Electricians have a lot of specialized training and a state license to repair electrical problems or install electrical lines in homes and businesses. We all know of their expertise. It’s why we call them when something is wrong with the wiring in our homes. Electricians are paid well and rightfully so. They do a job that could kill them. Electricity does more than make the hairs on your arms stand up or give you a little shock. Electricity can kill. If you’re an electrician that is employed by a company, ask yourself one question. Could your family survive if you were hurt, made sick, or even killed on the job? Monthly bills don’t stop because of an on the job illness or injury. If you are made sick or if you are hurt on the job as an electrician, there is help. Workers’ compensation is required by law in every state. Most employers are required to pay for workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp is provided to employees just like you at no cost. Workers’ Compensation and Electricians If you’re an electrician, you should understand how workers’ comp can help you. The first thing you should know is that fault doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you could have prevented your injury. It doesn’t matter that you’ve decided on a career that has certain risks involved. Workers’ compensation is there to help you. When you get hurt or sick on the job, file a workers’ compensation claim. It will help pay for your medical care, prescriptions that you need, surgery, and even physical therapy. It also provides you with some of your wages. Workers’ compensation will help protect you from experiencing a total financial meltdown. Electricians Face Risk Every Day There are some risks that we all know about. The biggest and most dangerous risk that electricians face is electrocution. There are other risks. If you’re working on a ladder and fall, you could seriously injure your neck or back. If you’re driving a company vehicle to a job site, you could be injured in a car accident. You can probably think of other things on your job that threaten your health and well-being. Take These Steps for on the Job Injury If you’re hurt on the job, you might not know what to do. Follow these four steps: Get into contact with your supervisor as soon as you can. If you’re working alone on the job, call your supervisor. Don’t wait until you are finished. This helps protect your rights as an injured worker. Get an accident report completed as soon as you can. If you’ve been electrocuted, fallen from a ladder, or been involved in a car wreck while on the job, call 911. The police will complete a report and you can get the report number. Your supervisor, OSHA rep, or HR rep can help you complete an accident report. Get medical care right away. Electricity is serious business. If you’ve been electrocuted, do not wait to get medical care. Go right away to the emergency room. Workers’ comp insurance also lists a doctor that you can see without charge. If you want to see your own doctor, keep your receipts. You can be reimbursed. Get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney. You need someone who is on your side. Your employer’s insurance provider has one goal: settle this claim for as little as possible. Don’t sign anything without first talking with an attorney. You could sign away your rights and you won’t get the settlement that you deserve. Seay V. Thrush Construction Company & Suburban Elevator According to Lawyers and Settlements, Michael Seay was working in a downtown Chicago building, when he tripped over cables and fell into an elevator shaft. The fall knocked him unconscious and caused brain damage and spinal cord injuries. Seay pursued both a workers’ comp and a personal injury case. He was awarded $8 million for his injuries. Protect Your Rights Don’t let your employer tell you that you’ve accepted certain risks to your safety by being an electrician. Protect your legal rights. If you are injured on the job, contact a workers’ comp attorney.
