Over the last 124 years, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has supported the lives and careers of almost a million stage and screen workers. The IATSE works continuously to make sure their members go to work each day in an environment that is as safe as possible. Unfortunately, no job is completely protected from the occasional accident. If you are an IATSE member and were recently injured while working, then it is possible you may qualify for complete compensation for the event and your injury. Continue below to learn more about how workers’ compensation could help you. About the IATSE Founded in 1893, the IATSE was initially intended to support stagehands who were continually subjected to long working hours, poor wages, and dangerous backstage environments. The performance industry has since become a much larger beast due to the introduction of motion pictures and other technologies. The IATSE has grown to accommodate workers in all of these fields. Today, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees supports over 130,000 members in both the US and Canada. Members include stagehands, stage construction workers, set and prop builders, film crew members, broadcasting workers, concert runners, and trade show employees. Potential Injuries While Working in Theatre The fast-paced environment for IATSE members can be exhilarating and keep you on your toes. It can also be the unfortunate cause of many of the most common injuries that stage and screen workers face. A majority of injuries caused happen backstage. Workers must maneuver between lights, wires, props, and each other as they keep shows running smoothly on the stage. It is especially common for slips and trips here to result in cuts, bumps, bruises, burns, shocks, or broken bones. If you broke your bone while working, you might be able to qualify for workers' compensation. Set-up and take-down of stages and film sets is often an overlooked, but dangerous aspect of the work as well. From the large metal framework of a pop-up stage to seating collection to general debris clean-up, this process can result in falling materials with the potential for major injury. Preparing Your Workers' Comp Claim Regardless of how you were injured, it is always a smart idea to file a claim and request compensation for your work injury. Start by speaking with the IATSE and asking about their “collective bargaining agreement” (CBA) with your employer. This with help you to determine how to file your claim with the company. Next, work on the claim itself. A strong workers’ compensation claim should include: a detailed account of everything that happened before and during the incident an explanation of your injury(s), supported by official diagnoses, test results, prescriptions, hospitalization records, and medical bills pictures of the accident site, your injuries, and anything else involved in the accident statements from coworkers who witnessed the accident The more evidence you include on your claim, the more likely you are to receive full compensation for your injury. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys While the IATSE will be able to help you with your claim, it can still be difficult to file without legal assistance. Before sending in your claim, consider scheduling a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney in your area. An attorney can help you to compile evidence, write a strong statement, communicate with both your union and your employer, and continue representing you should your case have trouble getting approval. Do you need to connect with a workers' compensation attorney? If so, you can fill out our Free Case Evaluation to be connected with legal aid in your area.
