While most people probably think of someone slipping or tripping when they think of a “falling accident” in the workplace, it is just as possible—and under some circumstances, even more likely—for this sort of incident to involve a heavy object falling onto someone at ground level who is otherwise steady on their feet. Even worse, the force generated by something like a heavy crate or piece of machinery falling to the ground can be even greater than the force a human body could generate by falling from the same height, which may lead to the person struck by the falling object suffering exceptionally serious injuries.
If you were hurt at work because something fell from a shelf, ledge, or any other raised surface and struck you, you may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim, which a qualified Las Vegas work injury lawyer could help you make the most of. Whether you will heal from your injuries with time and proper care or have sustained life-altering trauma, help from a Las Vegas falling objects injury lawyer at Shook & Stone could give you the best chances possible of obtaining all the benefits you need.
Proving a Falling Object Injury Was “Work-Related”
Since workers’ compensation coverage is available on a “fault free” basis in Nevada and elsewhere around the United States, it is not necessary to prove that a falling object accident happened specifically because of someone else’s negligence in order to file a workers’ comp claim over it. However, you should be prepared to prove that the accident did not result from your own misconduct—for example, engaging in horseplay or not wearing appropriate safety gear even though it was provided to you—and that it was “work-related” if you want to get a successful result from your claim.
Importantly, a “work-related” injury does not necessarily need to stem directly from dangerous working conditions to serve as grounds for a workers’ comp claim. So long as you were performing your job duties, on duty at a worksite, or doing anything else that could be considered part of a normal workday when the accident happened, you would likely have grounds to file for workers’ comp. That said, it can still be helpful to have representation from a Las Vegas workers’ compensation lawyer when it comes to proving all that during negotiations with the insurance company.
Other Key Steps in the Workers’ Comp Process
Even if your injury was unquestionably work-related, you might not be able to get any workers’ comp benefits for it if you wait even a few days too long to get the workers’ comp claims process started. You should notify an on-site supervisor immediately after any accident resulting in injury and no later than seven days after it occurs. You typically have 90 days at most after an injury occurs to formally file for workers’ comp.
You will also need to seek medical care from an approved healthcare provider and follow your doctor’s instructions. Otherwise, the insurance company will be much likely to deny your claim or cut off your benefits prematurely. Once again, guidance from a capable lawyer can be critical to avoiding procedural pitfalls like these following a falling object accident on the job in Las Vegas.
Speak With a Las Vegas Falling Objects Injury Attorney Today
Even with a hard hat and other protective gear on, an impact from a falling object can cause blunt force trauma that leaves you unable to work for a long time and potentially even causes permanent disability. Fortunately, this kind of accident on the job is typically covered by workers’ comp, provided that you file your claim correctly and in a timely fashion.
A Las Vegas falling objects injury lawyer at Shook & Stone could provide irreplaceable assistance throughout the claims process and give you a better chance of getting paid fairly. Call today to learn more.
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