The job of a librarian may seem simple, but it actually presents certain risks that most jobs do not. For instance, libraries are open to the general public and any type of person can enter a librarian’s workspace. This can put librarians in difficult and risky situations if the wrong person enters the library. While libraries do have security measures in place, librarians may be subjected to harm from unsatisfactory guests while on the job.
Maison Law provides librarians with legal representation to claim the full extent of their damages if they’ve been injured at work. If you have a work-related injury story, then we want to hear it. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Librarian Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If the workers’ compensation insurance company does not agree with your treatment or the cause of your injuries, your claim may be denied. Having workers’ compensation be denied can be very frustrating for injured victims. Most injured workers will think they have no choice but to pay out of their own pocket for medical care after being denied workers’ comp benefits, but this is not true.
If you’re injured on the job, it is recommended to speak with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney about your situation. An attorney can hold workers’ compensation accountable for providing you the full extent of coverage for your damages. If workers’ compensation fails to provide sufficient coverage, then an attorney can file a lawsuit against them. By having a lawyer on your side, workers’ compensation will be forced to take your claim very seriously.
Other reasons injured workers may need to contact a workers’ compensation attorney include:
- Your claim is denied: if your worker’s compensation claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you through negotiations.
- Your benefits are inadequate: if you believe your workers’ compensation benefits do not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, an attorney can help you seek the full benefits you deserve.
- Your benefits are delayed: if your payments are delayed or unreasonably late, workers’ compensation owes you a fee, depending on their reasoning for a late payment. An attorney can help you take the proper steps to ensure you get what you are owed in a timely manner.
- Permanent disability: in cases of permanent disability, disputes over the level of impairment or the amount of compensation can arise, requiring legal representation.
Library Safety to Prevent Injuries
With the unpredictable nature of guests entering the library, safety measures are put in place at most libraries to protect librarians and library patrons from harm. According to the New York Times, libraries have become a common dwelling spot for homelessness, drug addicts, and people suffering from mental illness. These elements are putting many librarians across the United States at risk due to some library employees being unequipped to handle such extreme situations.
Since library risks have been on the rise, safety training programs for libraries have been introduced. They include:
- Regular safety training sessions: library workers are taught how to handle difficult situations, including dealing with disruptive patrons and emergencies.
- First aid and CPR training: workers are equipped with basic first-aid skills for minor injuries or medical emergencies. So, if an employee is injured, another employee will be able to administer medical treatment right away to prevent further harm.
- Mental health aid: certain situations can be traumatic for librarians to experience and mental health care may need to be administered to help regulate stress and keep calm in tense situations.
It is important to note that employers are required to provide employees with a safe place to work and to prevent injuries. If a librarian is injured on the job for any reason, an employer must complete a First Report of Injury form and send it to their workers’ compensation carrier. It is also the responsibility of the employer to ensure they do not violate any laws or rights of their employees. Employers are also required to cooperate with their workers’ compensation carrier, the insurance claims adjuster, and any Workers’ Compensation Attorney who may be investigating the case.
What is the Typical Compensation for a Librarian Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?
While librarian workers’ compensation claims will vary on a case-by-case basis, certain factors will largely determine the amount of compensation you can receive. These items can be calculated based on your economic damages and non-economic damages, which include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your work-related accident
- Cost of living with your injury, such as making your home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to your property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of your accident
The more severe your damages are, the more your compensation you will typically receive. However, for a more specific amount, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand the value of your case.
Contact a Librarian Workers’ Compensation Claim Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has been injured at work and have been mistreated, neglected, or inadequately compensated by worker’s compensation after suffering a work-related injury, the attorneys at Maison Law will pursue the full extent of the damages you are owed. For legal counsel concerning your librarian workers’ compensation claim, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
