Every day in workplaces across the United States American workers are injured on the job. While many are minor injuries requiring little or no medical attention of any kind, many of them are far more significant and serious. For those American workers that suffer an injury requiring medical attention, workers compensation becomes a very serious aspect of their life.
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance held by employers meant to protect them form being sued in the event that an employee suffers illness or injury as a result of their job. The insurance pays for the medical coverage and treatment administered to the worker in exchange for the employee promise to never sue the employer on the basis of that injury.
In many cases, there are drastic differences between what is perceived as a workplace injury and what will actually qualify as one under the federal employment laws. Under workers’ compensation, any injury or illness that occurs while working on the job site that impedes the employees ability to complete their job or continue working will qualify as a workplace injury.
If you have been injured or suffered an illness as a result of going to work and doing your job, it is important to understand what your rights and options are under the current federal employment laws. Again, while you may feel inclined to jump on the offer for workers’ compensation to cover your medical treatment, you need to fully understand that you will be waiving your right to pursue any legal action against your employer for your damages down the road. If your injury is serious and long-lasting, you could be leaving a great deal of money and compensation on the table by opting for workers’ compensation.
If you are injured on the job, the best course of action is to consult with an attorney about the circumstances of your injury. They will be able to offer you an unbiased opinion about the best way to seek treatment and any possible compensation for the injury and damages that you have suffered at work.
