According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over two million people are injured at work every year, and thousands are killed on the job. In Virginia alone, workplace accidents are responsible for over 100 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries annually due to violence, transportation accidents, fires and explosions, falls, slips and trips, exposure to harmful substances or environments, and contact with objects and equipment. It’s not just construction, transportation, and industrial workers who are at risk either; these cases involve people in management, service, sales, and just about any occupation you can imagine.

For many employees injured on the job, Virginia workers’ compensation covers their medical expenses and replaces a portion of their lost wages while they are out of work recovering or if they become disabled. But workers’ compensation is not a complete recovery. For those not covered under workers’ compensation or who were injured by the negligence of a third party, the personal injury attorneys at Latham & Martin can help you recover not just for the full amount of your medical expenses and lost income but also for pain and suffering and other legal damages. Start by scheduling a free consultation with a Richmond workplace injury lawyer and get advice on any potential claims you may have.

Common Types of Serious Workplace Accidents

At Latham & Martin, our attorneys handle all manner of workplace accidents affecting workers in Richmond. Some of the most common and most severe accidents we see include the following:

  • Falls from Heights, such as slip and falls on elevated platforms, falls from ladders or scaffolding, or scaffold collapses
  • Machinery Accidents, including accidents involving heavy machinery, malfunctioning equipment incidents, or getting caught in or between moving machinery
  • Chemical Exposure, including physical contact with harmful chemicals, as well as respiratory issues from inhaling toxic fumes
  • Vehicle Accidents, including collisions involving company vehicles or while driving on duty, plus pedestrian accidents on workplace premises, such as working in construction zones or near city streets

Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Accident

Virginia has specific laws to protect employees who suffer injuries at work. Workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, these laws can be complex and challenging to navigate without professional legal assistance, and they don’t provide a complete recovery.

For many employees, workers’ compensation is the only recourse after a workplace accident, and employees cannot sue their employer for negligence. However, if your employer fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance or intentionally causes your injury, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. Additionally, state injury law does allow lawsuits and claims against third parties whose negligence was responsible for the injury. Common examples of third-party liability claims include:

  • Getting hit by a negligent driver while making deliveries, picking up supplies, or traveling between job sites on the clock
  • Injuries caused by defective products, when the product defect existed at the time the product left the manufacturer’s control, such as a design defect, manufacturing defect, or marketing defect
  • A slip and fall or other injury while working on a third party’s dangerously unsafe premises

Our lawyers could investigate your workplace accident in Richmond to determine if you are eligible to file a third-party injury claim.

How Latham & Martin Can Help After a Workplace Accident

The attorneys at Latham & Martin have been advocating for workplace injury victims in Richmond since 2009. Our team is committed to providing personalized attention and legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. Our lawyers left a high-volume legal practice to create a law firm where the client comes first and can feel that they are being heard and their needs are being met. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your case and outline the best course of legal action. Our team will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve. We take all workplace accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Enlist the Help of a Richmond Workplace Injury Attorney Today

Workplace accidents can have devastating effects on your life and the lives of your loved ones. The process of seeking compensation is often complex and requires a thorough understanding of Virginia’s legal system. Latham & Martin is here to assist you every step of the way. If you or a family member has been injured in a workplace accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Richmond workplace injury lawyer at Latham & Martin. Our dedicated and compassionate team will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the justice you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards recovery.