Suffering an injury at work can be traumatic and life-changing. A fall from scaffolding or an electrical burn can cause permanent disability, affecting your ability to provide for your family. In 2022, Michigan workers experienced 83,600 workplace injuries or illnesses, 1,761 of which left them with missed work days or new or restricted job assignments.

If you’ve been injured on the job, getting the financial support you need for recovery is crucial. In Michigan, workers’ compensation offers assistance by paying medical bills and making up for lost wages. Additionally, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit for extra support, which can help pave a smoother road to recovery.

At Fieger Law, our experienced team of work injury attorneys has a proven track record of securing hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We are ready to put our extensive legal knowledge to work for you, helping you receive the compensation and benefits you are rightfully entitled to.

Types of Workplace Accidents and Injuries

Workplace accidents often occur due to negligence by employers or third parties. Common examples affecting workers include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are caused by wet floors, cluttered pathways, or uneven surfaces. They can lead to injuries such as fractures, head injuries, and, in severe cases, long-term disability.

Falls were the third leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2022, resulting in 700 deaths nationwide. For non-fatal cases, these falls resulted in an average of 22 days of missed work.

• Machinery Accidents: These occur when working with or around heavy machinery without proper safety measures, resulting in lacerations, amputations, or crushing injuries that can impact a victim’s quality of life.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Incidents of this type involve contact with chemicals and toxic substances, leading to burns, respiratory problems, or chronic illnesses. For example, construction workers may be exposed to silica dust, asbestos, and lead while demolishing or renovating buildings. If not provided with appropriate safety gear, workers may inhale these substances, causing lung disease or cancer.
• Occupational Diseases: These can result from long-term exposure to risk factors in the workplace, leading to conditions that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, office workers spending hours at poorly designed workstations might develop repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome.

In 2021, 9% of adults over 18 had a repetitive strain injury in the last three months. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues, requiring surgeries, medication, and job restrictions.

Contact Fieger Law immediately if you’ve been affected by any of these accidents or injuries. Our team will provide insight into your rights and aggressively seek the compensation you are entitled to.

Navigating Third-Party Claims in Workplace Accidents

After a workplace injury, you may also be able to seek damages from a third party in a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. A third-party claim is a separate legal action against parties other than your employer (such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or other drivers) whose negligence may have contributed to your injury.

• Defective Equipment: If an injury is caused by machinery or tools malfunctioning due to design flaws or manufacturing defects, we can file a claim against the equipment manufacturer.
• Negligent Subcontractors: If a subcontractor’s failure to adhere to safety regulations leads to an accident, such as a scaffolding collapse or electrical fire, we can hold them liable.
• Vehicle Accidents: If a worker sustains injuries in a traffic accident with a vehicle operated by someone outside their employer’s workforce, such as a driver in a construction zone, they can seek damages from the other driver.
• Toxic Exposure: When injuries occur because a company supplied toxic substances that were improperly labeled or did not carry sufficient safety warnings, that supplier can be held accountable.
• Premises Liability: This involves situations where workers are injured on property not owned by their employer, such as leased spaces or client locations. The property owner can be held responsible if these injuries result from unsafe conditions.

Seeking third-party claims can offer additional financial relief beyond what workers’ compensation covers. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits like medical expenses and a portion of lost wages without requiring proof of fault. However, it may not compensate for pain and suffering or the full range of lost wages and potential future earnings.

Successful third-party claims can compensate for pain and suffering, the complete recovery of lost wages, and potential future earnings. To win your claim, you must demonstrate that the third party’s negligence or a defective product they were responsible for contributed to your injury.

This process can be complex and often requires thorough legal knowledge and evidence gathering, which is why many individuals seek legal assistance when pursuing these claims.

Our firm has 70 years of litigation experience and represents injured workers from all across the U.S. We have the skills and resources to effectively represent your interests and help you receive all compensation you’re due, whether permanent workers’ comp benefits or a million-dollar damage award from a judge or jury.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Accident

After a workplace accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to safeguard your health and preserve any potential legal claims you may have. At Fieger Law, our attorneys are here to guide you through the necessary steps:

• Report the Accident: Notify your employer in writing about the incident as soon as possible and get a copy of the written report. This establishes a record of the event, which you can use for your worker’s compensation claim and legal claims you pursue.
• Get Immediate Medical Attention: Seek medical care immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. This ensures you receive treatment and creates medical documentation of your injuries.
• Document Your Injuries and Damages: Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene if you can. Get the names and contact information of any involved parties or witnesses and share them with your attorney. Save all medical bills and keep a journal of the injury’s impact on your daily life to show the full extent of your damages.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Contact a personal injury attorney at Fieger Law. We can review the specific circumstances of your case, collect evidence, and file your compensation claim with the responsible party.

Get the Nation’s Most Successful Trial Law Firm On Your Side

At Fieger Law, we’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you need after a workplace accident. We have secured millions for our clients, showcasing our skill and commitment to protecting accident victims’ rights.

Let us put our experience to work for you, helping you navigate the legal process to achieve the financial recovery you deserve. Contact our team today for a free consultation. We can discuss your case, advise you on a winning legal strategy, and represent your interests to get you fair compensation.