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Suffering a Work Injury? Seek Workers' Compensation with a Des Moines Attorney (Part B)

When Working Conditions Pose an Immediate Danger

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, you can refuse to continue working if you believe that your health or even your life is in immediate danger because of unsafe working conditions. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a phone line at 1-800-321-6742 to report the imminent risk of a work injury.

When calling OSHA, you should be prepared to explain the urgency of the situation at your workplace fully. To prove that an immediate danger exists, you must show that:

• performing your job potentially could cause death or a serious work injury;
• your employer knows of the problem and refuses to correct it; and
• the danger is so immediate that you cannot wait for it to be addressed through other means, such as a jobsite inspection.

A Des Moines Workers' Comp lawyer can help determine if you are in imminent danger at work and contact the appropriate authorities to ensure that you do not suffer a work injury. He or she can advise you on whether or not you can refuse to work because of the hazard.

When Working Conditions Don’t Pose an Immediate Danger

If workplace hazards do not create a risk of immediate injury, you should provide your employer with a written letter detailing the problem. Should your employer fail to correct the situation, you can file a complaint with OSHA or Iowa’s occupational safety agency. A Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney can help you draft a letter regarding workplace hazards that eventually could contribute to a work injury. Please note that you may use your name or anonymously file a complaint.

Many people worry that reporting an unsafe work condition could lead to retaliation; however, both the federal and state government prohibit an employer from demoting, terminating or even reducing an employee’s wages for submitting a complaint. Having a Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney on your side during this time can help you avoid any repercussions for your vigilance against a hazardous workplace.

Contacting a Des Moines Workers' Compensation Attorney

If you have suffered an injury due to unsafe working conditions, a qualified lawyer can help you apply for Workers' Comp benefits. The Des Moines Workers' Compensation attorney team at Walker, Billingsley & Bair know the importance of protecting your claim from the get-go. Learn more by ordering this FREE book; Iowa Workers’ Compensation – An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries: 7 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work by calling 1-800-707-2552. For immediate assistance or to schedule a consultation, call 1-515-440-2852.



To learn more about Iowa work injuries including the "7 Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work" order your copy of our FREE Book entitled "Iowa Workers' Compensation- An Insider's Guide to Work Injuries".  Why offer a Free Book?  Since 1997, as a workers' compensation attorney I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work from Des Moines, Newton, Pella, Grinnell, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa and from throughout the state of Iowa.  I have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the "right" information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.  However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights click on the work injury book image on this webpage, go to http://www.IowaWorkInjury.com or Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 811 (24 Hour Recorded Message).