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. A workplace injury claim often involves factors beyond your control, such as faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or third-party 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. In fact, it may very well not be your fault.

Consider an employee who has spent years working on an assembly line. 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 at how things operate in that workplace.

“If the common course of action is that’s 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 ask clients. And when you discover that the machine’s manufacturer could have added safety guards or automatic shut-off switches to prevent accidents like this, then how can that fault possibly rest on the injured worker?

At Trammell Piazza, we investigate every angle. We dig into company practices, industry standards, and equipment design to uncover the real cause of injury. It’s not about placing blame, it’s about protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.

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. “It doesn’t matter,” I tell my clients. “You still get compensated for that through workers’ compensation because you got hurt at work.”

Workers’ compensation exists to ensure that if you’re injured on the job, you get the medical care and financial support you need, without the need 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’re going to be taken care of.”

While workers’ compensation provides benefits, it may not cover everything. If faulty equipment, unsafe 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 an experienced 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 does workplace injury cases before you give up your case that easily.”

We recently represented a client who believed they were to blame for their injury. They were performing their duties exactly as they had been trained when a malfunctioning lift caused a severe back injury. After a thorough investigation, we discovered that the lift had been recalled months earlier but had never been repaired. That client not only received full workers’ compensation benefits but also secured a settlement from the equipment manufacturer.

At Trammell Piazza, we don’t just take your case; we take it personally. Our experienced attorneys understand the emotional and financial stress a workplace injury can cause. We work tirelessly to uncover the facts, identify all sources of liability, and fight for the maximum compensation available.

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.

Contact Trammell Piazza today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you determine your best course of action. You’ve worked hard—now let us work hard for you.