Warehouse and retail workers are often required to walk through corridors of pallet racks on a regular basis. Most of the time, the items stacked on the pallet racks are properly secured and incapable of falling or moving. Other times, they are poorly secured in a hurry, and the items stacked on them are capable of falling onto a worker below.
If you are a warehouse or retail worker (or any other type of worker), your accident may have been caused by the negligence of your employer or another employee. This negligence may entitle you to financial compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering and turmoil. By working with an attorney, you could ensure your rights are honored during the litigation process.
Call a Charleston pallet rack injuries lawyer today at your earliest convenience.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers should always make sure their employees understand the importance of safely stacking items and placing pallet racks in the proper location. Unfortunately, on many jobsites, pallet rack accidents are often caused by:
- Unenforced safety precautions and procedures
- Pathways too narrow for walking
- Improper equipment used to remove items from great heights
- Improper tools and equipment used to secure items
- Objects stacked carelessly
Some employers encourage workers to get as much done as quickly as possible, and when employees rush or fail to pay attention, they are more likely to cause a serious accident. Heavy items falling onto a person below could result in life-changing and permanent injuries, especially if the item damages the head or spinal cord of a victim.
What to Do After an Injury
If you were injured on the job as a result of negligence, it may be wise to file a lawsuit with the help of a Charleston pallet rack injuries lawyer. Companies have a legal obligation to provide their employees with a safe environment to work in, and when they do not, they could be held liable for their recklessness.
During proceedings, an attorney would be responsible for proving the accident was foreseeable, and the employer did nothing to stop it from occurring.
If a lawsuit is successful, an employee may receive compensation for their suffering, medical bills, lost wages (if their injury prevents them from working), and everyday living expenses.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Injured warehouse, construction, and retail workers may have the option to file worker’s compensation as well. Worker’s compensation is an insurance program that employers with a certain number of employees are required to participate in. The program provides workers who are injured on the job with a portion of their monthly income until they are capable of returning to work.
Worker’s compensation is beneficial to both employers and employees. If an employee chooses to accept compensation, they cannot sue their employer for negligence, even if the employer is responsible for their injury.
Get in Touch With a Charleston Pallet Rack Injuries Lawyer
If you were injured in a pallet rack accident, you may be more focused on recovering from your injuries. Recover is immensely important, but if you do not file for compensation, you may end up having to pay for your own injuries. It is also important to remember you only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim.
Get in touch with a Charleston pallet rack injuries lawyer if you are ready to talk.
