If we think back just a mere 100 years ago, airplanes weren’t a common form of transportation. We’ve come a long way! As the airline industry has grown and developed, it brought with it many jobs. One of the most important jobs is that of the aircraft mechanic. The aircraft mechanic makes sure that the airplanes carrying our loved ones are safe for air travel. If you’re an aircraft mechanic, you know many of the dangers that you face each and every day. You make good money, but what would happen if you were hurt on the job? Would your family be able to pay the rent and put food on the table? Do you have any money saved for a rainy day? For many people, on the job injuries and sicknesses are financial disasters looking for a place to happen. The good news is that there is a safety net for aircraft mechanics who are hurt or made sick on the job. Most employers are required by state law to provide workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance isn’t something that comes out of the pockets of workers. It is provided by employers at no cost to you. How Does Workers’ Comp Help Aircraft Mechanics? Workers’ compensation helps aircraft mechanics who are hurt on the job or develop a sickness because of their working environment. When you file a claim, you get help with your medical bills, prescriptions, and other services or things that you need to help you get better. It also provides a portion of your wages. That’s why it’s considered a safety net. Special Risks to Aircraft Mechanics There are numerous risks faced by aircraft mechanics. If you’re using the tow bar on the airplane, it could come loose and you could lose a body part. Planes that do not have their brakes properly set could roll and kill you. Heavy parts could result in back, neck, and shoulder injuries. If you work on older airplanes or if you rebuild parts, you may be exposed to asbestos. Many years ago, asbestos was a common component of mechanical parts. Exposure to asbestos can cause lifelong lung problems. You could even develop mesothelioma. Hurt or Sick? Follow These Steps It doesn’t matter if you think that you could have prevented your injury or if you think it was totally your fault. It doesn’t matter if someone tells you that getting sick is just part of the risk you take. You are entitled to get help from workers’ compensation. Follow these steps: Let your supervisor know that you’re sick or hurt. Don’t wait until the end of your shift. Don’t wait until you’re finished with the airplane you’re working on. Tell your supervisor right away. This protects you, your legal rights, and your coworkers. This is a key component of filing a workers’ comp claim. Complete an accident report immediately. The sooner you do it, the easier it is to remember exactly what happened. If you’ve been seriously injured, call 911. Get a report number from the officer that responds. You can get a copy from the police station. Get medical help. Don’t wait. If you’ve injured your back, hit your head, or if you are bleeding, call 911. If it’s a minor injury, such as one caused by the constant use of a wrench for years as an aircraft mechanic, you should see the doctor listed on the workers’ comp policy. Using that doctor means there will be no out of pocket cost to you. You can see your own doctor if you’d like, but you will have to pay. Keep any and all receipts related to any money you spent as a result of your injury or sickness. Make an appointment to see a workers’ comp attorney. Even if the airline that hired you seems to be supportive, their insurance company will want to settle your claim for as little as possible. Don’t talk to the adjustor on your own. A workers’ comp attorney can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Protect Yourself If you’re made sick or if you are hurt as an aircraft mechanic, you may need legal expertise to help protect yourself and your family. Talk with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help get the compensation that you deserve.
