Logging Truck Accident Attorney In Huntington, WV
When you hear “slip and fall accident,” you often think of a wet floor at grocery stores or hotel lobbies. Yet these kinds of accidents can also happen to employees at their workplace. A serious slip and fall injury could take a long time to heal from. If you are an injured worker who needs help with workers’ compensation benefits or filing a lawsuit, our law firm is here for you.
Established in 2000, Warner Law Offices, PLLC has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for the hard-working people of West Virginia. Attorney Bobby Warner and his team can help workers recover with dignity as well as confidence and peace of mind.
We stand firm with workers all over Cabell County and Wayne County. For a free consultation with our workplace slip, trip, and fall lawyers in Huntington, WV, contact our law firm today. You can also reach our attorneys by phone at (304) 345-6789.
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Understanding Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries from slips and falls can cause catastrophic injuries in workplaces all over Huntington. In fact, falls are a leading cause of fatal construction worker accidents and part of OSHA’s Focus Four.
These kinds of accidents are not exclusive to construction workers or factory jobs, however. Nurses and doctors could slip on a wet floor at a local hospital. Cooks and waitstaff might lose their footing because of an uneven floor mat in a restaurant’s kitchen. A retail employee may trip over an extension cord while walking to the register.
When workers in Cabell County or Wayne County are hurt in slip, trip, or fall accidents, our lawyers are here to help.
What to Do If You Slip, Trip, or Fall at Work
If you get hurt on the job in Huntington, follow these four steps:
- Adhere to Company Protocols: Many workplaces have specific procedures when an employee is injured. Follow these instructions to the letter.
- Report the Incident: Notify your employer or supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Provide the notification in writing and make a copy for yourself.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor even if you seem okay after the accident. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, with symptoms appearing later.
- Document Everything: Take pictures and video of the accident site and your injuries. Take down the names of any co-workers or bystanders who witnessed what happened.
By following these steps, you can prevent setbacks as you apply for workers’ compensation benefits or pursue a third-party claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in West Virginia?
Most employees have just six months from the date of a workplace accident to file for workers’ comp benefits. Workers who miss this six-month deadline will no longer be eligible for workers’ compensation while they are recovering.
If you have questions or need help with workers’ compensation after an on-the-job slip, trip, or fall, our Huntington injury lawyers can help.
How Long Do I Have to File a Third-Party Claim in West Virginia?
In the state of West Virginia, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a third-party personal injury claim. Once that deadline has passed, you will not be able to file a legal action.
There may be some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations depending on the circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. Regardless, it’s best to speak with a Huntington workplace slip, trip, and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Workplace Slip and Fall Case
There are many law firms in the Huntington area that represent injured workers. However, many working people here in West Virginia trust the team at Warner Law Offices, PLLC. Here’s why:
- We Help Injured Workers Feel Supported: Our lawyers are West Virginia born and raised. We know the challenges that working people face. Our attorneys will help ensure that you get the answers you’re looking for and the support you need during a difficult time.
- We Know How to Negotiate from a Place of Strength: Securing workers’ comp benefits and dealing with insurance companies can take up a lot of time and energy. Our attorneys can handle these complicated matters, using our experience to keep the process moving and obtain the compensation you deserve.
- We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win. If we can’t secure compensation or win in court for your on-the-job injury, you don’t have to pay.
Contact Our Huntington Law Office for a Free Case Review
If you got hurt in a workplace slip and fall accident in Cabell or Wayne counties, our attorneys are ready to help. To set up a free consultation, contact Warner Law Offices, PLLC.
What Causes On-the-Job Slip and Fall Accidents?
There are different potential causes for workplace slip, trip, and fall accidents. The Huntington injury attorneys at Warner Law Offices, PLLC can help with all kinds of situations. Below are just a few potential causes of on-the-job slips and falls.
Wet, Dusty, and Slippery Floors
Wet and slippery floors can cause serious slips and falls for even cautious employees. Footing and traction can similarly be affected by sawdust, powders, and other kinds of small debris.
Obstacles That Cause a Tripping Hazard
In addition to wet floors, extension cords, tools and equipment, and other objects or obstacles in a workplace could pose a tripping or falling hazard to employees.
Loose Floor Coverings and Mats
When mats, carpets, and other kinds of floor coverings are loose or improperly placed, it could create slipping or tripping hazards for workers. It’s important to check the grip these floor covers have to prevent accidents.
Uneven Flooring
Even and consistent floor surfaces help ensure worker safety. If portions of the floor are not level or there is a missing paver or tile, it could lead to an employee losing their footing and suffering a fall.
Improper Footwear
Workplaces should have certain policies in place regarding footwear, especially if there are risks related to traction, slipping, and potential injuries to the feet.
Lack of Sufficient Lighting
Dim hallways or broken lights in well-trafficked parts of a workplace could increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Without proper lighting, a worker may not be aware of a wet floor or a tripping hazard.
Unsecured Ladders
Whenever workers use a ladder, it’s important that it is properly secured to the floor or held by a co-worker. When ladders are not secured or used in an unsafe way, employees could suffer serious falls.
