08 Dec My Boss Made Me Work Off the Clock and I Got Hurt. What Should I Do?

Injured While Off the Clock – Now What?

If you are regularly pressured into working off the clock and got injured while doing so, you need to know what actions to take. Unfortunately, many workers like you are unaware of their rights in these situations. While it may seem like more hassle to resolve it with your boss or you may feel pressure to say it was your fault – you have rights and options!

My boss made me work off the clock and I got hurt, what should I do? There are 3 main things that you should do:

1. Contact a lawyer that specializes in workplace injuries and labor law. They will be able to determine your rights and advise you on what course of action to take.
2. File a report with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for employers and workers. They will investigate the situation and take disciplinary action against your employer if they find that they pressured you into working off the clock in an unsafe way.
3. File a worker’s compensation claim with your state’s labor department. Worker’s compensation laws ensure that injured employees are taken care of in case of injury. Your case will be reviewed and you may be eligible for certain benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.

 

It’s important to know your rights as a worker so that you can take action if you are hurt while working off the clock or in any other unsafe situation at work. Keep reading this article to learn more about how to protect yourself from being taken advantage of by your employer.

Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately

If you are an employee, then you may know that workers’ compensation provides funds to cover medical expenses and lost wages related to an injury acquired on the job.

It may surprise you to learn that many companies have a policy of extending workers’ compensation benefits even if the incident happened off the clock.

This coverage is often available for employees who are injured while traveling for work or providing services on behalf of their employer in other ways.

Additionally, employers may be responsible for providing workers’ comp if an injury occurs during after-hours activities at the workplace or any other activity associated with their employment. All of these scenarios mean that being injured while off-the-clock could entitle you to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Worker’s compensation laws can be difficult to navigate by yourself which is why it’s advised to seek the help of experienced legal counsel to help get you what might be rightfully owed.

With their knowledge and expertise in this area, they can ensure your rights are defended and that all applicable regulations are observed in making a successful claim memorable and stress-free for you.

File A Report With OSHA

We’ve all had the hesitation of reporting an injury to our boss, but you must do it as soon as possible. In addition to reporting the injury to your boss, you should also file a report with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards in workplaces across America. If they find that your employer was pressuring you into working off the clock in an unsafe manner, then they will take disciplinary action against them.

Even if you don’t think that your employer is at fault, filing a report with OSHA can still be beneficial in terms of receiving workers’ comp benefits. If you feel like your boss will try to convince you not to report the incident, then you should contact an attorney to make sure that your rights are protected.

File A Claim With Your State Labor Department

In addition to filing a report with OSHA, you should also file a worker’s compensation claim with your state’s labor department.

Worker’s compensation laws ensure that injured employees receive benefits in case of an injury.

Your case will be reviewed and if it is accepted, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as medical bills, lost wages, and other payments.

Remember that it is important to know your rights as a worker so you can take action if you are hurt while working off the clock or in any other unsafe situation at work.

What To Do When Asked To Work Off-The-Clock

If you ever find yourself in a situation where your employer is pressuring you to work off the clock, it is important to remember that you should not accept such arrangements. Not only can this put your safety at risk, but it can also result in you not receiving any compensation for the work that you do.

If your boss refuses to pay you for off-the-clock work, then contact an employee rights lawyer immediately. They will be able to advise you on how to proceed and ensure that your rights are protected during the process.

Signs Your Employer Is Taking Advantage Of You

Unfortunately, some employers take advantage of their employees by asking them to work off the clock and not paying them for their time. If you feel like your employer is taking advantage of you, then it’s important to watch out for signs such as:

• Asking you to start or stay late without extra pay
• Not providing the proper safety equipment necessary to complete tasks
• Refusing to pay overtime
• Not permitting you to take legal breaks
• Offering incentives for working faster that put your safety at risk
• Retaliating against you if you complain about any of these issues
• Threatening to fire you if you don’t comply with their demands
• Trying to offer sexual favors in exchange for working off-the-clock

 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action before your situation gets worse. It may be wise to leave the job for a new one or hire an experienced employment lawyer.

How To Know What Employee Rights You Have

When it comes to employee rights, every state is different. It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state so that you know what rights you have as an employee.

However, several federally protected rights apply to all employees. Some of these rights include the right to:

• Receive a minimum wage
• Be free from discrimination and harassment
• Have safe working conditions
• Take reasonable breaks

 

You can also consult a lawyer or an employment attorney for advice on how to protect your rights and get compensation if you’ve been injured while working off the clock.

The Bottom Line

Work injuries can be a pain – literally. But if you’re injured while working off the clock, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Be sure to report the injury to your boss and OSHA as soon as possible and keep a record of all medical bills and treatment related to the injury.

You may want to consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options and make sure your boss isn’t taking advantage of you – know your rights! We hope this article was helpful, please share!

Related Questions

What if an off-the-clock injury is my fault?

If an off-the-clock injury is your fault, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation depending on the circumstances. You should always report any workplace injuries that occur regardless of who was at fault and make sure to keep a record of all medical bills and treatments related to the injury.

Does my insurance pay for an off-the-clock work injury?

Generally speaking, your insurance policy will not cover off-the-clock injuries. In most cases, you should be eligible for workers’ compensation if the injury occurred while performing a task related to your job. However, it is best to consult with an attorney or your employer regarding any specific questions about insurance coverage.