Applying for Workers’ Comp as a Member of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) The Farm Labor Organizing Committee is one of the largest unions for mi-grant workers in the United States. It has a long, successful history of fighting injustices in the workplace to ensure that migrant farmers see the rights and payment they deserve. This fierce support is also vital when accidents occur while on the job. If you are a FLOC member and were recently injured in a work accident, then it is possible you may qualify for full compensation through the workers’ comp program. The Farm Labor Organizing Committee FLOC had a troubled beginning in 1967 as founder Baldemar Vasquez fought to bring justice to migrant farmers on a national scale. After many boycotts and campaigns, FLOC started to earn the respect of employers and the trust of workers looking for a union that would support their needs and wants. Today, FLOC supports its largest member base yet with over 23,300 members across the country. With an entirely member-run board, FLOC works every day to ensure it is bettering the lives of its migrant farmers. Potential Injuries Farming is notoriously stressful and physical work. Regardless of how long you’ve been doing the job or whatever protections are in place, accidents are always a possibility. Some of the most common injuries for FLOC members are weather-related. Because farmers must get large amounts of work done at specific points each season, many workers find themselves pulling long hours in non-ideal conditions. Sometimes the heat alone can have painful repercussions, which can take workers time to recover from properly. Those who work with large farming tools or machines must also be careful when handling gear during storms or other violent weather, which can cause blunt force trauma, falls, sprains, or broken bones. Injuries can also be caused by things like broken/malfunctioning equipment, trips over rough ground, or a variety of other occurrences. Farm Labor Organizing Committee Preparing Your Claim First and foremost, be sure to put your health and wellbeing above all else. Visit your physician to begin the healing process, and save all notes, test results and bills to include on your claim. When starting your claim, begin with a detailed personal statement about the accident. When did it occur? What were you doing beforehand? What happened that caused the injury? What was the response afterwards? All of this information is important to include. Next, take pictures of the scene of the accident. These will help your employer visualize exactly how your injury occurred. If any coworkers were al-so present for the injury, get them to give statements as well — these can also be included on your workers’ comp claim. Once this information is ready, work with a FLOC representative to compile and send your claim to your employer. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys There is no better resource you can use in a workers’ compensation case than a workers’ comp attorney. Their legal experience is dedicated to help-ing people just like you get the compensation they deserve for their work accident. Attorneys can help you to write down our statement, complete your claim, and negotiate with your employer. And, most of all, workers’ comp attorneys only take payment if they take on and win your case. For the best chance at getting full compensation, consider a free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney in your area. Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
