Ironwork is a nuanced, difficult, and beautiful trade. With hundreds of years of history, it is a beautiful and often under appreciated art that only the most skilled craftsmen can master. Unfortunately, even the best ironworkers can fall victim to work accidents. Thankfully, with the help of the International Ironworkers and workers’ compensation laws, ironworkers are protected from the financial burden that these accidents can bring. Continue below to see if you may qualify for compensation for your accident by filing a workers’ comp claim under your employer. The Ironworkers Steel and ironwork is a dangerous profession, yet it used to be far more dangerous than it is even today. In the late 1800’s, hundreds of ironworkers died each year after falling from rigging or incomplete structures. The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers (“Ironworkers”) was formed to protect those in this profession from continually becoming victims of bad work conditions. Since then, the Ironworkers has grown to an international coalition of over 123,000 craftsmen. The union works continuously to ensure that members are protected physically and financially while working under a variety of employers. Potential Injuries As an Ironworker, it is easy to see the vast number of potential dangers that come with the job. The most common injuries that workers see include: lacerations from cord, wire, or sharp metal blunt force trauma from hammers, heavy machinery, or metal materials broken bones, concussions, or other severe injuries caused by falls (of any height) slip and falls on slick metal, condensation, or fluid spills It is important to remember that even long-time injuries may qualify for compensation here, For example, if you have been experiencing increasingly-debilitating pain due to a back and neck injury resulting from repeated bending and lifting, then your employer may also be responsible to cover these medical costs. What to Do After Your Work Injury After a work injury, there are certain steps that need to be taken in order to ensure your health and future ability to file for compensation. 1. Go to the hospital. Even if you don’t want to, or if you think your accident wasn’t serious enough to warrant help, get an evaluation from your physician. Those in manual labor jobs are especially susceptible to internal injury, so there may be damage you can’t see. 2.Compile what you know. Start by writing down everything you know about the accident, whether it was long-term or a specific event. Give as many details as you can to help paint a vivid picture of the circumstances to your employer. Next, include as much evidence to support the accident as possible (photographs of the scene, damaged tools, statements from coworkers that saw the event, etc.) 3. Alert your employer that you will be seeking workers’ compensation. Present your evidence professionally in an official letter that tells them what you are seeking compensation for and why. You can also speak to an Ironworkers representative, who can help you determine if there are any specific actions you must take as a union member. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Even with the help of the Ironworkers, filing workers’ compensation can be difficult. To make sure you don’t make any mistakes that could cost you compensation, consider speaking with a workers’ comp attorney. Their guidance and knowledge of the legal process can make a world of difference — not just in building a successful case, but in doing so without causing you stress during your recovery process. Even better, workers’ compensation attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only take payment if they win you your case. Additional Resources Injured Working for for Ayers Steel? Injured Working for Landmark Pacific? 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.*
