Workers are injured every day. Many of these injured workers are performing tasks in different capacities for their employers. While states establish their own workers' compensation laws, most employers in the U.S. are required to maintain workers' compensation coverage for their employees. If a worker is hurt on the job, workers' compensation will cover medical expenses and cover part of the injured worker's lost wages. Laborers' International Union of North America As a labor union serving the United States and Canada, more than 632,000 laborers are members of this union. Known as the Laborers' Union , the organization was founded in 1903. The union is divided into nine regions across North America which are split into 500 local unions. In 2006, the union disaffiliated with the AFL-CIO and joined the Change to Win Federation. However in 2010, the union left the Change to Win Federation and went back to the AFL-CIO. The union's headquarters are in the Moreschi Building in downtown Washington, D.C. Common Workplace Injuries There are a variety of injuries that laborers in this union could suffer. Many of them work in the construction demolition field. These workers can be hurt by falling debris or malfunctioning equipment. While working inside a structure, a wall or floor can collapse leading to broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma. Using saws and other machinery can lead to severed fingers, crushed hands, and smashed limbs. Cuts can lead to tendon, ligament, and even nerve damage. Long-term physical rehabilitation services might be required. Buildings can slip and workers can be crushed by falling floors, working on underpinning a structure, or an overturned portable building. Operating heavy machinery is dangerous as well. Collapsing walls or falling debris can injure the machine operator or other workers who are standing by at the time. Any of these are inherent risks that these laborers face daily while performing work tasks. Laborers' International Union of North America membership might impact the workers'compensation claims process. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have suffered an injury while working, you are most likely eligible to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can help you while you are unable to work and while your medical bills are mounting. Here are some tips for what to do after a work accident: • Notify your manager or supervisor of any accidents right away. Even if it is a minor accident and injuries seem insignficant, you need to make sure you let them know. • If injuries are serious, call 911. The responding police officer will complete an accident report. Get copies of any accident reports that are completed. There will be a report completed by your employer as well. • Get medical care. Regardless of how minor your injuries appear, get examined by a medical professional. Get copies of any medical reports. • Notify your Laborers' International Union of North America representative about the accident. Your representative can tell you how to proceed with the claim and if there are any special steps involved for union members. Protect Your Legal Rights Don't try to negotiate with the insurance company on your own. You might unknowingly sign away your rights. Before you deal with the workers' comp insurer, consult with a workers' compensation attorney . Your lawyer will help you get the benefits that you deserve. Also, consult with the representative for Laborers' International Union of North America because bargaining might have an impact on workers' compensation claims. 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.
