No one wakes up in the morning with the intention of getting hurt on the job. After all, medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the United States. Although we all realize, at least subconsciously, that there is a risk of being hurt on the job, it’s not something that most of us think about or plan to deal with. So, when it does happen, most of us don’t have money put back into a savings account to pay for monthly expenses and medical treatment. Health insurance isn’t always the solution. If you can’t work because of your injury, you may not have the money for your copay or your deductible. Consider Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim If you’re hurt on the job, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance. It is required by state law for most employers. There is no charge to you as a worker. When you’re hurt on the job, you may file a claim and you may be awarded with benefits that can help you until you are able to return to work. The most common damages earned in a workers' compensation claim include: Lost wages. If you’re unable to work for any length of time because of your injury, you may be eligible to receive a portion of your lost wages through workers’ compensation. Medical coverage. This is one of the best known benefits of workers’ compensation. You are entitled to receive emergency medical care if you need it or to see a doctor. Your employer should have a list of doctors who can treat you at no charge. This benefit can help pay for doctors’ visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescriptions, or other medical necessities. Occupational training. If you’re not going to be able to return to your previous job, you may be eligible to receive occupational training through workers’ compensation. This training can help teach you new skills and get you back into the workforce. One thing to keep in mind about the above benefits and the other benefits offered by workers’ compensation is that you must first file a claim in order to be considered for benefits. If you’re hurt on the job, stop what you’re doing and immediately let your supervisor know and ask how to file your claim. You may also want to ask for a list of medical providers who can treat you at no charge. Company Profile: Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines is one of the best known airline companies in the nation. They are headquartered in Dallas, Texas. They have around 49,000 employees. Risks Faced by Southwest Airlines Employees Southwest Airlines has a lot of job opportunities. Each job has its own set of risks. Some of the most common jobs include being a flight attendant and being a customer service representative. If you currently work for Southwest, you can think about your job responsibilities and likely determine which risks you face. Flight Attendant – Being a flight attendant means you get to travel, but you also face risks. Turbulence is often unexpected and if you’re not strapped in, you may be injured by being thrown around in the cabin. Another common injury is a back and neck injury when flight attendants must assist passengers with their carry-on luggage. Customer Service Reps – Southwest Airlines has a call center that employs thousands. Spending a lot of time typing to book and cancel flights for customers can cause permanent injury to your hands, fingers, wrists, and neck. You may develop repetitive stress injury and need surgery or a brace. You Have Legal Rights If you’re hurt during your shift at Southwest Airlines, you have legal rights. Every state has workers' compensation laws designed to help you. Make sure that you understand your legal rights and that you’re getting all of the benefits that you’re entitled to receive by taking the time to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Southwest Airlines, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
