If you have been injured while at work, you likely already know that workers' compensation insurance, provide by your employer, covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. However, if your injury is related to certain specific circumstances, you may be able to file suit and collect substantially more money than workers' compensation can provide.

The missing benefit in workers' compensation payments is a provision for pain and suffering. Many times you can be left with an injury that requires more; such as a lifetime of care and compensation. Additionally, workers' compensation has no provision in place for ensuring that the same work-related injury doesn't hurt others. Taking further legal action, such as filing suit or joining or starting a class action lawsuit may be necessary to promote a permanent improvement in working conditions. Read on for 3 specific work-related situations that may lead to a lawsuit, and greater compensation for you.

1.  Toxic Substance Exposure

You may be at risk of developing severe and debilitating conditions as a result of exposure to certain toxic substances. If your day-to-day work puts you in contact with harmful chemicals like radium, arsenic, benzine, and asbestos, you could be harming your health in many ways, sometimes with no evidence of exposure or symptoms. Many cases of toxic exposure take years to come to light. You may be surprised to learn that even though asbestos is still widely used in the United States, the courts have ordered some 30 billion dollars to be set aside for compensation for it's victims. No matter how long ago you were exposed to a toxic substance, you may still be able to file suit against your employer for toxic exposure.

2.  Defective Products

Malfunctioning products and machinery in your workplace can pose a risk of injury or even death. If you are the victim of a bad product, you may be entitled to compensation from not only your employer, but the faulty product's manufacturer as well. Additionally, ensure that you notify OSHA about the existence of a potentially unsafe piece of equipment or product at your workplace.

3.  Employer Negligence

Being directed by an employer to perform work that is known to be unsafe could entitle you to compensation. For example, your supervisor directs you to work in a room where harmful mold exists, a condition which was well-known by your employer.

These types of injuries are not as rare as one might hope, so if you feel that your employer has not done enough to protect you from workplace injuries or illnesses, contact an attorney immediately. For more information, contact Denali Law Group or a similar firm.