Every day, people just like you are injured on the job. It can be stressful to wonder how you’ll pay your bills, buy groceries, and now deal with medical bills. And what if you can’t work or need surgery? Fortunately for workers in America, we have state laws that require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance helps take care of workers who are injured or made sick because of their work conditions. If you are injured in any way on the job, you should report the injury to your manager. Then, you need to make sure that you, your manager, or a representative from Human Resources completes an accident report even if you feel like you weren’t seriously injured. Get medical care and talk with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you protect your rights as a worker. Janitors Have Special Risks at Work It may be easy to think up some of the ways that janitors could be injured on the job. They could slip and fall because of a spill. Janitors could fall off of a ladder. However, they also have special risks. One of the special risks that all janitors should be concerned about is the risk of illness because of being exposed to chemicals and things such as mold on a regular basis. Sicknesses caused as a result of work are also covered by workers’ compensation. What Does Workers’ Comp Pay and Do All Companies Have Workers’ Comp? Workers’ compensation pays for medical care as a result of injury or illness caused on the job. It can also pay for surgeries, therapy, and even medication. Workers’ comp also replaces a portion of the lost pay that occurs because of the injury or illness. Each state makes its own laws regarding which companies are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You can ask your employer if they have workers’ comp insurance, although chances are, your employer has some form of protection available for you. Some states require all businesses to have it if they hire employees. Other states only require that companies with three or more employees carry it. Injured at Work? Here’s What You Should Do. If you’re a janitor who has been injured on the job or if you get sick on the job and it may be related to your responsibilities, there are certain steps you need to take to file for workers’ compensation. First, you must report your injury or illness to your supervisor. Please do this as soon as possible. You, your manager, or Human Resources need to complete an accident report. This report documents what happened to you on the job. Next, seek medical care. Some workers’ comp policies require that you see a specific doctor. You are entitled to seek emergency care if you need it or to get a second opinion. The benefit of seeing the doctor listed on the workers’ comp policy is that you’ll have no out of pocket cost. Also, you should call an experienced and competent workers’ comp attorney. An attorney can help ensure that you are treated fairly by both your employer and the insurance company. They can help you get the benefits that you deserve. Courthouse Janitor Diagnosed With Mesothelioma According to Lawyers and Settlements, in 2014, Lauren DuPuis was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal illness. Mr. DuPuis alleged that he contracted the illness during his work as a janitor in Yellowstone County court from 1987 to 1999 where he was exposed to asbestos. Although Mr. DuPuis passed away in 2015, his attorneys continued the case. The DuPuis estate was later awarded $650,000. Protect Yourself You can be the most careful janitor in the world, but there are some things we just can’t prevent. If you are injured on the job or if you develop an illness because of it, you need the help of an experienced workers’ comp attorney. Protect yourself and your rights. Make sure that you get the compensation and care that you deserve!
