Workplace Fatality May Remove Employer From Voluntary Protection Program
A recent directive from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could result in an employer’s removal from the Voluntary Protection Program in the event of a workplace fatality or multiple injuries.
Employers under this program are generally exempt from OSHA programmed inspections and enjoy other benefits if they meet certain criteria. More than 2,300 employers participate in the program.
The Government Accountability Office has severely criticized the Voluntary Protection Program for allowing companies that reported workplace fatalities to remain in the program.
Under the new directive, a workplace death or catastrophic accident that results in injuries to three or more workers can trigger an inspection. The employer will be placed on inactive status in the program as long as the investigation is ongoing. If the investigation finds that the employer committed a willful violation, its membership in the program could be terminated.
Unfortunately, some injuries cannot be fully recovered from. Damage to the central nervous system may seem superficially normal after the injury, but it can still have debilitating effects for the rest of a person’s life.
Whether you have suffered serious burns or a brain or spinal cord injury, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to seek compensation from the appropriate parties, regardless of the case’s complexities.
Many injuries obviously affect a person’s life, but others are harder to detect. Our Atlanta catastrophic injury attorneys can effectively represent your needs and circumstances throughout the case and in court if necessary.
Serious Disfigurement
Many serious accidents result in severe disfigurement, whether from burns or amputations. Our firm understands that disfiguring injuries often severely affect both the victim’s physical abilities and emotional/mental well-being.
You can rely on our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyers to assist you compassionately during this difficult time and explore your options for compensation, treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation.
How are Catastrophic Injuries Defined?
A catastrophic injury is one that significantly and permanently alters the life of the injured party.
These injuries are so severe that quality of life is impacted.
Among these injuries are:
- Spinal fusions due to herniated discs
- Injuries to the spinal cord that result in paralysis
- Plates, rods, pins, and screws are used to repair broken bones and begin the healing process
- Hospitalization for burns of the third degree
- An injury to the brain that alters the mental state of the injured party
- Loss of a limb or amputation
- Any injuries requiring prolonged in-patient hospitalization or treatment
- Injury to the neck resulting in loss of movement
In severe cases, these injuries can result in disfigurement, mental suffering, loss of hearing, loss of vision, loss of income, and diminished quality of life.
Automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and other types of accidents can result in these injuries.
How are Catastrophic Injuries Caused?
A reckless decision can permanently alter someone’s life in a blink of an eye. The incident that caused the accident injuries could’ve been avoided if the responsible party had made better decisions. The injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, regardless of whether it was accidental.
Catastrophic injuries can occur anywhere and at any time. These injuries can occur at home, at the mall, at work, or while on vacation.
Usually, it results from a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury. Accidents where pedestrians are struck by vehicles can also result in these injuries. Additionally, the injury may have been caused by medical malpractice.
In many catastrophic injury cases, victims face a new normal that may include permanent disabilities, severe burns, loss of enjoyment, consortium, emotional suffering, and more.
What Should I do if I Suffer a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are not easy to deal with. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain and suffering or the financial burden from medical costs, it can feel like you are at the end of your rope.
The financial strain may be felt immediately if you (or a loved one) cannot work because of the injury. Some injuries require lengthy hospitalization.
In the case of an accident caused by someone else, having the best insurance policy may not be enough. Medical bills may fall on you if the responsible party does not have great insurance. Making ends meet while taking care of you may cause your partner, spouse, or family to become stressed.
Accident victims suffer from a lot of pain as a result of these injuries. From surgery to recovery to rehabilitation and therapy, it will hurt. The injury could have been avoided if the negligent party had been more careful and cautious with their actions.
You may need to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. It would be best if you did not sue on your own. Instead, contact an Atlanta lawyer today.
Michael Parsons is an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer representing injured workers in the metro Atlanta region and helping them recover the workers’ compensation benefits that they have earned.
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