Protecting Your Rights after a Work-Related Accident
Each year, nearly three million Americans suffer injuries on the job, and over 5,000 lose their lives due to workplace accidents, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re hurt at work, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses—typically through a workers’ compensation claim.
Because workers’ compensation claims are usually handled by private insurance companies—and because employers and insurers may act in their own interest—it’s critical to have a skilled, determined attorney advocating for you. That’s where the Law Offices of Gavin W. Murphy in.
We fight to protect the rights of injured workers across Montana and we are recognized for our expertise, dedication, and consistent track record. To schedule a consultation, reach out by email or call us at 406-294-0200.
FAQs
What Should I Do After I'm Hurt in a Workplace Accident?
- Your well-being should always come first. Make sure you receive appropriate medical care, whether from your doctor, an urgent care center, or a hospital. If emergency personnel advise transport by ambulance, don’t hesitate. Be open and honest with medical staff about any unusual symptoms, and ensure everything is properly documented.
- Notify your employer about your injury as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the incident. If you plan to hire an experienced attorney, it may be wise to wait until you have legal representation so that your rights are fully protected throughout the process. Keep in mind that your employer is unlikely to handle workers’ compensation paperwork for you, and attempting to manage it on your own can lead to mistakes. A skilled attorney will make sure all forms are filed correctly and on time, while also helping to collect and preserve evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Gathering evidence right after the accident can significantly aid your case. Whenever possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment or machinery involved. The more documentation you provide, the better your attorney can support your claim.
How Can the Law Offices of Gavin W. Murphy Help with Your Claim?
We bring extensive expertise in Montana workers’ compensation law. We know the ins and outs of eligibility requirements, the paperwork that must be submitted, the types of evidence that carry the most weight, and all the critical filing deadlines. Our team will carefully investigate the details of your case and handle the preparation and submission of every necessary form. Beyond the paperwork, we will represent you in every hearing, meeting, and proceeding, ensuring your rights are fully protected at every step.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover Through a Workers' Compensation Claim?
Workers' compensation pays a number of different benefits:
- Benefits to cover lost wages and income, on both a temporary and a permanent basis, for partial or total disability
- All reasonable and necessary medical expenses incurred because of the accident or injury at work
- Death benefits for survivors of a worker killed on the job
- Funeral and burial expenses
What Are Common Types of Workers' Compensation Claims?
Though workers may be injured in many ways, most workers' compensation claims involve:
- Overexertion by an employee, such as lifting an object that is too heavy, lifting too much in a short period of time, or failing to take regular breaks
- Slipping on slippery surfaces or tripping over debris, equipment, or machinery on a jobsite
- Motor vehicle accidents, either on a jobsite or while traveling for work
- Exposure to unsafe electrical current
- Falling objects, including jobsite materials, tools, machinery, ladders, scaffolding, and debris
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