Drilling rigs are among the most dangerous places to work. According to OSHA, there were over 2,000 reported work-related injuries on drilling rigs in 2017 alone. Rig workers face unique risks that aren’t present in other jobs: slips, falls, and trips are common on a moving rig platform. There are also heavy machinery and operating hazards that no other industry has. These dangers make staying safe on a drilling rig a top priority for every worker and their managers. That’s why you need to know these things if you get hurt on a drilling rig soon. These tips can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system, protect your rights at work, and get back to working safely as quickly as possible.
Know your rights.
If you’re injured on the job and you’re covered by workers’ compensation, you’ll collect paid benefits while you recover. This insurance is meant to protect you if you’re injured at work, and it offers you lots of protections and benefits: You won’t have to pay any medical bills or other costs related to your injury. You’ll be paid a portion of your normal salary while you recover. Your employer must hold your job for you while you heal, unless they can prove that they can’t because of the injury.
Report the accident immediately.
Accidents happen all the time on a drilling rig, and it’s important to report all accidents immediately. That way, your employer can begin investigating and take steps to prevent them from happening again. Additionally, an accident report lets your company know that you’re serious about your safety and that you want to do all you can to protect yourself and your fellow workers. If you’re able to collect workers’ compensation benefits, the last thing you want to do is wait to report your accident. Your employer will investigate your accident and obtain all the necessary information to process your claim. But you’ll have to share information about how your accident happened as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
You may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Not every drilling rig accident results in a work-related injury – some are just bad luck. Others are avoidable, but they happen anyway. When this happens, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp is an insurance policy that your company pays for to protect its employees. It reimburses you for lost wages, medical bills, and other costs related to your injury. Before you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, make sure that you have a work-related injury. The best way to do so is to talk to your employer, your HR manager, or your safety manager. They’ll be able to help you determine whether your accident was avoidable, or if it was simply an unfortunate incident that can’t be avoided.
But you’ll need a lawyer to obtain them.
If you sustain a work-related injury and believe that you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you may be tempted to file your claim on your own. But experts recommend against it: they recommend that you get a lawyer. It can be difficult to navigate the complex system that is workers’ compensation. And if you make a mistake at any point along the way, you could lose your benefits or be denied them entirely. If you’re not sure if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits and you need help filing a claim, get a lawyer. You can get in touch with one by calling your state’s workers compensation board or by visiting the website of your state bar association.
You will not be paid for any time spent recovering from the accident.
If you’re injured on the job and you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the last thing you want to do is spend any time recovering without receiving payments. If you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits and you don’t return to work, you’ll be paid your usual salary. But if you’re out of work and receiving payments, you’ll be paid your normal weekly salary. That means that you won’t be able to pay your bills while you’re healing. You’ll also lose your health insurance while you’re out, which can cost you dearly if you need medical care.
Your employer may be required to provide job-training and accommodations for your disability.
Depending on the type and extent of your disability, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations at work. For example, if your injury leaves you with trouble lifting, you may have trouble doing your job. But your company can likely help you work around your disability: your employer may be required to provide you with the tools and training you need to do your job safely. This can make a huge difference for injured workers, as it lets them stay on the job and collect their workers’ compensation while they recover.
If you’re permanently disabled, you may be eligible for monetary benefits as well.
If your injury permanently reduces your ability to work, you may be eligible for additional workers’ compensation benefits. Your disability will be rated on a scale of 0 to 100%, with 100% representing your full ability to work before your injury, The more disabled you are, the more money you’ll receive in benefits. Even if you’re not receiving regular payments, you may be able to access a small sum of money if you have a permanent disability. This is called a lump sum settlement. You’ll get this money in a one-time, upfront payment. You can use it to do anything you like, but it’s often best used to pay back any debts you may have acquired while recovering from an injury. drilling rig accident law firm
Bottom line: Drill rig work is dangerous work – Protect yourself by knowing your rights.
This article has shown you just how dangerous drilling rigs can be. You’ve also learned how to protect yourself when you’re injured on the job, If you’re ever injured on a drilling rig, you should know that you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. But you have to know your rights and know how to navigate the workers’ compensation system to obtain those benefits.
