Electricians help to power our society. They play a crucial role and all electricians deserve safe, fair working conditions. Unfortunately, electrician injuries remain far too common. At the Injured Workers’ Law Firm, we are strong advocates for people who were hurt on the job. Here, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorney provides an overview of the workplace injury rate for electricians.
Know the Work Injury Rate for Electricians
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians in the United States suffered “7,270 nonfatal injury and illness cases involving days away from work” in 2020 alone. For reference, the BLS finds that the work injury rate for full-time electricians is 128.2 per 10,000. In other words, for every 10,000 full-time electricians, approximately 128 suffer a workplace injury that requires them to take time off from the job each year. For contrast, that figure is a few percentage points higher than the overall work injury rate for private sector employees. Electricians are slightly more likely to be hurt on the job than other workers.
Note: While the work injury rate for electricians is roughly in line with other professions, electricians are somewhat more likely to be seriously injured on the job than the average worker. The NFPA finds that electricians are killed on the job at a rate nearly twice the national average.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rights for Electricians in Virginia
Electricians in our region have important legal rights under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act. As an electrician, it is crucial that you know how you are protected under the law. Here are four key points that you should be aware of:
- Employers Must Provide Workers’ Comp Coverage: In Virginia, it is mandatory for employers to offer workers’ compensation insurance. It ensures that electricians have financial protection if they sustain injuries or develop illnesses due to their work.
- Workers’ Comp Insurance Provides No-Fault Benefits: You do not have to prove fault to get workers’ comp benefits as an electrician in Virginia. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and disability compensation for permanent injuries.
- Injured Electricians Must Notify their Employer: Immediate reporting of injuries or illnesses to the employer is crucial. Notification is a key step in the claims process. If you fail to report an accident promptly, it can jeopardize your benefits.
- Get Medical Care Before Filing for Benefits: Seeking medical attention not only supports the electrician’s health but also establishes the extent of the injuries. Documentation from healthcare providers plays a vital role in the workers’ compensation claim process.
Get Help From Our Virginia Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At Injured Workers’ Law Firm, our Virginia workers’ comp lawyer provides top-tier legal representation to injured electricians. Hurt on the job? We can help. Reach out to us by phone at (804) 755-7755 or connect with us online for your strictly confidential initial consultation. From our Richmond office, we provide workers’ comp representation to electricians throughout Virginia.