Nobody expects to end up on a stretcher or a hospital bed after a day at work. Even less satisfactory are possible large bills for medical treatment and the loss of wages if the accident happens at work. This is why most states insist that the majority of employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. This helps to pay for unexpected injuries while at work and will also help to compensate for lost earnings if the injured employee cannot return to work straight away. Many employees are members of a labor union or association which can help its members with filing a claim for workers’ compensation. An example of a large and diverse union is the IUJAT, the International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades. The International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades The IUJAT is a large workers’ union with a very long history. It was first established way back in 1874, making it one of the oldest, if not the oldest, labor union in North America. The union is very varied today and has a modern infrastructure and organization. Like other labor unions its primary aim is to support and enhance the working conditions of its members. The IUJAT is no longer affiliated with the AFL-CIO for political reasons. It prides itself on its level of democracy and the independence of its locals compared to other labor unions. Workplace Injuries Suffered by IUJAT Members The IUJAT is not an industry specific labor union but is a broad association representing many different trades and industries. That makes it impossible to specify exactly what types of injuries are most likely to arise because it depends on the exact nature of the job that an individual IUJAT member may carry out. They may be electricians, auto technicians or construction workers as well as many white collar workers working in offices. The hazards that a construction worker faces while working on a busy construction site are different to those of an electrician repairing a faulty electrical circuit and different again to the sorts of injuries that a typical office worker might face. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job There is an established procedure if you are injured while at work. The IUJAT representative at your local can explain what you have to do. You would be expected to seek medical treatment first. Your employer can be notified about the injury and the circumstances surrounding the accident as soon as you, or someone else you can trust, are able to do so. You will most definitely need to file an official accident report, which will be one of the documents referred to when your workers’ compensation claim is examined. There is normally a time limit within which you will need to file a workers’ comp. claim. This varies a little from state to state, but is normally two to three years from the date of the accident. Nevertheless, it is best to get yourself organized and file a claim as soon as you can, when witnesses at work are more likely to be able to remember what happened and can back up your account of the accident. Why Contact an Attorney You might find that you need to get legal help from a workers’ compensation attorney if you encounter problems with a claim. In the event that the claim is denied by your employer’s insurer. Further Reading Construction Workers and Workers' Comp Electricians and Workers' Comp *Disclaimer The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer, you may not be entitled to any compensation
