Anyone working in an industrial setting is exposed to a range of hazards on a daily basis. Even in the most safety-conscious workplace, there is always the possibility for an accident to take place.

You may find yourself wondering what your options are if you have been injured in an industrial accident at work. It can be beneficial to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to find out the legal avenues available to you.

In general, there are three actions that you could take following an industrial accident. 

1. File for Workers' Compensation

Any worker injured in the workplace or while engaged in work-related activities is eligible to file a claim through workers' compensation. This program was designed to provide financial support to injured workers while they recuperate.

Most workers' compensation claims will pay for the cost of all medical treatment associated with your injury, as well as a portion of your wages for each week you are unable to work as a result of the injury.

You don't have to consult with an attorney to file a workers' compensation claim, but having an attorney on your team can be helpful if you need to appeal a denied claim.

2. Sue Your Employer

There are some situations where an industrial accident could lead to a lawsuit against your employer.

Most of the time you aren't eligible to sue your employer if workers' compensation will approve your claim. However, if your employer has been callous about the safety of their employees, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them directly.

An attorney will be able to help you review the facts surrounding your industrial accident to determine if carelessness, reckless disregard, or negligence played a role in causing your injuries.

If your employer did directly contribute to the industrial accident, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages.

3. File a Third-Party Claim

Sometimes it can be a third-party whose negligence or reckless disregard causes an industrial accident.

An experienced attorney can help you determine if the manufacturer of defective equipment, an outside vendor at your worksite, or the distributor of a faulty product shares any blame for your injuries.

In the event one of these third-party entities can be proven to share responsibility, you can work with your attorney to file a third-party claim against that entity in court.

To learn more, consult an industrial accident attorney.