When legal statutes use vague terms or imprecise language, it opens up the law to interpretation. As a result, important words and phrases have a clear, concise, and specific meaning in the legal profession. For example, incident and accident might be interchangeable in colloquial conversation, but they are not during legal proceedings. Below, a seasoned workers’ comp attorney explains the difference between the two:

Workers’ Comp Attorney Explains How Incidents Differ From Accidents

Incidents

In regard to workers’ comp claims, an incident is an unanticipated event that halts production or inhibits the completion of a work-related task. Incidents typically pose some risk of harm as they have the potential to cause bodily injury or property damage. Even though they are unanticipated, incidents are not necessarily inevitable. In fact, they are almost always preventable. If an employer follows all industry regulations, fosters a safe work environment, and provides essential safety training, incidents should be few and far between.

Accidents

Like incidents, accidents are unanticipated events that are preventable; however, accidents in the workplace refer to scenarios that cause bodily injury or property damage. Accidents are more serious than incidents because they result in actual damages, which can have lasting repercussions for the employer, the employee, and anyone else who may have been involved. If you were hurt in an accident while on the job, a workers’ comp attorney will help you file a claim to pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

Whether you were involved in a workplace incident or an accident, you can turn to Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Serving clients out of their office in Rochester, NY, this firm is proud to represent claimants only, and they have the resources and determination to fight even the largest insurance providers. You can learn more about the firm’s experience resolving workman’s comp claims by visiting their website. To schedule an initial consultation with a workers’ comp attorney, call (585) 232-3240.