workers_compensationPeople get hurt at work all the time. They fall, things fall on them, or they fall prey to faulty equipment. Most people, however, never even think about workplace accidents. These accidents can happen to either coworkers or customers and often happen out of the blue.

What are an Employer’s Obligations?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards explicitly state that employers must provide a workplace that is free from hazards that might cause harm, including death to employees. If employers don’t provide such an environment, they may be held liable under the same guidelines.

Employers should:

  • Complete background checks on prospective employees
  • Install security systems and have security personnel on hand in medium to high-risk locations
  • Maintain those systems and ensure security personnel respond in a timely fashion
  • Have a comprehensive plan that addresses workplace accidents
  • Train employees on how to handle these situations
  • Enforce policies that curtail suspected aggression among the employees

An employer would be liable under OSHA’s guidelines if it failed in any of these categories, however, random accidents that occur despite an employer’s best efforts under the guidelines do not make the employer responsible.

You’ve Been Hurt, What’s the Next Step?

In most cases, injured workers are eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation if they’ve been hurt at work. Additionally, in cases where there is employer negligence and worker’s compensation doesn’t provide adequate redress, workers have the option of filing suit. The key to this situation is proving that negligence occurred, which is why hiring a Florida work injury lawyer might be a good idea.

Our 100+ Years of Combined Experience Can Work for You

If you or someone you know has been hurt at work, either through negligence or otherwise, you’re going to need advice on how to proceed. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is ready to advise you about a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. The toll-free phone number is 1-800-538-4878, so call us today for your free consultation.

Because of the fact that cases involving Worker’s Compensation may be highly complex and exceedingly specific, our law firm commonly works with other law firms who have considerable experience in each particular case type. Thus, we may be referring these types of cases to a separate firm, with whom we typically associate and work with on a co-counsel basis.