Rights

Injured on the Job? 3 Things to Immediately Do

October 4, 2022 by Tim McMahon

Injuries on the job are common, but a severe injury may affect your ability to work for that day, for a week, or even for several years. In this case, you may be entitled to damages from medical bills and lost wages. It’s important to know what to do after sustaining a work injury – otherwise, you may not receive the benefits you deserve. Following the proper procedures will protect your rights as an employee, including your right to worker’s compensation. Here are three important things to do immediately after a workplace accident.

1) Report Your Job-Related Injury in a Timely Manner

If an accident happens at work, it’s best to report it to your employer immediately, if possible. Establishing the timeline early makes it easier to track your condition in case it worsens, allowing insurance companies to trace the injury back to the workplace accident. Many states also have a deadline for reporting your injury. A report to your employer will likely be required for you to receive worker’s compensation. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to make this your first step.

2) Get a Medical Evaluation

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6 Reasons to Know Your Rights as an Employee

September 13, 2021 by Tim McMahon

Know your rights as an employee. Regardless of what industry you work in, there are things that you may love or hate about your job. However, day after day, if the bad outweighs the good you may wish you could just quit.

Many people are dissatisfied with their work environment and are looking for ways to become entrepreneurs and avoid workplace drama. However, sometimes that drama is actually illegal and so here are six employee rights to be aware of.

Accidents

Regardless of your industry, workplaces can be more hazardous than homes. Of course, when you think of accidents at work, many think of construction, roofing, or police officers. However, accidents happen in the plushest offices where safety should be as important as a construction site.

Employees may suffer from an injury from falling over unsecured computer cords or need wrist surgery because the firm refused to purchase ergonomic equipment. But they don’t realize that these types of things can qualify for a worker’s compensation claim, so they don’t file. Labor & Industry attornies specialize in this type of case. So, hiring an L&I attorney could save them years of needless pain and agony (both physical and financial).

Privacy

Regardless of the industry or location, employees have the right to store their personal belongings in a safe place, free from theft or intrusion. That includes handbags, briefcases, and electronic devices. When an employee doesn’t work at a desk, jobs should provide a storage locker or other safe place for employees’ personal belongings.

Illnesses

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Workplace Rights in 2020

December 26, 2019 by Guest Contributor

Your Workplace Rights: Tips for Workers in 2020

When you’re working hard to earn a living and raise a family, you need to be on top form if you’re to make the career progressions you wish to, in order to be successful in your career. Nonetheless, while you also concentrate hard on your work, you should also be aware of the rights that the country and your state bestow you with when you’re working within an organization that you trust. Sometimes, knowing these rights can be incredibly useful.

Redundancy (Lay-Offs)

In the U.K. “redundancy” refers to “no longer employed because there is no more work available” in the U.S. this is often referred to as a “Layoff”. People are made redundant for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your company is shrinking, and cannot afford to maintain your role within the organization. You may be seeing your company automate, and leave you out of a job. Or, you may be being unfairly sacked for an offense that you’re not responsible for. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remain abreast of redundancy packages, and what you can expect from your employer if they tell you they need or want to let you go. Normally, this will mean you’re due a payment package and support for a period of time in order to be able to find a new job – an adequate period of transition to avoid worst-case debt-building scenarios. If you are laid off through no fault of your own you will usually be eligible to collect under your state’s unemployment insurance.

Injury at Work? Know Your Rights to Compensation and FMLA

September 2, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Workers in the American workplace have certain protections under the law. Two of the most important are the right to a safe workplace and the right to leave for medical conditions. It’s your job as a worker, though, to know your rights to compensation and under the FMLA.

Know When an Injury Counts

One of the most important things you’ll need to know is if an injury counts as happening at work. Generally speaking, an injury that occurs during the regular commission of your job – whether on-site or off will count as a work-related injury. So long as you are on the clock or doing something as part of your duties, your injuries should be covered.

Who is Eligible for FMLA

Not every employee is eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You must be employed by a company that is not exempt (that is, has fifty or more employees) and you must have worked for the company for at least a year before you become eligible. There is also an hourly requirement – you must have worked for at least 1,250 hours during the course of those twelve months. If you meet all of these criteria, you are covered under the FMLA.