Labor unions were created to help protect the time, money, and well-being of workers across the world. Millions of Americans are currently members of any of hundreds of labor unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). However, when an accident occurs while working, it can be difficult even for a union like IBT to help you get compensation. This is where knowledge of workers’ compensation comes in handy. Continue below to learn more about IBT, how to move forward after a work accident, and how you can apply for workers’ compensation. International Brotherhood of Teamsters IBT was originally formed in 1903 to protect drivers and others working in the transportation industry. Over time, the union fought hard to spread the word and recruit members who could benefits from IBT’s wage and working protection. Today, the Teamsters are still holding strong, representing around 1.3 million members in America and Canada. Members work in a variety of industries, from warehousemen and railroad operators to freight drivers, haulers, and factory workers. Potential Injuries As mentioned above, IBT members come from all walks of life and all different careers. However, a common theme for members is that jobs tend to be more physically demanding. Physical jobs have a much higher risk for injury, simply because you are using your body in repetitive, unnatural ways, or are working with potentially dangerous machinery. Some possible injuries include: back and neck problems from years of driving trucks a broken bone or sprain due a malfunctioning factory machine a painful head injury after a fall from a garbage truck There are a variety of ways work injuries can occur. It is always worth notifying your employer of these incidents so you can try to receive compensation for resulting medical bills and lost wages. What to Do After Your Injury Workers’ compensation claims require as much evidence as you can provide about your accident. This will help the employer understand what occurred, and help your labor union understand how to help you through the process. Start by writing down everything you know about the accident. Be as detailed as you can. Get other coworkers or customers who saw the accidents to write down what they saw as well. Then, take photographs of the scene of the accident. It is better if your photos can show the accident site as close to the state of the accident as possible. You can also provide pictures of your injuries as well. Finally, compile all medical bills you will need compensation for. This includes hospital visits, medical tests, and prescriptions if you needed them. You can also include proof of wages lost due to recovery time. Once you have this information, you can speak with your employer and with IBT to determine how best to move forward. Considering a Workers’ Compensation Attorney You may find throughout your workers’ comp process that your employer is resistant to give you compensation. Even with help from a labor union, filing a workers’ comp claim can be difficult. If this is the case for you, then it may be wise to speak with a workers’ comp attorney. Attorneys can organize your paperwork, build you a strong case, and negotiate with your employer on your behalf to be sure you are getting the compensation you deserve. Additional Resources Benefits for Injuries Suffered While Operating a Dump Truck Workers Compensation for Tractor-Trailer Drivers 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.*
