Nearly five million people are injured at work annually in America based on recent accounts. Those injuries come in many forms and stem from a variety of causes. They can range from minor injuries to life-threatening ones. Some lead to lengthy recovery periods whereas others require no downtime at all. Of course, each year, more than 5,000 of those injuries result in a loss of life. In quite a few of those cases, employer negligence is to blame.
What Is Employer Negligence?
By law, employers have a responsibility to keep their employees safe. They’re expected to take every possible reasonable action to do so. Failing to abide by those laws and expectations results in employer negligence. If you’re hurt at work, and you believe negligence led to your injuries, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to find out what your rights are and start building a case. In the meantime, read on to learn more about employer negligence and how to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their carelessness.
Types of Employer Negligence Cases
As mentioned, there are several types of employer negligence. They all revolve around companies failing to take appropriate actions to keep their employees safe. Some of the most common scenarios are as follows.
Workplace Accidents
Accidents that lead to injuries in the workplace are among the most prevalent bases for negligence cases. Those can include slips and falls, getting caught in dangerous machinery, being hit by falling objects. Failing to maintain a safe workplace is also common. That can entail exposing employees to dangerous working conditions, like slippery floors, bare electrical wiring, and machinery without safety guards in place.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Another common issue is exposure to hazardous materials. Employers often knowingly leave their workers vulnerable to threats on the job. Those can include chemicals, gases, fumes, radiation, and pathogens to name a few. Such substances can cause illnesses or adverse long-term health effects like cancer, lung damage, and nerve damage. Employers should make their employees aware of any hazards they may face at work and provide personal protective equipment to mitigate the risks. Failing to do so is considered negligence.
Violence in the Workplace
Violence is the workplace is likewise a cause for concern. If a company is made aware of a threat against one of its workers and takes no action to protect that employee, it could be held liable for any resulting injuries. Employers are expected to implement security measures to keep their employees safe and take any threats made against them seriously.
Holding Negligent Employers Accountable
Proving an employer has acted negligently and ensuring they’re held responsible can be a complicated process. It’s important to document the issue if possible. For example, if you’re facing unsafe working conditions, take pictures of the safety hazards to serve as proof. You can also gather statements from fellow employees and other witnesses to strengthen your case. From there, report the issue to your company’s HR department or another internal authority. Be sure to obtain copies of that report as well.
If you’re injured, seek medical attention as quickly as possible, and keep records of your medical care. File for workers’ compensation if applicable. Most employers are required to carry workers’ comp to protect their employees in the event of injuries. Along the way, consider consulting with an attorney. Having legal representation will protect you and your best interests and increase the likelihood of your employer being held responsible for his or her negligence.