Regardless of your job duties, you can be injured during your shift on the job. Hundreds of workers across the United States are injured on a daily basis. Most of these injured workers qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation is a special insurance that offers medical benefits and covers a portion of the injured worker's lost wages while he or she is unable to work. Workers' comp laws do vary from state to state, so you should check with a workers' compensation lawyer before you file your claim. National Air Traffic Controllers Association A labor union in the United States that was founded in 1987, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. It is the exclusive bargaining representative for air traffic controllers who work for the Federal Aviation Administration. The organization has more than 15,000 members. On the international level, the organization is affiliated with the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Association. The organization formed after the decertification of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization. Common Workplace Injuries While air traffic controllers work at a desk and watch for aircraft, there are inherent risks with that job as there are with any other job. As an example, any job has a slip and fall hazard. You could slip and fall on the stairwell in the tower or you could slip and fall on a spilled drink on the floor. Other work hazards include being in a tower that is hit by an aircraft, which could result in serious injuries such as broken bones or brain trauma. Spinal injuries could also occur. You could suffer a back injury from a chair overturning or be shocked or burned by the electronic equipment because of lightning or a short. Office supplies, such as staplers or paper cutters can lead to serious lacerations or puncture wounds that require medical care. Any of these injuries can cause ongoing problems and result in mounting medical bills and extended time off work. If you have been hurt at work, contact your representative with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association because the union might have special procedures to follow or your claim might offer special services that were agreed upon with the bargaining. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On The Job If you have been hurt while working, you need to make sure you do everything that you can to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Here are a few tips regarding what to do after a work-related injury: Be sure to tell your supervisor or manager about the accident and any injuries that resulted. Do this as quickly as possible. Make sure your employer fills out an accident report. If law enforcement completes an accident report, get a copy of that report as well. These reports will back up your claim. Even if you don't think your injuries are serious, get medical care right away. Some injuries are worse than they might appear. Contact your union representative with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association for information about filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits. Protect Your Legal Rights Don't try to handle your own claim and negotiate with the insurance company by yourself. You could end up losing benefits that you are entitled to receive. You should consult with a workers' compensation attorney and make sure you don't sign away any rights that could cost you. Being a member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association might be beneficial as bargaining might require faster claims processing. Consult with your National Air Traffic Controllers Association representative and let your attorney know you are an association member. Further Reading Workers' Compensation By State: Your ability to file a claim can vary by state, so it's best to make sure you know what your state's laws are. Worker's Compensation By Insurer: Your company's insurer can make a difference in your case, and we have information about major insurance carriers here. *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.
