Find out what steps to take after your work injury at Raytheon
Headquartered in Massachusetts, Raytheon is a multinational aerospace and defense manufacturer that employs approximately 195,000 employees worldwide. In 2019, the major equipment supplier employed approximately 19,000 Arizonans from locations in Tucson and Sierra Vista.
No one wants to think about getting injured at work. And while Raytheon goes to great lengths to maintain its positive safety record, accidents do still happen. Employees who work for the aerospace and defense supplier sometimes sustain injuries and when that happens, they need a trained workers’ compensation attorney on their side.
Workplace accidents in model workplaces
Even with companies that have gained government recognition as “model workplaces” for safety, accidents may still happen. In fact, workplaces that receive these model workplace designation often receive an ongoing exemption from regular safety checks, resulting in less incentive for the company to maintain workplace safety on an ongoing basis. In cases where an injury occurs in the workplace, the government typically doesn’t revoke the safety check exemption.
Despite its distinction as a model workplace, Raytheon’s employees at various plants work in a setting that frequently exposes workers to electrical hazards which could lead to shocks, burns and even death. A report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates more than 80 workers have died in Voluntary Protection Program work settings since 2000.
Raytheon offers its Integrated Disability Program to employees who sustain workplace injuries. Under this program, employees may receive compensation if the company’s insurer denies the employee’s workers’ comp claim or if there is a delay. Through this in-house program, Raytheon provides injured workers with a more personalized experience.
However, workers may still require more compensation than the company’s disability program offers. Therefore, it’s best to consult an attorney prior to signing documentation or otherwise agreeing to a settlement or compensation plan.
Types of workplace accidents in manufacturing settings
People who get hurt or become ill while working for manufacturing companies like Raytheon report a variety of injuries. In some cases, workplace hazards like faulty machinery or inadequately-maintained conditions such as wet floors or improperly-placed storage items create unsafe conditions for employees.
Other workers report injuries caused by repetitive movements like constant lifting, reaching, bending, squatting or even seemingly safe movements like typing. Working in close proximity to electricity, chemicals and heavy machinery can also create potential hazards in the workplace.
Manufacturing workers who work long hours may experience overexertion if their employer does not allow them enough time to rest in between shifts. Machine-related accidents may cause injuries ranging from minor lacerations to amputation.
Exposure to harmful chemicals may cause chemical burns, respiratory distress or diseases like cancer. Falling objects can cause head injuries and bruises if the object strikes a worker. Back and wrist injuries and death may also result.
Injured workers’ rights in Arizona
Arizona workers who sustain a job-related injury have rights under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ compensation provides income to injured workers for lost wages (if the worker requires time away from work). However, you may be surprised to learn that workers’ compensation places limits on the total amount of benefits you may receive.
Workers who are unable to work at all due to a workplace injury receive total disability benefits, which equals two-thirds of the worker’s average monthly wage prior to the injury. Those who are still able to work after the injury, but who are unable to earn as much income as they did before, may receive partial disability benefits. This equals two-thirds of the difference between the worker’s monthly wage before the injury and the worker’s reduced monthly wage after the injury.
Injured workers also receive compensation for medical expenses.
Questions and answers about compensation for a job-related accident, injury or illness in Arizona
Contact an Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer
Most injured workers in Arizona are entitled to receive legal remedies through workers’ compensation, and Raytheon employees also have access to company-specific programs employers like the Integrated Disability Program. To fully examine all of your legal options, injured workers should contact an experienced Arizona workers’ compensation attorney.
At the Law Offices of Robert E. Wisniewski, our lawyers will help you understand key similarities and differences between workers’ comp benefits and employer-sponsored programs. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions that are in your best interests.
If you are injured on the job, your first step toward filing a claim is to immediately notify your employer of the injury. Your next step should be to contact a reliable, experienced Arizona workers’ compensation lawyer. We will advise you and advocate on your behalf, defending you against the highly-trained attorneys whose main objective is to minimize costs for their corporate clients. You can count on us to be your voice and to fight for the compensation you deserve.
