When an employee is injured on the job, it can be a difficult and confusing time. Not only are they dealing with the physical pain and recovery from their injury, but they may also face pushback from their employer. Sometimes, employers will claim that the employee committed a safety violation, especially when the injury occurs while using a machine or failing to wear proper safety equipment. However, what many employees may not realize is that their employer may be misrepresenting the situation.
In many cases, employees who are threatened with a safety violation have not been properly trained or informed about safety regulations. So, in reality, there may not be a safety violation at all. Unfortunately, this threat can be very concerning for employees. The statute provides that if there is a safety violation, the employee's benefits could be reduced by as much as 50%. This can be a significant loss for an injured employee who is already struggling to make ends meet.
To make matters worse, employers may use the threat of a safety violation to dissuade employees from bringing a claim. This can be a tactic to avoid paying out benefits or to avoid legal action against the company. But, without consulting with an attorney, an employee may not know the full extent of their rights. They may believe the inaccurate information provided by their employer and not realize that they have a valid claim.
It's common for employers to provide bad information unintentionally about safety violations and other issues. They may not fully understand the ins and outs of the situation, or they may be intentionally trying to mislead employees. Regardless of the reason, it's vital for employees to seek legal advice to fully understand their rights.
This is not the only area where employees may be given inaccurate information. Employers may also tell employees that their injury is not covered or that they have to report it within a day when the statute provides for 30 days. There can be a significant amount of gray area in these situations, and it's essential for employees to have a clear understanding of their rights.
In summary, if you are an employee who has been injured on the job, it's crucial to consult with an attorney. They can help you understand your rights, navigate complex situations, and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by your employer. Don't let the threat of a safety violation or other misinformation dissuade you from seeking the compensation you deserve.