One of the things we always emphasize with our clients is the need for vigilance and quick acting in a situation where you are injured at work. It’s plain to see if you take a minute to study the WSIB website that you are obligated to report to them if an injury or illness caused at work prevents you from going to work. Not only that, but if you need to seek out medical attention beyond first aid, it is the responsibility of your employer to inform the WSIB of your accident, as well. If you end up having to appeal your WSIB claim because you are not getting what you feel is justly owed to you, a Goodman Elbassiouni LLP workers compensation lawyer in Toronto will be there to help you through the process; however, if you do not have the proper documentation from the time of the accident, it will make it much more difficult to obtain said compensation.
It’s easy to imagine that these regulations and institutions will always protect us and provide us with fair representation and compensation when we are hurt and unable to work for a fair wage – but even in Canada this sort of idealism is simply naïve. The truth is that often your boss is looking out for number one: companies do not necessarily want to compensate injured workers, or even offer back to work programs for previously injured worker. It’s easy to foster a sense of trust with the institution that pays your wage, but you should always remember that your relationship with your employer is transactional, and at the end of the day, their eye is on the bottom dollar, rather than your wellbeing and quality of life.
The culture of the 20th century was very much a tough guy culture, in which men kept their heads down and didn’t complain. In the modern era, clear communication and openness have become more highly valued, and especially in Canada where we have a strong sense of looking out for each other, it’s important to be clear and up front if something is amiss. If you’re working on a jobsite or in a warehouse setting and you or a fellow worker is injured, you can help them not only by encouraging them to report, you can also help the culture of the workplace by drawing peoples’ attention to the safety problems. With all of the technology and experience at our disposal, and with institutions such as the WSIB, everything should always be above board and transparent.
Goodman Elbassiouni LLP based in Toronto has been around for a while now, and we’ve worked with clients of all different ages. We’ve noticed that some old school, tough-guy type construction workers suffer from repetitive strain injuries and vision or hearing impairment that is clearly a result of occupational hazards, but since their is no documentation of any of this, and because they never went to see a doctor, it is very difficult to make a case.
In the end, the financial wellbeing of your family could be at stake, so do the right thing and file a report when you are injured at work, even if it means checking your ego. If you need a Toronto slip and fall lawyer to represent you, or you are in an automobile collision, Goodman Elbassiouni LLP specializes in these areas as well. Call us anytime for a free consultation.