Lack of Guardrails and Toe Boards
Whenever workers are near a ledge, there should ideally be guardrails and toe boards (kickplates) in place. The safety rails help workers avoid falls, while toe boards prevent accident steps over a ledge and dropping objects from a height.
Insufficient Fall Protection
In addition to safety rails, workplaces should have other forms of fall protection, such as safety harnesses, anchor points, safety nets, and warning systems. A lack of these safety measures could endanger employees.
Icy and Poor Weather Conditions
Employees who work outdoors in Cabell County or Wayne County may have to deal with rain, snow, and heavy winds, which could cause slips and falls. The moisture outdoors could also drip from boots and work clothes while employees are indoors, which can also lead to slips and falls.
Potential Injuries from a Workplace Slip and Fall Accident
A slip, trip, or fall at a worksite or workplace can cause all kinds of physical trauma. Some common injuries in these kinds of on-the-job accidents include:
- Broken Bones: A major fall could lead to cracked ribs as well as serious fractures affecting your limbs and joints.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Falling on your head or back could affect your neck and the structures of the spine.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Trauma to the spine can cause partial paralysis, paraplegia, or tetraplegia (quadriplegia).
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and other types of head trauma from a fall could impact your motor skills, memory, speech, and mental health.
- Loss of Limbs: If a limb is badly injured during a fall, doctors may have no choice but to amputate it.
- Damage to Internal Organs: The force from a fall could cause injuries to the spleen, lungs, heart, and other vital organs.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Slip and Fall
Many employees who got hurt in on-the-job accidents will be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. This compensation willl help cover lost income and medical bills while you recover from your injuries.
The amount you get in workers’ comp and the length of coverage can vary based on your pre-injury wages and how serious your injuries are. That said, many workers receive up to two-thirds of their weekly income.
Some people get denied workers’ compensation when they initially apply. This can be confusing and frustrating. If you need help with an appeal or just some guidance with the system, our Huntington workplace accident lawyers can help. At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we want you to heal with dignity and peace of mind.
Can I Sue My Employer If They Caused My Accident?
Yes, you can in some situations, though you would not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation if you pursue legal action.
Situations When You May Be Able to Sue Your Employer
To file a lawsuit, you may have to prove that your employer deliberately intended for you to have an accident. Deliberate intent involves a high legal standard that most on-the-job slip and fall accidents do not meet.
It’s also important to consider your employment status. If you’re a full-time employee, filing a lawsuit could be more difficult. If you’re an independent contractor, filing a lawsuit against the company may be worth considering after a work accident.
Why You Need a Work Injury Attorney on Your Side
These kinds of scenarios are why you need to contact Warner Law Offices, PLLC as soon as possible. Our attorneys will go over what happened and let you know when to sue your employer for a workplace injury and when to consider workers’ comp benefits and other options for compensation.
Am I Eligible for a Third-Party Claim After a Slip and Fall?
Potentially yes, though this depends on what happened during the accident. You can file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused your slip and fall accident while on the job.
For example, say that you are working at a construction site. Your employer and co-workers follow safety procedures, but you accidentally fall off the ledge of a building, and your safety harness fails. You may be eligible to file a third-party claim against the manufacturer of the safety harness for making a defective product.
Our workplace slip and fall lawyers in Huntington will carefully evaluate the details of your case and let you know if you’re eligible to pursue a third-party claim.
Damages for a Slip and Fall in a Third-Party Claim
Damages for a workplace slip and fall will assist in your recovery from your injuries. These often include a mix of economic damages and non-economic damages. In addition, these legal damages can supplement your workers’ compensation benefits.
The attorneys at our Huntington law office will help you understand the true value of your third-party claim by reviewing your bills, changes in your finances, and the effects your injuries have had on your life.
Economic Damages in Third-Party Claims
Economic damages compensate injured employees for the calculable losses related to a workplace accident. This includes:
- Hospitalization and emergency medical care
- Current and future medical treatment
- Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy
- Use of assistive devices after an accident
- Damage to any personal belongings in the accident
- Lost wages and income while recuperating
- Loss of future earning potential due to disability
- Home renovations or vehicle accommodations due to disability
Non-Economic Damages in Third-Party Claims
Non-economic damages compensate injured employees for losses that are more difficult to calculate. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
Options for Families After a Fatal Workplace Accident
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal fall, you have our sincerest condolences. When you are ready to share what happened, our lawyers here in Huntington can discuss various options for compensation.
Spouses, children, and other dependents may be able to apply for death benefits. These benefits can cover funeral costs and loss of income. Depending on the nature of the incident, our attorneys can also review the potential for a third-party wrongful death claim.
Contact Our Huntington On-the-Job Slip and Fall Attorneys
Warner Law Offices, PLLC is proud to represent injured workers throughout Cabell and Wayne counties. We can guide you through workers’ compensation appeals, negotiations with insurance companies, and filing third-party claims. Don’t delay. For a free case evaluation with our workplace slip and fall attorneys in Huntington, contact our law office today. You can also reach our lawyers at (304) 345-6789.