Getting hurt on the job can make the future seem uncertain. How much time will you need to take off from work? Do your injuries jeopardize your ability to work? How is your household going to cover groceries and medical expenses if you need to change careers? And for households that have lost a loved one in a fatal workplace accident, is there financial help available?
It’s best to speak with a work injury lawyer as soon as big questions like these come up. Even if you won’t pursue legal action, discussing your worries with a legal professional can provide a reliable path forward. Our team of attorneys would like to discuss when it’s a good idea to consult a work injury attorney and other relevant matters related to on-the-job injuries.
If you’re a worker in Northwest Indiana who’s been seriously hurt on the job, the team at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. is here to help. To request a free consultation with our work injury lawyers in Merrillville, contact our law firm today. You can also reach our law office by phone at (219) 883-2852.
Situations When You Should Speak with a Work Injury Attorney
There are some situations that warrant a consultation with a work injury lawyer. Even if your case does not require legal guidance, we recommend speaking with an attorney for information and peace of mind in these scenarios.
You Suffered a Catastrophic On-the-Job Injury
Catastrophic injuries at a workplace involve disabilities or disfigurement. These kinds of injuries will negatively affect your current ability to work as well as your long-term income, earning potential, and quality of life.
If you suffered an injury that is so severe it impacts your ability to work or perform normal daily activities, it’s worth speaking with a lawyer.
Safety Measures Were Not Followed at Your Workplace
Were there noticeable issues with safety or safety measures at your workplace? Had there been any concerns about an on-the-job accident occurring before the actual incident? There’s a chance the accident could have been prevented had your employer responded to these kinds of warning signs and concerns.
Suing your own employer for their role in a workplace accident is not always possible. It’s worth discussing your situation with a work injury attorney so you understand all of your options for compensation.
A Third Party Was Responsible for the Work Accident
Some workplace accidents are caused by poor work by a contractor or malfunctioning tools and equipment. In these situations, a work injury lawyer can discuss the possibility of filing a third-party injury claim against the negligent company or individual.
Third-party claims are completely separate from collecting workers’ compensation or taking legal action against your employer.
You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Workplace Accident
Fatal workplace injuries may be the result of an unexpected accident or long-term exposure to harmful substances on the job. In either situation, a work injury lawyer can discuss possible legal action and who might be held accountable in a lawsuit.
Losing someone is extremely painful. Just being able to share your story with a skilled legal professional can help ease the heartache and grief you’re feeling and help you see your potential legal options in a much clearer way.
Can I Sue My Employer for Safety Issues?
It depends. There are many factors to consider before you proceed with a lawsuit.
Taking legal action against your employer could prevent you from collecting workers’ compensation benefits. In fact, you may only be able to collect workers’ comp benefits for your injuries even if there were unsafe working conditions while on the job.
It’s best to consult with an attorney about the unsafe conditions at your workplace. A work injury lawyer can determine if there’s the potential for a lawsuit for poor working conditions, and if those conditions contributed to an on-the-job accident, illness, or other health condition. Your attorney will also let you know what steps to take next.
How Do Third-Party Claims Work?
In simple terms, a third-party claim allows injured workers to sue non-employer entities that contributed to an on-the-job accident. Examples of liable third parties in these claims include:
- Contractors or subcontractors
- Manufacturers of faulty tools or equipment
- Property owners
- Reckless drivers not affiliated with your company
When filing a third-party claim, a work injury attorney must show that the third party was at fault for what happened and should be held accountable for injuries and other losses.
Can I Receive Workers’ Comp While Filing a Third-Party Claim?
Yes. With a third-party claim, you can receive workers’ comp benefits and also seek additional compensation for your pain and suffering and other losses. It’s important to have an attorney on your side for these actions so you can get a better sense of what your case is actually worth.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
If you get into a workplace accident of any kind, consider these four tips.
- Follow Company Procedures: Your employer will likely have certain protocols in place in the event of a workplace accident. Follow these procedures to the letter to the best of your ability.
- Report the Incident to Your Employer: Make sure to report the on-the-job accident to your boss or supervisor. This notification should be submitted in writing, and you should keep a copy of this notification for your records.
- Get Medical Attention: Get checked out by a doctor after any kind of workplace accident. Some injuries may not be apparent until later, so it’s best to seek help even if you feel fine or seem okay.
