Workplace Fall Claims

It's a common situation: You fell at work and now your employer/supervisor is trying to lay the blame -- on you! Workers’ compensation in Vermont is “no fault,” meaning that the employee is covered for injuries sustained at the workplace even if the employee was not being careful. In most cases, you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, even if your employer tries to tell you otherwise. Call me at the Law Office of Charles L. Powell PLLC today to start exploring your slip and fall claim options.

Causes of Workplace Falls

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of workplace deaths in the United States, with one out of every four workplace injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident. Likewise, fall protection violations were the most frequently cited standards by Federal OSHA in fiscal year 2018.

What If a Third Party is Responsible?

In most cases, if you are injured in a fall at work, you will be able to claim benefits for your lost wages and medical expenses under your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage in exchange for waiving your right to sue your employer. If you are injured on the job in a fall due to the negligence of a third party, however, you may be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits and pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This is commonly referred to as a “third-party case.”

Generally speaking, you may only sue your own employer for an on-the-job slip and fall accident if your employer intended to harm you or if the employer failed to have workers’ compensation insurance. An attorney can help you identify the responsible parties and guide you towards the most appropriate course of action.

Don’t Play the Blame Game

Some employers are tempted to assert that a slip and fall injury was the employee’s own fault, so the resulting loss of wages and the receipt of medical bills are allegedly not the employer’s responsibility. This is not so. Workers’ compensation covers workplace injuries, even serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and back injuries, regardless of fault.

At the Law Office of Charles L. Powell PLLC, I am ready to help you handle your workers’ compensation fall case. With 36 years of experience, my objective is to help you receive full compensation.