What To Do After A Workplace Accident?
When injured in a Workplace Accident, Being Legally Compensated Doesn’t Have to Complicate Your Life
According to The Economist, “Three-quarters of the Indian-born population in America today arrived in the last 25 years.” Currently, the Indian population, in the US stands at a little more than 3 million. And it increases each year by almost 150,000 new immigrants.
Indian immigrants are viewed as a “model minority” due largely to their perception as “non-threatening” people who go along and don’t rock the boat. The community is also generally viewed by American society as “successful;” even if the facts confirm that many have to scratch out a living every day; many of them living near or below the poverty line.
So when one of them is injured in an accident and has a right to file insurance claims for lawful financial damages they are owed to reimburse them for medical bills, disability, lost income that sustains the family, and other expenses arising from the accident; why do they hesitate?
Jay and his wife Rekha tell us that the idea just didn’t occur to them to make a claim. She suffered a serious slip-and-fall injury in the lobby of a Manhattan office building; injuring her knee and shoulder and taking all most two years to recover.
“In the midst of being medically treated, the idea of filing a claim got lost in the shuffle,” he says. “We had health insurance and just assumed that’s what our co-pays were for. My wife and I were only concerned with her recovery and doing all we could to accomplish that. Plus, we just didn’t understand the concept of insurance paying our bills and other related expenses.”
Not wanting to “Rock the Boat”
But traditional Indian Karmic practices also play a significant role in their perception of right and wrong that often does not conform to American legal compensation rights. Jay says there’s a conditioned response that runs very deep within Indians. “That thought [of being reimbursed] doesn’t normally occur in our culture,” he says. “And there’s a karmic aversion to the idea of ‘making money off our misfortune that we have been culturally conditioned for generations to avoid. So it follows that we don’t want to incur more karma by trying to ‘profit off our misfortune at another’s expense,’ regardless if the ones who caused the misfortune were negligent and in that same karmic sense, might deserve it.”
But does that mean that injured Indian victims and their families must live with the terror of not having the money to survive the financial after-effects of a serious injury accident to the primary breadwinner who is injured on a construction site or some other vital job? Not necessarily, according to Jay.
“It’s time you get over it and are able to get back to your life. But a lawyer can help detach your emotions so you can move forward.” He adds that in essence, you’re letting someone with experience that you trust take on the task of fighting for your rightful compensation; to – in jay’s words – “be mad for you so you don’t have to be.”
He views it as having any health problem. You find the right doctor you trust,” he says, “and follow his or her direction and treatment. It’s the same thing with an advocate or negotiator who protects you. In this case, a good lawyer is best equipped to negotiate for a fair compensation amount, while at the same time allowing an injured victim to emotionally detach and protect their karmic presence.”
Whether you or a family member was injured due to a car accident, commercial vehicle accident, or semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to full benefits and compensation. Know your rights and get the answers you deserve. The attorneys at Kalra Law Firm are dedicated to getting car accident victims the compensation they deserve. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced car accident lawyers to represent you in your case. We offer a free initial consultation and will not charge unless we win your case. Call our New York City and Queens car accident lawyers today if you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in. Call us at (718) 897-2211 www.unionlawyer.com
HOW TO COVER YOUR BASES AFTER A WORKPLACE INJURY
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical attention and take care of yourself first. You may not know the severity of your injuries, so ask to be immediately taken to the emergency room for a check-up and x-rays.
Preserve the Evidence
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the location as the look of a construction site can change rapidly. It’s important to preserve the evidence and what the site looked like at the time of your accident. Take notes or ask someone to record the names and addresses of witnesses.
Report and Review
Report the accident to your supervisor or a foreman. Ask to review the report even if you’re not asked to sign it.
Contact a New York Attorney for Expert Legal Advice
Do not sign any forms before consulting with an attorney.
Call Kalra Law Firm, New York City work-related injury lawyers for help, and schedule a free consultation at (718) 897-2211.
About Kalra Law Firm
NYC Construction Injury Lawyers from Kalra Law Firm have recuperated millions of dollars for our clients. The toll of serious injury can be tremendous on you and your loved ones. We have devoted ourselves to fighting for justice and to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. With Law Offices in Queens, Long Island, Corona, and The Bronx We are ready to serve you today.