Railroad Construction Injuries and Workers’ Comp Claims As a railroad construction worker, you are a dedicated employee who understands the importance of getting the job done right. You travel to wherever the railroad needs you to build trestles and lay new track. You may even wonder what will happen if you get hurt at work because your family depends on your paycheck to take care of their basic needs. Every state in the U.S. has laws that require employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage is available at no cost to you, the worker. Laws created workers’ comp to protect people like you, the worker, as well as the employer. It is designed to provide for the medical care of an injured worker while also covering the costs of the lost wages while he or she is recovering. Injuries While Working While doing construction for the railroad, you can suffer serious injuries regardless of the precautions taken or the protective gear that is worn. Your feet could be crushed by tools and equipment, a serious back injury can result from laying track and ties, you can suffer broken bones when a load shifts and construction materials fall on top of you. Head injuries and back injuries may not seem serious at first, but they can quickly make themselves evident. It is important to get medical care for your injuries right away. If you continue to work after being hurt, you could suffer worse damage. It is also important for your workers’ comp claim that you get medical treatment as quickly as possible after the accident. Even smaller injuries, such as lacerations that require sutures can turn into worse problems later on if they become infected. What to Do if Injured at Work If you are hurt on the job, you need to notify a manager or supervisor or human resources as quickly as possible. Give them details about your injuries and what happened. You need to make sure that an accident report is completed accurately. Give specific details describing what happened. Your recollection of the accident is clearer right after it happens. Of course, if you have a serious injury you should call 911. Otherwise, proceed to a doctor as quickly as possible. Tell your treating physician that it is a work-related injury and explain what happened. You want to make sure everything is clearly documented. Follow doctor’s instructions. Go to follow-up appointments and don’t return to work earlier than the doctor allows. What Does Workers’ Comp Pay? Don’t try to negotiate with the workers’ comp insurance company yourself. Workers’ comp is designed to pay for your medical care as a result of an on the job injury. It can cover surgical procedures, therapy, hospital stays, and even the cost of medication. It also replaces a portion of your lost wages that result because of the work-related injury. Every state has its specific laws regarding workers’ comp, so your employer has to adhere to the laws of your state. If you are injured at work, you should consult with a workers’ comp attorney right away to ensure you are treated fairly and your rights are protected. You could be dealing with your injury for months or years to come so make sure you are properly compensated for your suffering.
