How To Claim ironworkers for workplace injury?

The ironworkers perform the most important and dangerous work in the construction business. Even if the workers are highly skilled and experienced, they run a risk of a severe work injury. Ironworkers work at the 3rd highest dangerous work in the world. Their work is physically dangerous and can even cost them their lives. The Ironworkers Local 512 works for the ironworkers and provides them with safety and fair compensation. In case of any fatal or non-fatal injury by the ironworkers, they can contact an attorney and get the compensation and benefits on that account.

Most common injuries caused to ironworkers

Ironworkers can suffer many injuries in the line of their work. There are many types of injuries that can be caused to them directly or indirectly, inflicted by their own mistakes or negligence of others. There are twelve types of most common injuries that ironworkers can suffer at the workplace, such as:

1. Fall from a structure due to lack of proper safety measures

2. Unsecured and open web steel joists can be struck accidentally.

3. Lack of proper fall arrest equipment or fall protection while falling down

4. Falling in the process of floor and roof decking.

5. Material mishandling while steel erection and steel reinforcement tasks

6. Being struck by the columns collapsing due to failed anchor bolts or inadequate concrete strength.

7. Unsupported reinforcing steel walls, decks, and columns striking a worker accidentally.

8. Tools and heavy equipment falling down.

9. Hoisting and rigging tasks crushing

10. Unprotected vertical projections impaling the workers.

11. Exposure to electrical hazards.

12. Exposure to chemicals and contaminants.

The above causes can lead to some very serious injuries to the ironworkers such as:

1. Traumatic brain injuries

2. Fractures and broken bones

3. Spinal cord injuries

4. Electrocution

5. Severe burns

6. Cuts and bruises

7. Lacerations

8. Open and closed head injuries

9. Amputations

10. Contusions

11. Internal bleeding

12. Paralysis

13. Coma

14. Damage to internal organs

15. Wrongful death

These injuries may cause temporary and permanent disability to the ironworkers and sometimes even death. All these types of injuries caused while working on a construction site entitle the ironworkers for compensation and any other thing required for the benefit of them.

Employer’s responsibility

It is the responsibility of every employer to provide a safe working environment for its workers. They must ensure that the work area is safe, proper safety tools and equipment are in place and in case of any incident proper medical facilities and compensations are arranged. 

Workers responsibility

As the ironworkers are required to do a lot of heavy lifting and working in dangerous conditions, they have to be careful themselves. They are required to follow the safety protocols, use the safety equipment like helmet, belts, etc. provided at the site by the employer. And in case the employer fails to provide the required safety tools, the ironworkers must demand it. It is important for them to get training in the use of safety tools and check the compatibility and quality of tools before using them. 

Compensation available for ironworkers

Ironworkers can claim compensation with the help of workplace injury attorney for the following damages:

1. Medical expenses: The medical expenses include costs for emergency rooms, surgery, hospitalization, medicines, etc.

2. Loss of wages: A claim can be made for income lost due to any temporary or permanent disability caused while working that left the worker incapable to work.

3. Rehabilitation: Cost for any type of physical or mental therapy required to help the worker overcome damages caused by the accident or injury can be claimed under the compensation. 

4. Wrongful death: In case of any fatal injury at the workplace, the family of the worker can claim compensation for the damages like loss of income, physical and mental pain, medical expenses, funeral costs, etc. suffered by filing for a wrongful death claim. 

If the injury is caused by the negligence or carelessness of a third party, then the family can file a personal injury lawsuit under Ironworkers Local 512 and claim compensation. The personal injury lawsuit helps in getting compensation if it can be proved that the injury was caused due to the negligence of the contractor or defective safety tools and equipment provided by the manufacturer or carelessness of some other worker other than the victim. 

How to claim for injury?

1. If you are the worker that has been injured at the workplace, you should firstly report the incident to your supervisor. Get medical attention provided at the scene. Get a copy of the report you filed about the incident and then go to an employer-specific doctor with the report. Get yourself checked with the doctor, no matter how minor the injury is. After treatment claim for Workers compensation benefits.

2. Maintain a record of all the medical expenses incurred by you and then contact a good lawyer and give the reports and record to him/her and explain the matter. The lawyer will help you get the compensation or file a personal injury lawsuit, as is required. 

The Union members law firm helps the ironworkers in getting compensation for the injury or damage caused at the workplace with the help of best lawyers they have and handle all the legal proceedings that might be required from your side.