A Reynoldsville TS Tech worker, Mitsavanh “Mits” Boualyvongsane, was killed in an industrial accident in early May. While details of how the accident occurred are not yet public, the company is working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to pinpoint the cause and make any necessary adjustments.
What happens when someone is injured or killed at work? Working with the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you recover compensation for your losses, whether that’s through a workers’ compensation or third party personal injury lawsuit. Read on to discover factors that can affect your claim.
Workplace injury and workers’ compensation claims
When someone is injured or killed on the job, they or their surviving family members are entitled to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on the injuries involved, the employee may be eligible for paid medical expenses and lost wages, including awards for temporary or permanent disability. Eligible surviving family members may receive death benefits, which include wage and funeral benefits.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system: if you’re injured on the job, you won’t need to prove someone else was at fault. Instead, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will review your claim to verify the accident occurred on the job. If the claim is approved, you’ll automatically receive your benefits.
The more complex your claim and the more severe the injury, the more important it is to work with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. Some accidents can permanently affect your ability to earn a living wage, so it’s crucial you receive the maximum benefits available.
Third party personal injury claims and other options
Because workers’ compensation covers the majority of on-the-job accidents, the system bars plaintiffs from suing their employer. However, if a third party was responsible for the injuries or death—such as a subcontractor, vendor or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to file a third party negligence claim against them. Personal injury lawsuits are often eligible for additional damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress and more.
In very rare cases, employees may be able to sue their employer directly. This is typically only permissible when the employer recklessly or intentionally injured the employee.
Ultimately, if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, talk to the Law Offices of Tim Misny as soon as possible. We can review your claim and help you pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Discuss your claim with an Ohio workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. If you or a loved one were injured on the job, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.