When we head off to work, most of us have the expectation that others have already done their job to ensure our workplaces are safe, and thus, don’t think twice about the potential harm we could suffer in an instant that could forever change our lives. No workplace is devoid of potential hazards, though.
There’s a high probability of a workplace accident happening that either temporarily or permanently knocks one’s life off course. And, most likely if you’re reading this, you are doing so because you’ve suffered harm on the job and you’re looking to find out what compensation may be available to you as you recover or perhaps even grieve a loved one’s sudden passing.
While you’ll find a great deal of information below to answer some of your questions, nothing replaces speaking with a Jackson, WY workers’ compensation lawyer about your specific case and legal options that may be available to you. So, contact us for help in understanding your rights now. Consultations with our legal team are free.
What Are the Most Dangerous Occupations in Wyoming?
Individuals working in any field can suffer injuries; however, data shared by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) shows that the most deadly industries in 2022, and thus, likely the most injury-prone ones, include:
- Transportation and warehousing, which saw 35.3% of the state’s workplace deaths
- Natural resources and mining accounted for at least 23.5% of all worker fatalities
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which led to 14.75 of workers’ deaths
- Mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction accounted for 8.8% of employee fatalities
- Construction work, which led to 8.8% of worker deaths
- Government work, which contributed to 8.8% of workplace fatalities
Causes of Workplace Accidents in Jackson, WY
The 2022 DWS data cited above suggests that at least 55.9% of workplace fatalities were transportation-involved incidents, including instances where workers suffered fatal injuries in water vessel or aircraft accidents or while working on or near vehicles on job sites.
Aside from these roles, it’s likely that workers suffered harm in some of the incidents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) discusses, including via:
- Falls on construction sites
- Toxic exposure affecting one’s respiratory system
- When using machinery, such as on building sites and in manufacturing plates or warehouses
- Energy-related exposure, perhaps like electrocutions
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we have extensive experience assisting workers who suffered an injury or developed an illness in the workplace in a number of ways. Each Jackson, WY workers’ compensation lawyer at our office is here to help advocate for you to ensure you receive any benefits you may be entitled to so if you’re hurt or ill, be sure to contact us for a free case evaluation.
Compensation Available to Employees With Workplace Injuries or Occupational Illnesses
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you generally qualify for benefits so long as you’re a qualified worker regardless of whether you contributed to causing your injuries or illness or someone else did. There are exceptions to this rule, though, such as if your own recklessness, such as horseplay, caused you to get hurt or if you were intoxicated when you suffered harm.
Provided none of the above factors are at play, you may be entitled to compensated medical visits and lost pay stipends. In some cases, injured or ill workers may also qualify for longer-term disability payments if they’re deemed to be partially or totally impaired. Job retraining benefits in the form of vocational rehab. Also, death benefits may be available to close family members of deceased workers.
Aside from the above-referenced, it may be possible to recover compensation in addition to or instead of workers’ compensation from a product manufacturer, property owner, or another driver, for example, if their negligent actions harmed you. In this case, you’d need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation.
You can expect your Jackson, WY workers’ compensation attorney, to discuss all possible streams of compensation with you in your case during your initial complimentary consultation with them.
Understanding When You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Jackson, WY To Represent You
In an ideal world, if you developed an occupational illness or suffered injuries on the job, your employer would be upfront in making sure you understood the process for seeking medical attention and recovering lost wages while you’re unable to work. They’d also give you time to receive the treatment you need to make as full of a recovery as possible before asking you to return to work. Additionally, your employers’ workers’ comp insurer would continue making payouts as anticipated. Things don’t always play out as anticipated, though.
You should definitely consider getting a Jackson, WY workers’ comp attorney involved in the following situations:
- You have a condition that’s not easily diagnosed or attributable to your job role
- A third party could potentially be responsible for what happened to you
- You’re not receiving the payouts you anticipated
- Your employer has requested that you return to work despite the fact that your doctor hasn’t determined that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Your claim has been approved, but no payments have been received
- Your employer’s workers’ comp insurer denied your claim, and you want to appeal their decision
The examples above are just some of the potential reasons you may want to reach out to a lawyer to discuss your workers’ compensation case. We urge you not to rely on doing your own research in this complex area of the law but to consult with an experienced legal professional regarding any similar concerns you might have.
Expectations You Should Have When Having an Attorney Handle Your Workplace Injury Case
Each lawyer has a different approach to working with clients, so we cannot speak for anyone else and how they handle cases. However, we can share with you that, should we take on your Wyoming workers’ compensation claim, you can count on us to converse with any self-insured employers, doctors’ offices (if needed to secure medical records or bills), insurers, and government agencies on your behalf.
You can also expect to escalate your case through the proper channels, including appealing your case if warranted.
In short, when we take on your workers’ comp matter, you can expect us to handle all communication and to fight aggressively to ensure you get the compensation you deserve until all avenues have been exhausted.
Getting Help If You Were Hurt on the Job in Teton County
We know it can be hard if you’re unwell focusing on much more than getting better. We also understand how hard it can be having your source of income taken away from you in an instant. We don’t want to add any more stress or financial burdens onto your plate, but instead take some off of it.
Reach out to our law office, Edwards Law Office, P.C., to learn more about your rights if you got hurt or became ill on the job. A compassionate Jackson, WY, workers’ compensation lawyer will listen to what happened to you and help you understand the unique legal options available to you in your case. So, if this is the guidance you’re seeking, contact us now for a free consultation to explore your rights.