This could produce the following injuries:

• sever digits or limbs in a factory or construction environment
• broken bones due to dropping items or an inattention to heavy objects
• burns, scars
• injuries to the back, neck, spine
• paralysis, quadriplegia
• heart attack, stroke
• death

Depending upon the job function and the inherent risks, stress could contribute to a range of injuries from the mild to severe. Stress is a high risk factor for work injuries and remains a concern for employers.  If you are stressed at work, your job performance could be hindered.  

Destress to Reduce Risk for Injury

Happy and healthy workers experience less work injuries and enjoy better work environments.  To reduce your stress consider joining a gym, going for a walk, taking up a new hobby, or joining friends and family more often for fun outings.  While at work, to reduce flare ups of stress, try to breathe deeply and drink water as a remedy against feelings of overwhelming stress.  

If you have been injured on the job, talk to a work injury attorney to determine whether your stress could have exacerbated a hazard already present at work.  It is wise to consult an attorney before you determine your next moves.

Workers' Compensation: Are you covered?

Every place of employment should be covered by workers' compensation. Workers compensation helps cover the costs of medical bills and damages if an employee is injured on the job.

If you've suffered a work-related accident, you may be eligible to file a claim. Contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney to discuss your case.

What injuries are covered?

Works’ compensation covers a variety of injuries. If you were involved in an accident at work and suffered complications as a result, you should be able to claim workers' compensation. Work-related injuries include those that require immediate attention, but the term also encompasses those types of injuries that develop over a period of time.

Some of these injuries include: 

• Physical stress 
• Carpel tunnel syndrome   
• Leg problems
• Heart disease
• Stress
• Hypertension
• Lung damage due to toxic vapors and chemical exposure
• Spinal cord injury
• Head injury
• Eye injury
• Burn injury
• Amputation
• Brain injury

What to do if you’ve been injured at work

After a work injury, the list of issues may seem infinite. It is always best to seek advice from a work injury attorney to receive maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. You may be eligible for a claim, but you must add quickly before any deadlines pass you buy.

What happens if our insurance company refuses to cover your claim?

Despite that all employers are required to have insurance for their employees, difficulties may arise in any work injury. The complexity of workers’ compensation law makes it difficult to determine if you are eligible.

Nevertheless, it is paramount that you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer will get you the treatment you deserve. 

It is difficult to determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation until you have spoken to an attorney. Make sure to speak to one as soon as possible so that you miss no deadlines and lessen the stress of the ordeal. Call an attorney to discuss your case.

What happens when your workers' compensation claim is denied?

DENIED WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS

It could happen to anyone. You're at work. You're doing your job, like you do every day. Nothing is out of the ordinary. But suddenly, something happens and you're injured.

You contact medical help as soon as possible. The procedures go well. But then you get the bill in the mail. It's ridiculously high. There's no way you could afford something like that.

But it's going to be okay because you have insurance. You're covered by workers' compensation. 

You file a claim, thinking everything's okay. But it isn't. Because now the insurance company says that you're not eligible. Your benefits have been declined. That enormous bill you got from the doctor's is sitting there, burning a hole in your kitchen counter.

After suffering a painful work-related injury, the worst thing that can happen is for your benefits to be denied. If your workers’ compensation claim has been disputed, you may be eligible for a claim.

In the case of a denied claim, the best step is to contact a workers’ compensation attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common reasons for claim denial

Sometimes, insurance companies can deny your health benefits for a slew of ridiculous reasons. When this happens, they are looking out for their best interest, not yours. Many companies will den your claim for a number of reasons, including:

• Claims were not reported or filed on time
• Employer disputes the claim
• Conditions of work injury are not covered by insurance company

What to do when your claim is denied

You will usually receive a letter stating that your claim was denied. Usually, the letter will also detail how you can appeal the claim.

After you receive this letter, be sure to:

• Take notes of reason for denial and any deadlines to appeal the claim
• Contact your workers’ compensation insurance carrier to discuss the letter
• Seek legal advice

Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney

If your employer and insurance carrier still refuse to handle the claim, you must talk to a workers’ compensation attorney. Depending on your work injury, you may be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t simply accept your claim denial. Fight for your rights.

A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to determine whether an appeal for your claim denial is the best course of action. Attorneys will be able to handle deadlines and walk you through the process so that you do not have to suffer by yourself.