Employers in every state are required to provide to their employees a safe and healthy work environment. Sometimes employers fail to fulfill this duty, and employees are injured as a result. Occasionally, however, employees can still be injured on the job even when every effort has been made to make a workplace safe. These injuries may include everything from broken bones, aggravations of pre-existing conditions, occupational illnesses, and even psychological injuries. Every state has some type of system that helps employees with work-related injuries.
It is important to contact your employer immediately upon an injury and let them know what has happened. They should be informed so that they can take adequate steps in insuring your well being. It is important that you, as the injured party, take the steps necessary to protect your rights. File a claim with the workers’ compensation court in your state. This puts your employer and your employer’s insurance company on formal notice of your injury.
Workers’ compensation laws vary widely from state to state, as do the rights afforded an injured employee. Generally speaking, however, there are a number of legal rights that are common across most states:
It is important that you understand your rights as an employee. You have the right to refuse certain requests or offers from your employer if you deem them inaccurate. For example, if you are offered an incentive to try and persuade you from filing a workers compensation claim, it is illegal and you have the right to refuse.
Each state has laws in place that allow you to pursue workers compensation without fear or repercussion from your employer. They cannot harass you or make things difficult for you. It is illegal for your boss or supervisor to harass you at work or otherwise make it difficult for you to do your job after you have filed a workers compensation claim.
If this is happening to you, you need an expert in personal injury law who will fight for you. Knowing your rights is extremely important and having representation is equally important. You know what you are entitled too but sometimes your employer or their insurance company can sway you into doing something you don’t understand or don’t even realize is not in your best interest.
At Martins Mill Legal Center, we have been defending employees and their rights for years. We understand Pennsylvania laws regarding workers compensation. We have attorneys who represent injured workers in the Philadelphia area and know your rights and what you are entitled to if you are hurt on the job. If you are hurt on the job and feel you are being treated unfairly, please give us a call today.