Understanding Workplace Injury Liability
If you’ve been injured on the job, I know it’s natural to second-guess yourself. You might think, “Was this my fault? Should I have been more careful?” But before you start blaming yourself, take a step back. Workplace injuries are often the result of factors beyond your control—faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or employer negligence. That’s why seeking legal guidance is critical before assuming responsibility for your injury.
Many injured workers hesitate to report their injuries because they feel responsible for what happened. I often hear, “Hey, I think this is my fault. I’m the dummy that let this happen.” But that’s not always the case. It may very well not be your fault.
Consider an employee who has worked on an assembly line for years. One day, something gets caught in the machine, and they follow standard procedure by shutting it off and reaching in to remove the obstruction. Suddenly, the machine starts back up, causing a devastating injury. They might think, “I shouldn’t have had my arm in there anyway.” But let’s take a closer look—how do things operate in that workplace?
“If the common course of action is just what people do, and they’ve always done it that way, how is it your fault when you’re just doing what everybody else did?” I often tell my clients. “And when you find out that the manufacturer of that machine could have had safety guards on it, could have had automatic turn-off switches, so that if somebody’s arm were in there, it wouldn’t come on no matter what, then how is it your fault?” These are the kinds of questions that need to be asked before assuming responsibility.
You Don’t Have to Prove Fault to Get Compensation
One of the biggest misconceptions about workplace injuries is that an employee must prove someone else was at fault to receive benefits. That’s simply not true. “Doesn’t matter,” I tell my clients, “You still get compensated for that through workers’ compensation because you got hurt at work.”
Workers’ compensation ensures that if you’re injured on the job, you get the medical care and financial support you need—without needing to prove your employer was negligent. But here’s the catch: You must report your injury. Some workers are afraid to come forward because they don’t want to cause trouble or worry about retaliation. But your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance for this very reason. “What you’ve got to do is you’ve got to report it,” I tell them. “They’re going to turn it over to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. They have insurance for this, and you’ll be taken care of.”
When to Consult a Workplace Injury Attorney
While workers’ compensation provides benefits, it may not cover everything, and sometimes, additional legal action is necessary. If faulty equipment, unsafe work conditions, or third-party negligence played a role in your injury, you may be entitled to more than just workers’ comp. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a workplace injury attorney before making any assumptions about your case.
“So don’t assume it’s your fault, and don’t assume you don’t have a claim,” I always advise my clients. “You should consult with a good lawyer who handles workplace injury cases before you give up your case that easily.”
A good lawyer will investigate the details of your injury, determine whether a third party—such as an equipment manufacturer—shares liability, and fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Too often, workers dismiss their claims before understanding their full rights.
So, if you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t assume it was your fault and move on without asking questions. Speak up, report the injury, and seek legal guidance. You don’t have to face this alone..