If you were injured on the job in Sandusky, OH, you may have one or more claims for your injuries and losses. However, navigating the claims process can be complicated. Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help.
Our Sandusky workplace accident lawyers have over 181 years of combined experience. Since our beginning, we have represented thousands of clients and recovered over $100 million in damages. As a result, our attorneys are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have received top ratings and awards from Super Lawyers and other organizations.
You do not have to face your employer, at-fault parties, and insurance companies alone. We’ll level the playing field and fight to protect your best interests. Call our law firm at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sandusky personal injury attorneys.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Workplace Accident in Sandusky, OH
A workplace accident may involve multiple claims. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for a work-related injury. You may also have a third-party claim for additional damages. Hiring an experienced Sandusky workplace accident attorney improves your chances of recovering compensation from all available sources.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we will use our significant resources, skills, and knowledge to seek a maximum financial recovery for your losses.
When you hire our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Sandusky, Ohio, you can trust that we will:
- Explain your legal rights and options to recover compensation after a workplace accident
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your workplace accident to determine how it occurred
- Gather evidence to support a workers’ comp, third-party, or other claim, including working with the best expert witnesses in their fields
- Prepare and file all documents required to pursue various claims
- Document your damages to assess how much your case is worth
- Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and at-fault parties
- Take your case to trial if necessary
For nearly 80 years, we have represented clients across Ohio. We fight to obtain the best possible outcomes for their personal injury cases.
Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced workplace accident lawyer in Sandusky, OH. Seeking prompt legal advice after a work-related injury is in your best interests. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions about a claim.
Our Ohio Legal Team Handles All Types of Workplace Accident Claims
Millions of workers are injured or killed on the job each year in the United States. Workplace accidents happen for many reasons.
Our Sandusky personal injury lawyers handle workplace accident claims that arise because of:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Electrocutions and electrical injuries
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Ladder and scaffolding accidents
- Welding accidents
- Injuries caused by defective tools and equipment
- Manufacturing and factory accidents
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Fires and explosions
- Industrial accidents
- Construction accidents
- Railroad accidents
Workers are entitled to a safe work environment. Dangerous workplaces can result in life-threatening conditions and debilitating injuries. Our Ohio workplace accident lawyers can help you after any of the above accidents and more.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Sandusky, OH
Workplace accidents occur for many reasons. Negligence is a common cause of work-related injuries, but there are other contributing factors.
Causes of workplace accidents include:
- Unsafe work equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Exposure to electricity and/or power lines
- Workplace violence
- Lack of adequate safety equipment and/or fall protection
- Building collapse
- Exposure to hazardous substances
- Dangerous property conditions
- Physical strain and repetitive motions
- Negligent drivers
- Inadequate training and supervision
- Working while intoxicated or impaired
- Caught in and between objects
- Being struck by objects
- Fires and explosions
Other circumstances could contribute to the cause of your workplace accident. We’ll examine each factor to determine liability. Our Sandusky accident lawyers will pursue each claim available based on the circumstances of your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Workplace Accident in Sandusky, Ohio?
There are two primary sources of compensation after a workplace accident. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to file the following types of claims.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in Sandusky, OH
Most workers in Ohio are covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Medical benefits for necessary and reasonable medical care
- Temporary disability benefits if you are unable to work
- Permanent disability benefits for impairments
- Death benefits for surviving family members after fatal workplace accidents
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers programs that may provide supplemental compensation. For example, you may receive living maintenance benefits if you are participating in a rehabilitation program. Living maintenance wage loss is for workers who return to work but experience a loss of earning capacity.
Workers’ compensation does not compensate employees for all loss of income. Wage loss benefits are based on two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wages. Workers’ comp does not pay for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
Third-Party Claims in Sandusky, OH
Generally, employees cannot sue employers for a work-related injury covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, if a third party caused your injury, you may have a claim against them for damages.
For example, negligent property owners may be liable for injuries caused by dangerous property conditions. At-fault drivers could be liable for car accident damages. Manufacturers may be responsible for injuries caused by defective tools and equipment.
Damages in a third-party workplace accident claim can include economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. A third-party claim may also include compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Proving Fault for a Workplace Accident in Ohio
You do not have to prove fault to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. You only need to prove that you were injured during the ordinary course of employment and the injury was not intentional. Note that workers’ compensation does not cover injuries caused by the worker’s intoxication.
However, third-party claims are based on fault. You must prove that the other party caused your injury. The legal basis for a third-party claim can include strict liability, negligence, and intentional torts.
You can be partially at fault for a workplace injury and receive full workers’ compensation benefits. However, if you were partially to blame for your injuries and file a third-party claim, Ohio’s comparative fault law applies. If you are more than 50% to blame for your injuries, you cannot recover compensation in a third-party claim. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your level of responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Accident Claim in Ohio?
You should notify your employer of your job-related injury as soon as possible to protect your right to benefits. From there, the deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio is one year from the date of injury. You may have more time, such as if you’ve suffered an occupational disease.
The statute of limitations for most third-party claims is two years from the injury date. However, there could be exceptions to this rule. It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after a work-related injury.
Common Work-Related Injuries
Workplace accidents can cause a variety of injuries.
Our Sandusky work accident lawyers handle cases involving all types of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Degloving injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Occupational illnesses
- Paralysis
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Crushing injuries
- Wrongful death
- Internal organ damage
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
If you are injured on the job, seek medical treatment immediately. Documenting your injuries is crucial for an injury claim. In some instances, damages are based on the type and severity of your injuries. You can see your doctor for the first visit. After that, you must select a certified medical provider to manage your treatment.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Workplace Accident Attorney in Sandusky?
The cost of hiring a workplace accident lawyer is a concern for many workers. Our attorneys at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, accept cases on a contingency fee basis.
We are not paid an upfront fee for our legal services. Instead, we’re paid a percentage of the amount we recover for your claim. Therefore, we aren’t paid until you are paid.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Sandusky Workplace Accident Attorneys
After a workplace accident, you may be confused about your legal options. Call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, to discuss your case with a Sandusky workplace accident lawyer. We are here to help you when you need trusted legal advice, compassionate support, and guidance. Schedule a free case evaluation today.