Liability for a workplace accident? Discover your rights!

Questioner

hello i have a question . I am a 32-year-old man and a temporary worker in construction (NBBU collective labor agreement). I have been working for a temporary employment agency for a large contractor for six months now. Now the following has happened: I had an industrial accident and lost half the tip of the ring finger on my right hand (I am right-handed). A fellow temp (from another agency) wanted to throw a heavy wheelbarrow full of rubble into a rubble container via a ramp. I wanted to help him, but he couldn't hold it any longer and knocked it over, causing my finger to get caught in between and a piece of it was pinched off. Now I don't know what my rights are and what is the best thing to do. thank you in advance regards, E.

Lawyer

Dear questioner, First of all, I wish you a good recovery. There's a chance your employer is liable for your injuries. However, this depends on various circumstances. I therefore recommend contacting a personal injury specialist. They can further assess your liability, calculate your damages, and negotiate with your employer. If liability is established, the employer must also pay the legal costs. In that case, hiring a personal injury specialist will not cost you anything. If you'd like, please contact me. I can then work with you to determine whether your employer is actually liable.

Lawyer

I hope you don't have much pain anymore and that the wound heals well soon. There's a good chance you can hold your employer liable for all damages. Employers are usually insured for these types of cases, and the insurer will handle the claim. In any case, I recommend that you consult a lawyer specializing in personal injury cases. I regularly assist employees who have suffered a workplace accident. If you'd like, I'd be happy to review your case free of charge and without obligation. And as my colleague Ms. Smit already pointed out, the insurer must also reimburse legal costs if the employer is liable.