Maybe somebody can give mre some advice. I work at a manufacturing plant,as an electrician. In the process of repairing a machine I was told to retreve a like part from an abondoned part of the factory. It was dark and every thing was supposed to be turned off. The machine that I was to take the part from was torn apart. I reached in for the part and and recieved a high voltage shock,burn and tossed across the room for my trouble. I got burned on one hand,and a nasty energy exit wound on the other. Workmans comp has handled all the medical so far,However the company Doctor has done 2 surgerys and a host of pills for my hands over the last year and a half. My question is , Is the company Liable for the conditions leading up to the accident? Is there a standard for safety of employees.The company immediately relamped the area, turned off any power and locked out every thing. They send a company lapdog with me to doctor appointments that seems to know how Im doing better than I do.I don't mind that but with the number of unsafe practices that go on at my job, I suspect that some liability other than medical is being covered up. My coworkers wonder why I have not persued a lawsuite,and have agreed to testify to conditions that led up to the accident.

Well at least you are getting medical. I suggest that you consult with a workers compensation attorney or disability attorney. It is hard to say but it sounds like you should be receiving all or part of your pay, plus payment of medical expenses. But what may be missing is some kind for settlement for your disability, which may be a permanent partial disability compensable according to a schedule, or a longterm or shortterm temporary disability or total disability. There could also be liability for the personal injury, but usually, if you pursue damages thru workers compesnation or disability, you cannot also pursue tort damages for those same injuries. Time is a factor based on your state's statute of limitations for bringing actions or filing for workers compensation or disability. That is why I say consult a local workers compensation or disability attorney. They may also suggest a tort or personal injury attorney. Given your employer is at least trying to be minimally responsible, it may be more advantageous for you to pursue resolution thru the workers compensation or disability arena since it may be able to get resolved in a more positive way with you still having a job if you can work after medical recovery. The employer should have insuranve to cover any lump sum award or award you receive based on the disability.

I have received inquiries so I am posting this as Information I am a Safety Engineer, OSHA Institute Accredited Instructor, R.N.,BSN with National Registry EMT Status I practice Nationwide I assist client who have been injured at work or in a personal injury accident with getting their claims resolved and as a Court Expert Basically I relate the safety issue /accident and how it occurred to the medical issue and explain to the insurance carrier and the courts why the medical care is nec and get that for my clients I do this nationwide I will work with any attorney that you have and also any insurance carrier that you have.
Here is a link to my webpage http://hometown.aol.com/lmay4111/myhomepage/index.html

My e-mail is LMay4111@aol.com My direct Phone Number is 217/390-4299 I have done this work for more then 30 years and have clients nationwide when calling afternoons and evenings are the best time to reach me I will be more then happy to answer any questions. People should take note that when I am asked a questions I will answer them in an e -mail or via phone I will/ can not post to a general board due to regulations governing Confidentiality and HIPPA However you the clients may post the information to the board if you wish to make your information public I am happy to assist anyone who requests or needs my assistance Most of my work comes through word of mouth The laws are fairly clear experts are not allowed to advertise thus you must contact me You may contact me via phone /e-mail and then we can talk about your specific situations Thanks for allowing me to answer your questions I do read your posts and the boards I have 30 years experience as a trauma Nurse and am familiar with all issues related to my professions as a Nurse
Linda K. May, BS,R.N.,BSN
E-mail LMay4111@Aol.com
Phone 217/390-4299 (please leave a message if you get voice mail and I will return your call)

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LMay4111