Workplace accidents happen all too often. They can lead to permanent disability, the end of a career, or even death. They can forever change the lives of a family. What’s even worse is that many of them never should have happened in the first place. They only occurred due to negligence. If you believe you were the victim of a negligent employer, below are some facts that may be unknown to you.
The Standard for Workplace Negligence
While people may have heard the word before, not many understand what negligence actually refers to. Without going into legalese, negligence can be defined as a party failing to take the proper care that another party with an ordinary level of prudence would have used to prevent an accident from occurring. If you feel your employer ignored safety issues or acted in a way they should have known would put workers in danger, you may be able to prove your employer acted negligently in court.
Slip and Fall Accidents Are a Huge Cause of Lost Days from Work
One of the most common kinds of workplace accidents is the slip and fall accident. According to statistics, workplace slips and falls account for the greatest number of days lost from work. While slips and falls may seem like nothing serious, they often result in serious injury and even disability. If you were seriously harmed after slipping and falling at work, you should contact a personal injury lawyer.
The Most Common Workplace Accident Is the Car Crash
When we think of workplace accidents, we tend to think of things like a worker getting caught up in machinery or something falling over from a high shelf in a warehouse. However, in actuality, it is motor vehicles that are the most common cause of workplace injuries. Just because you have been injured in a car crash as part of your job does not mean you shouldn’t receive compensation.
Crime Can Be the Result of an Unsafe Workplace
Just because your injury was not caused directly by someone working for your employer does not mean you were not harmed by their negligence. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. That requires supplying an adequate amount of security to protect those workers. For example, if workers are repeatedly mugged in a company’s parking lot, negligence can certainly be argued as existing on the part of the employer.
If you have been injured while on the job, you may be able to sue to recover your losses. If you can prove your employer acted negligently and that negligence caused you serious harm, you probably have a good case. Contact a personal injury attorney and discuss your options.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
