Are you one of the thousands of workers who have been hurt on the job? If so, you should know you are not alone. Workplace accidents remain common despite all the safety protocol in place. While the laws vary from state to state, workers' compensation benefits are available to workers who suffer injuries while performing job duties. Medical benefits and coverage of a portion of lost wages are among the benefits injured workers are entitled to in a workers' compensation claim. The United Transportation Union A transportation labor union serving a wide base of workers, the United Transportation Union has about 70,000 active and retired members who include airline, mass transit, bus, and railroad workers throughout the U.S. In August 2014, the union merged with the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association to create the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers. The union is the largest railroad operating North American union with more than 500 locals and employees serving on every Class I railroad in the U.S. Common Workplace Injuries Workers can be hurt while performing any job duty. Inherent risks exist with every job. If you have been hurt at work, you should do everything that you can to protect your rights. As a member of the United Transportation Union, you might have additional workers' compensation benefits or rights. Some workers might suffer slip and fall injuries, which can lead to spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries. Working around trains can be dangerous. Workers could slip on the tracks or be hit by equipment, leading to severed limbs or crushed limbs. Bus crashes or plane crashes can have life-altering impacts and lead to paralysis, brain injury, or spinal damage. When repairing a plane, train or bus, you could suffer deep cuts or burns because of tools that slip or faulty equipment. What To Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have suffered an injury while working, you should follow a few steps to make sure your rights are protected and to ensure that you are treated fairly. Here are some things that you should do after a work injury: Immediately notify your manager or supervisor about accident and let them know what injuries you suffered. Even injuries that don't appear serious can be worse than initially believed. Make sure an accident report is completed as quickly as possible. The earlier you provide the details the better off you will be because you want to have the memory fresh in your mind. Get immediate medical attention. Regardless of whether you have minor injuries or serious injuries, you should get checked out. Some injuries get worse as time passes while others are obvious right away. Talk with your United Transportation Union representative right away. Union bargaining might entitle members to faster claims processing or special benefits after a work accident. Consult with a workers' compensation lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. Protect Your Legal Rights Just like other insurance claims, workers' compensation claims are complicated and insurance companies are going to try to save money. Don't risk signing away your right to benefits. Instead, talk with your United Transportation Union representative and a workers' compensation attorney. Additional Resources I Got Hurt Working on the Railroad. What Do I Do? I Got Hurt Driving a Shuttle. Can I Be Compensated? *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.
