Although an old phrase may correctly state that two unavoidable things in life are death and taxes, risk can certainly be considered the third item on that list. Risk is all around us, every day, and if we dwell on the inherent risk involved in day to day situations, it can prevent us from leading a fulfilling and productive life. This risk extends to our work lives, where threats to personal injury exist and vary depending on the nature of the job at hand.
Federal organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exist to create and enforce a series of rules and regulations designed to keep employees safe from personal injury to the extent possible. From there, Nevada and other states enact their additional forms of legislation designed to keep workers safe.
Although government oversight can certainly curb the rate of personal injury on the job, accidents are bound to happen. In 2019, Nevada workers together incurred over 35,000 nonfatal workplace injuries in the private sector alone, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While some of these injuries are due to the negligence of the workers, others are almost certainly due to the negligence of the employer. Employer negligence can take many forms, including unsafe working conditions and improper or inadequate training and/or equipment.
When this negligence results in personal injury to employees, these workers are likely going to want to know their rights to legal action for compensation. It is at this stage that workers typically enlist the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. Read on to discover common workplace accidents and signs that the employer’s negligence was at fault.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
For employers who use anywhere from one company vehicle to an entire fleet, it is imperative that the vehicles are adequately maintained and routinely inspected for any signs of malfunction. In addition, any drivers employed must be properly trained and routinely tested for any sign of alcohol or drug abuse. If you are involved in an accident where an employee was driving a company vehicle, working with your attorney can help you determine if the accident was due to the employer’s negligence.
Slips and Falls
In workplaces that routinely expose workers to hazardous materials or heights (e.g. factories, warehouses, etc.), it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that proper safety precautions are taken. This can include installing safety and guardrails and ensuring employees are properly trained to operate heavy machinery. In the event a spill takes place on the premises, it is the employer’s duty to quickly and safely clean up the site to avoid slips and falls on the property.
Overexertion
Overexertion is a type of personal injury that sometimes gets overlooked, but it is important to consider. If an employer is not providing workers with scheduled breaks or asking them to perform physically demanding duties beyond reasonable expectation, a case for overexertion may be warranted. Consultation with a personal injury attorney will help workers determine next steps.
The Benefit of Legal Counsel
For years, the attorneys at H&P Law have been helping workers in Las Vegas fight for fair compensation following personal injuries on the job due to employer negligence. Contact H&P Law today for expert legal insight into your unique case.
