World

‘Essential’ Employees Hesitate To Work Due To Lack Of Protection

Published

4 years ago

April 28, 2020

There are approximately 880,000 positive cases of COVID-19 in the United States alone, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As the pandemic has put most of the country on lockdown, essential workers must still show up to their jobs. Some companies have taken a proactive action to help employees thrive in this crisis.

Amazon, for example, said that it has ramped cleaning efforts and social distancing. In addition, the company has changed its policy to allow unlimited unpaid sick leave. However, there is more that needs to be done to protect essential workers during this pandemic.

Calls For Aggressive Action

In the beginning of April, The National Safety Council has already called upon companies for an aggressive action regarding the safety of their workers. It’s not just because they are at high risk of being exposed to COVID-19, but many essential workers are paid the minimum wage. This reduces their chances of gaining access to healthcare services when they get sick. According to FVF Law, OSHA requirements will vary depending on the industry that the business is in. Understanding such rules and regulations in this time of a pandemic requires attention from a workplace injury lawyer.

Raising The Alarm

According to the NSC, around 70% of their member companies cannot work remotely since most of them are considered as essential workers. They further stated that the responsibility of the safety of their workers rests solely on the shoulders of the employers. Essential workers, including those who work in markets, delivery, and garbage collecting are feeling the impact of the pandemic. Since the lockdown has changed the workplace environment, it is up to NSC and their partner employers to come up with additional safety measures that will address the potential threat of the ongoing lockdown to their workers and customers alike.

Safety Recommendations For Essential Workers

As leaders, shifting schedules may help lessen the impact on the workforce while ensuring that they are still catering to their customers. Employees still working during the pandemic claim that proper safety measures are not being addressed. And some are even complaining about wrongful dismissal due to these situations during these tough times. A report by the Boston Globe says that GameStop employees were reportedly told to cover their hands and arms with plastic bags.

Hygiene practices, such as providing workers with hand sanitizers, should be implemented at all costs, including maintaining physical distancing as recommended by the CDC. Disinfection and cleaning must be done on high-traffic areas and equipment that are handled by several people.

These are trying times and it is only fair that many will feel frustrated about their current situation. The Shelter-in-Place order may grate on the public’s patience, but those who fall under the essential workers category do not have the luxury to remain at home. Their work is critical to keep the country functioning. With that being said, NSC has seen it fit to call upon business leaders to help their workers remain safe in the midst of the pandemic, while providing essential care to others.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.