Workers’ compensation is a benefit provided to an employee who finds himself hurt or ill as a result of his employment. 
Employers are required by law to carry insurance for claims. Employees do not contribute any of their wages towards workers’ comp insurance. It serves to not only ensure that an injured workers medical bills and loss of wages are covered, but also to protect employers from being sued for personal injury compensation.
Insurance premiums for workers’ compensation are high and most employers have safety measures in place to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
The top causes of a work related injury are:
- Overexertion
- Bodily reactions
- Being hit by an object
- Falls
Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Slip and falls are the cause of approximately 300,000 injuries a year in the workplace and costs employers over 4 billion dollars in compensation and lost productivity annually. They are the most common workplace accident and are the cause of 35% of all work related injuries. As a result, it is not uncommon for employers to instill safety measures in the workplace, such as requiring slip resistant shoes, to help prevent such accidents from occurring.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Slippery floors
- Cracked walkways
- Broken stairs
- Debris
In order for an employee to be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits they must be able to prove that the accident occurred while doing their job and that the injuries sustained were a direct result of the accident. If this is proven, the worker is entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Injuries sustained from a slip and fall, such as head trauma, may recover ongoing therapy that an employer may be reluctant to pay.
In the event that you do slip and fall at work make sure you report the accident to your employer immediately. Symptoms of injury, such as back trauma, may not appear immediately so it is imperative that your employer is made aware of the accident even if you do not feel medical attention is necessary. If your employer directs you to a specific medical care provider make sure to go there. Not following their directive may cause you to lose your right to compensation. Make a point to let the doctors treating you know that you were injured at work and see to it that they make note of all of your injuries and symptoms.
Due to the rising cost of premiums, employers will fight against having to pay out any compensation. Keep in mind that workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance. Even if your employers try and claim that slipping and falling was your fault, an experienced workers compensation attorney will know just how to fight them and get you your due compensation.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney
If you been injured as a result of a slip and fall accident at work, contact a St. Louis workers compensation attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. We can put over 30 years of experience to work for you, fighting to protect your rights and get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (314) 361-4300 or contact us online.
St. Louis Personal Injury Practice Areas
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