Getting hurt at work is an unfortunate hazard that many American workers have to deal with. Though workplace safety has improved over the past few decades, in large part because work environments are now regulated by OSHA, there were nearly 3 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2012 alone, according to estimates generated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, at times, if you do suffer an injury at work, you might have to get in touch with skilled workers comp lawyers. They can help you make sure your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Unfortunately, there are lots of business owners who are dishonest or simply cheap, and do not pay the workers comp benefits that they are supposed to. While that can result in fines and even jail time, when that occurs, if you are the one who got hurt, you might find yourself struggling financially if you can’t work. So if you get hurt at work and are unsure what you are actually entitled to, contacting a workers compensation attorney is always smart. Though getting healthy should be your first priority, they can help you get the money you need to do so without having to worry about the stress of not being able to pay bills.
Though many workers are lucky enough to have office jobs that don’t generally put them at risk, some are simply more dangerous than others. The 10 most dangerous jobs, according to data from the BLS, are:
- Fishers and other similar workers
- Logging workers
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Structural steel and iron workers
- Farmers and ranchers
- Roofers
- Electrical power-line installers, maintenance workers, and repairmen
- Truck drivers
- Refuse and recyclable collectors
- Police and sheriff’s officers
Some of those jobs might surprise you, and others are pretty obvious, but if you have a career in any of these dangerous fields, then knowing exactly who to call if you get hurt is a good idea.
The rules and regulations associated with workers’ comp can be quite complex, and without any training or experience, it can be hard to know exactly what you are entitled to if you do get hurt at work. So when an accident happens or you get sick because of something that you were exposed to while on the job, giving a workers’ compensation attorney might be essential. It could be the first step on the path to getting healthy and making sure you receive the financial benefits that you deserve.