- Document Everything: Take pictures and video of the accident site and your injuries if possible. Get statements from witnesses, whether they’re your co-workers or bystanders.
In addition to the above, you should consider speaking to a lawyer who handles workplace accident claims to find out if you have a case worth pursuing against a third party or your employer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Injury Claim?
There are two deadlines you need to keep in mind after a workplace injury:
- Workers’ Comp Deadline to Internally Report Accident: You should report your on-the-job accident or injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. The sooner you report what happened to your boss or supervisor, the better. If you do not report your workplace accident internally within that deadline, you may lose your ability to apply for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Statute of Limitations for a Third-Party Work Injury Claim: Under Indiana law, you have to file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the workplace accident. If you fail to meet that deadline, you will no longer be able to file a third-party claim.
There may be some exceptions to the above deadlines. For example, you may have far less time to file a third-party claim if the negligent party is a government employee or entity.
Regardless of the situation, it is in your best interests to reach out to a work injury attorney as soon as possible. Even if you do not file a legal action, this discussion can be helpful in understanding what you should do next.
Why Do I Need a Work Injury Attorney?
As you can see, cases involving workplace accidents can be extremely difficult. Without good legal representation on your side, you may lose out on receiving the right amount of compensation.
Here are some of the most compelling reasons why you need a work injury lawyer on your side.
- Understand the True Value of Your Case: A work injury lawyer can add up all your bills, estimate the cost of future treatment or needs, and assess the injury’s effect on your overall quality of life. Without an attorney, you may undervalue how much your case is worth.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Things you do, say, or even share on a social media account could have a negative impact on the value of your claim. A work injury lawyer can help you avoid undermining your own case.
- Meet Important Filing Deadlines: You have strict deadlines to file for workers’ comp benefits and to take legal action. Most people aren’t aware of these deadlines unless they do their research. Hiring a good work injury attorney means having someone on your side who can keep your case moving and file things on time.
- Get Access to Legal and Local Resources: Many work injury lawyers have access to medical professionals and other resources that can be helpful for accident victims. Getting connected with assistance in your case or for day-to-day needs is a major help after a serious accident.
- Help Negotiating with Insurance Providers: Insurance companies use many tactics to lowball payments and force individuals into accepting unfair settlements. Good work injury lawyers can identify these tactics and help push back for your benefit when needed.
- Representation If You Need to Go to Trial: Most cases are settled before they go to court. If your case does go to trial, however, you will most definitely need a work injury lawyer to help present a persuasive case to a jury.
Why Choose Our Law Firm After an On-the-Job Accident
Many law firms in Northwest Indiana can help workers in need. However, not all of these law firms have the history and reputation of Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. People in the Merrillville area know we support injured workers and their families, no matter the profession or industry.
Here are just a few reasons why workers in Northwest Indiana come to our law firm for help.
- We Have a Long History in Northwest Indiana: Our law firm was founded in 1988 to be guardians of justice in the Hoosier State. We’ve had a long history of helping injured workers and their families after major on-the-job injuries and fatal workplace accidents.
- We Have Over 75 Years of Combined Experience: Our lawyers have nearly eight decades of combined legal experience. We bring that knowledge to every workplace accident case that comes our way.
- We Take a Team Approach to Every Case: Our law firm works together as a team on every case. This collaborative approach to legal claims helps us identify the best possible strategy to maximize your compensation after a work injury.
- 24/7 Availability for Our Clients: Industries and shifts differ, which means work accidents can happen at any time of the day. That’s why we take calls 24/7, and our lawyers always get back to you as soon as possible. In addition, we are available to answer client questions and address any concerns whenever they come up.
- Free Legal Consultations: If you’re recovering from a workplace accident, you don’t want to see another bill for a while. That’s why your consultation with us is free. We’ll take time to listen to you because your voice deserves to be heard.
- Representation on a Contingency Fee Basis: At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. That means if our lawyers don’t win, you don’t have to pay. Our law firm only succeeds when our clients do.
Contact Our Work Injury Lawyers in Merrillville, IN
If you’ve been hurt while on the job, you need to speak with our work injury attorney in Merrillville as soon as possible. We can review what happened and help you understand your options for seeking compensation. To request a free consultation, contact our law firm today. You can also call Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. at (219) 883-2852.