Electrical work can be challenging, rewarding, and (at times) dangerous. While all employees in the electrical field should be well aware of their job’s potential hazards, it should still be the duty of the employer to cover work-related accidents. Being part of a labor union like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers may help you to get back on your feet after an accident. However, it can still be difficult to know what to do. In fact, some employers will not compensate for your accident unless you file an official workers’ compensation claim. Continue below to see how you can start your claim and get compensation for your work injury. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW was originally founded in 1891, when discovery and invention surrounding electricity was at an all-time high. Over the past 126 years, IBEW has expanded from this initial market and now supports over 750,000 members in North and Central America. Its goal is to ensure safe working environments, fair wages, and opportunities to both current workers and retirees in the electrical field. Though the majority of its working member base is comprised of electricians, IBEW also supports those in general public utility work, computer sciences, engineering, broadcasting, and other electrical-related fields. Potential Injuries As you are already aware, there are many potential hazards that workers can face at any of the jobs listed above. Regardless of the injury type, workers can (and should) notify their employer of any accidents. Common accidents include: Falling while doing electrical work on roofs or with power lines Shocks or burns while working on circuits in housing or with machinery Bumps, sprains, or broken bones due to trips, slips, or bangs in cramped spaces Back, neck, or joint pain caused by repeated crouching, bending, or other uncomfortable work-related activities Even if you are unsure whether or not your company will cover your injury costs, it is always worth it to check for both safety and financial benefit. What to Do After Your Injury The first thing you should do after your injury is get to a hospital. Save all diagnoses, test results, prescriptions, and various bills so you can show your company what happened. Afterwards, try to get photographs of the accident site. If you are unable to take them yourself, try to get a coworker, friend, or other witness to get them for you. Also try to collect statements from any witnesses that saw any part of the accident. Once you are able, try to write a detailed account of the accident. Write everything that occurred before the incident, during, and afterwards. This statement is what will be referenced by the company when they look over your claim to help determine what happened. Once your evidence is compiled, speak with an IBEW representative to determine how you should move forward. Depending on their relationship with the company (detailed in a collective bargaining agreement, or CBA) they will help you figure out how to go about filing your claim. Considering a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Workers’ compensation attorneys can make all the difference in a work injury case. Those IBEW will do their best to help you get compensation, there is no replacement for a legal professional that can build a strong case. Attorneys can also negotiate with your employer on your behalf to make sure you receive the best compensation possible. Consider a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney near you to see if their assistance could make a difference in your case. Additional Resources Electricians and Workers' Compensation What Might My WC Claim as an Injured Electrician Be Worth? 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.*
