Columbia Machinery Accident Lawyer
Workplace accidents and injuries occur for all workers in any setting; however, some industries present more risks for workers. Injuries often occur on construction sites, farms, warehouses, or any job site where workers use heavy machinery.
You are likely eligible to file and collect workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured in an equipment and machinery accident on the job. A knowledgeable construction accident attorney at The Law Offices of Chris Miller could help file a claim for benefits. Schedule an appointment with a Columbia machinery accident lawyer when you need help filing or want to learn more.
Types of Workplace Machinery Accidents
Some of the different types of machinery accidents in workers’ compensation claims involve the following:
- Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks
- Excavating equipment, including excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, and trenchers
- Drilling machines, including rotary blast hole and explosive drills
- Agriculture and farming equipment and heavy machinery, including harvesters and tractors
- Trucks, including dump trucks
- Laser cutters and other material-cutting machinery
A knowledgeable machinery accident attorney in Columbia could provide legal advice throughout the claims process and prevent unnecessary delays due to paperwork mistakes.
The Steps to Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits
While collecting benefits requires many steps that depend on the individual’s circumstances, three of the most crucial steps include the following:
Report Injuries to the Employer
The first step to take after suffering an injury in a workplace accident is reporting the incident to your employer. According to state statute, you must notify your employer within 30 days or risk losing eligibility to collect benefits.
Seek Medical Attention
The next step to take after suffering an injury at work is to seek medical care from a licensed healthcare professional. It is crucial to ask employers and insurers for a list of approved physicians covered under workers’ compensation to ensure you do not pay for your medical care out of your own pocket.
File a Claim to Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits
After reporting the machinery accident to your employer and seeking medical attention, you must file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Following the statute to file the claim is crucial, as receiving a denial for minor errors is common.
The Deadline for Filing for Benefits
After a work-related injury, you likely need to file and collect benefits immediately to cover your medical care and other expenses while recovering. According to the Missouri Revised Statutes § 287.430, workers or the family of an employee who died from their injuries must file for benefits within three years of the accident. Filing after the three-year expiration date results in a denial of benefits.
An experienced lawyer in Columbia could help ensure you take the appropriate steps following a workplace equipment accident.
Schedule a Meeting With an Experienced Machinery Accident Attorney in Columbia
Construction workers, farm workers, and anyone working with heavy machinery face daily risks. When you are hurt by equipment at work, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits to pay for medical care and other expenses.
Insurance coverage could allow you to focus on healing from your injuries and getting back on your feet. That said, applying and collecting benefits can be challenging to navigate alone. A dedicated Columbia machinery accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Chris Miller could answer your questions throughout the process and help avoid unnecessary delays. Call today.