Workplaces are notorious for accidents and often take place unexpectedly. When an accident happens in Honolulu in a workplace, you could lose wages and have to undergo medical treatment depending on the severity of your injuries. You should be able to claim compensation for these losses as long as your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. If you are turned down for workers’ compensation you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Choosing a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Honolulu Whether you need a workers’ compensation lawyer in Honolulu or a personal injury lawyer, you must select one who is fully licensed in Honolulu to work on your behalf. There are 45 to choose from. Before you make your final choice check their credentials first and their experience in successfully handling workers’ compensation claims that are not straightforward. Common Workplace Injuries in Honolulu Most workplaces do have accidents at some time or another, but some industries are more accident prone than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps a record* of workplace injuries, both non-fatal and fatal. In Honolulu, these take place more often amongst the military and the manufacturing industry. Military personnel are very vulnerable to accidents but as federal employees, despite high injury rates, are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, when producing goods in the manufacturing industry there are all sorts of possible accident scenarios, such as being exposed to toxic fumes, getting clothing tangled in a conveyor belt and tripping and falling on poorly maintained flooring. If you are injured, whether it’s your fault or your employers, you should contact a Honolulu workers’ comp. lawyer as soon as possible as you are only allowed 2 years from the date of the injury to file a claim. The Workers’ Compensation Process in Hawaii The majority of employers in Honolulu must provide workers' compensation insurance coverage, with a few exceptions. These are federal employees, some domestic workers, and a large amount of real estate brokers. Most workplace diseases are covered, which includes those caused because of compressed air, any contact made with beryllium and asbestos and exposure to radioactive products. In Honolulu, a workers’ compensation claim is usually automatic and the State of Hawaii Disability Compensation Division is responsible for handling workplace injuries that are entitled to workers’ compensation. However, you should contact your employer as soon as possible after the injury to reinforce your eligibility to workers’ compensation. If you are turned down you may be able to file a personal injury claim, but as Hawaii is a comparative fault state you will need a personal injury attorney to guide you through the law. The personal injury claim should be filed with the District Court in Alakea Street, Honolulu, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Use a Free Claim Evaluation to Find a Suitable Attorney As soon as you are in the situation to decide which compensation claim is suitable for your situation you can contact the right Honolulu’s workers’ compensation lawyer by completing our free claim evaluation form on this page. Start your claim as soon as you can otherwise you will find the statute of limitations will prevent you getting the compensation you deserve. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Hawaii Workers' Compensation in Hawaii *Source: bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_hawaii.htm
