Detroit Social Security Benefits Law Blog

Going to work every day can be hard for people in various professions. However, daily job duties can be especially difficult for some workers, such as those who have physically demanding positions. Moreover, some workers are exposed to certain risks while working, such as people who find themselves in traffic on a daily basis. Not only can traffic crashes affect those who drive delivery trucks, semis, taxis and other vehicles as part of their job duties, but some people may even be injured or killed in a pedestrian accident at work.

There are various ways in which on-the-job pedestrian accidents can occur. Some people may be struck by a company vehicle while they are working inside of a company’s garage or parking lot. Moreover, employees may also be injured while they are working around traffic. For example, a road construction worker may be hit by a vehicle, someone hired to hold a sign may be struck by a reckless driver or a worker may be hit by a car while they are running errands for their employer or manager (such as picking up lunch at a nearby restaurant).

Michigan employees who drive as part of their job are at higher risk for serious injuries and death than other workers. This leads not only to a lot of pain and heartache for family members, but it also results in expensive workers' compensation claims. Employers should make sure they incorporate safe driving training and protocols to help decrease the number of accidents. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, injuries due to transportation incidents make up around 40% of the fatal work injuries among all industries. Driver sales workers and truck drivers are at the highest risk, although construction workers who drive as part of their job are also vulnerable. The BLS report shows that of the transportation-related injuries, over half of them occurred on the road and include collisions with others and other unspecified incidents. 

Drivers and passengers in Michigan who have been involved in an accident often have to deal with a lot of stuff afterwards. Besides exchanging information with the other drivers involved and filling out an accident report, there is dealing with the insurance company and making arrangements for vehicle repair. If a minor ache or pain is noticed, it is possible the victim will not do anything about it because it may not seem like a big deal. Unfortunately, symptoms sometimes take a little while to show up and, if not taken care of, they can lead to more serious issues. Car accident victims should be aware of these symptoms so they can get the necessary medical help.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, over two million people are injured in car wrecks in the United States every year. Because insurance companies and/or the guilty parties are largely responsible for paying for medical care due to injuries, there is no excuse for someone not getting the care they need.

Workers in Michigan who suffer from spinal cord injuries may feel like returning to work is next to impossible, which adds to all the other life changes they have to consider. For those who want to return to work, there are numerous accommodations that employers can, and are required, to make to assist the employee in coming back and earning an income again. The services and support are provided in a number of ways.

According to the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, employees are protected from discrimination by the ADA. This means that potential employers cannot refuse hire only because of the disability, and that current employers must make reasonable accommodations to the position, office and/or work space.