How Can Workplace Safety Violations Impact Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workplace safety is a critical issue. When safety protocols are not adhered to, it can result in severe consequences, including accidents that result in injuries. For employees who suffer injuries on the job, safety violations can impact their workers’ compensation claims. Safety violations can impact your workers’ compensation either positively or negatively. Understanding how safety violations can impact your workers’ compensation claim is vital if you are looking to secure your rights and benefits after a work-related injury. This article discusses how workplace safety violations can impact your workers’ compensation claim.
Understanding Workplace Safety Regulations and Violations
Workplace safety regulations are standards and rules designed to protect employees from health and safety hazards in the workplace. Governmental agencies establish workplace regulations. These rules and standards may vary depending on various factors, such as the industry type and type of work. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing workplace safety standards. For example, OSHA sets requirements for providing and using PPE, such as gloves, respiratory protection, and eye protection. In addition to federal regulations, states and local jurisdictions may have their own safety regulations and standards.
A workplace safety violation occurs when an employer or employee fails to adhere to established safety standards. Workplace safety violations can result in severe consequences for both employers and employees. First, workplace safety violations can result in accidents that cause severe injuries, which disrupt employee lives. Second, workplace injuries that result from safety violations can result in loss of productivity. Third, when an employee is injured due to a workplace safety violation, the employer may face substantial fines and increased premiums. Additionally, when workplace safety violations result in severe injuries, it can ruin a company’s reputation. It can affect client trust and future opportunities.
How Workplace Safety Violations Can Impact Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workplace safety violations can significantly impact your workers’ compensation claim. If your accident happened due to your employer’s negligence in maintaining safety standards, this can be a vital factor in your case. While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, demonstrating that your injury occurred because your employer negligently failed to maintain safety standards can lead to increased compensation.
In some cases, suffering a work-related injury due to a safety violation can mean you are eligible to file a third-party claim on top of your workers’ compensation, which can mean increased compensation. For example, if your injury was caused by a safety violation involving a contractor or equipment manufacturer, you may have grounds for filing a third-party claim.
Suppose you violated a safety regulation and subsequently suffered an injury. Your workers’ compensation claim could be adversely affected in such a case. While workers’ compensation is designed to compensate employees regardless of fault, violating safety regulations might lead to the reduction or denial of benefits in certain circumstances. If the safety violation can be shown to be a clear disregard for safety protocols, your employer or their insurance company might argue to reduce or deny your compensation.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have a pending workers’ compensation claim and workplace safety violations are involved, contact our skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC for legal help.
