No employee wants to suffer an injury at work, but it can happen without warning even in what may seem to be a safe work environment like an office. Most employees will be covered by their employers’ mandatory workers’ compensation insurance which should help to pay for medical treatment and lost earnings if it is impossible to return to work straight away. Those workers, like independent computer technicians, who belong to a trade union, will receive assistance from their union representatives before filing a claim for compensation. A workers’ compensation attorney may also be an invaluable source of legal advice. The United Independent Technology Technicians of America (UITTA) The United Independent Technology Technicians of America is a recently formed, but substantial, independently employed computer technicians union. UITTA was set up in recognition that any union set up for technicians that work for individual businesses tend to get better pay and benefits than those who are contractors who often have no other way of securing adequate conditions of pay and other benefits. The union has gone from strength to strength since its establishment and now serves over 100,000 independent contractors. How UITTA Members Can Suffer Injury It might surprise many that computer technicians are liable to be injured while at work just like anyone else. In fact, UITTA members do indeed face specific injuries typical of their desk bound jobs. Some of the more common are listed below. Repetitive strain injuries to fingers, wrists and hands; Back strain from sitting in one place too long; Electrical injuries from using faulty electrical equipment; Slips, trips and falls anywhere in their workplace, resulting in typical injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones and dislocated joints. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you are injured while working as a technician, or suffer from a chronic industrial disease, you should inform the supervisor, but not until seeing a doctor or being released from a medical center or hospital. An accident report officially records the situation that led to the accident and when it took place and the date. A union rep. can advise you of your rights regarding a workers’ compensation claim. The claim must be made within a strict time limit, usually 2 to 3 months. A workers’ comp. attorney can be of great assistance especially if he worker fails to comprehend the claims process or has had his or her claim denied. Why Contact an Attorney If all goes to plan, your claim for compensation should proceed smoothly and in due course you should receive a payment from the insurer. If the process is interrupted because the insurer is obstinately obstructing your claim or has denied it, then you will certainly need the services of a workers’ compensation attorney to help you through the appeal. Additional Resources Carpal Tunnel and Workers' Compensation Benefits Why Should I Get a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? *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.
