Kentucky Workplace Injury Lawyers

Serving Paducah, Murray, and Western Kentucky

A workplace injury can interrupt your life, damage your health, and place unexpected financial pressure on your family. Medical care, lost income, and uncertainty about your future can make the situation even more stressful. The Kentucky workplace injury lawyers at Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC represent injured workers throughout Paducah, Murray, and Western Kentucky. Our attorneys help workers pursue compensation through both workers’ compensation claims and third party personal injury claims when someone other than the employer caused the injury.

We understand how Kentucky’s workplace injury laws apply and how to protect your rights from the beginning of your claim until it is resolved.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries occur in many environments, not only in industrial settings. Our firm represents workers hurt in accidents involving:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falling objects or collapsing structures
• Unsafe machinery or equipment
• Forklift or heavy equipment incidents
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Vehicle accidents during work duties
• Construction site accidents
• Inadequate safety training or supervision

Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to significant injuries that require medical treatment, time away from work, and long term recovery. Injured workers should seek medical care promptly and report the injury to their employer as soon as possible.

Liability for Workplace Injuries in Kentucky

Most workplace injuries fall under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation system, governed by KRS Chapter 342. Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, workers’ compensation does not cover all possible damages and does not provide compensation for pain and suffering.

In some situations, an injured worker may also have a third party personal injury claim. Third party liability may apply when someone other than the employer is responsible for the accident. Examples include:

• Negligence by a subcontractor or another company on a job site
• Drivers who cause vehicle collisions while the worker is performing job duties
• Manufacturers of defective machinery, tools, or safety equipment
• Property owners who fail to keep a safe environment

A third party claim can allow injured workers to recover additional damages that are not available under workers’ compensation alone. Our attorneys evaluate each case to determine whether a workers’ compensation claim, a third party claim, or both may apply.

Compensation Available for Workplace Injuries

Compensation depends on whether the injured worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits only or also for a third party personal injury claim.

Workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical treatment related to the work injury
• Temporary total disability benefits if you cannot work
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Mileage reimbursement for medical travel
• Vocational rehabilitation in some cases

A third party personal injury claim may allow additional compensation, such as:

• Full lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Medical bills not covered by workers’ compensation

Our attorneys may work with medical experts, economists, and investigators to accurately determine the total value of your case.

Death Benefits for Surviving Family Members

Tragically, some workplace injuries result in an employee’s death. Kentucky workers’ compensation law recognizes the devastating impact on families and provides important protections:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses: A lump-sum payment is made to the employee’s estate to cover funeral and burial costs. This amount is adjusted annually.
• Income Benefits for Spouse: The surviving spouse receives ongoing income benefits based on the employee’s average weekly wage at the time of injury.
• Benefits for Dependent Children: Dependent children receive income benefits until age 18, or until age 23 if enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university.
• No-Fault Protection: These death benefits are paid regardless of who caused the accident, providing immediate financial support to grieving families.
• Third-Party Claims: If someone other than the employer caused the fatal injury, the family may also pursue a wrongful death claim against that third party for additional damages.

Our firm helps families navigate the workers’ compensation process during these difficult times and ensures they receive all benefits to which they are entitled.

How Saladino & Schaaf Can Help

Handling a workplace injury claim can be confusing, especially when multiple parties or insurance companies are involved. When you choose Saladino & Schaaf, we guide you through the entire process and protect your rights at every stage.

We can investigate how the injury occurred, gather medical records and supporting evidence, communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, and determine whether a third party claim may be appropriate in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for the full compensation you deserve.

Why Injured Workers Across Western Kentucky Choose Saladino & Schaaf

• More than 40 years of experience representing injured workers and accident victims
• Local law firm with offices in Paducah and Murray
• Strong results in settlements and trial verdicts
• Direct access to experienced attorneys throughout your case
• No fees unless we recover compensation for you

The attorneys at Saladino & Schaaf are active members of the Kentucky Bar Association, the McCracken County Bar Association and the Kentucky Justice Association. We have built our reputation on trust, compassion, and results, proudly serving Western Kentucky families for more than 40 years.

Contact Our Kentucky Workplace Injury Lawyers

If you have been injured on the job, you do not have to handle the process alone. The attorneys at Saladino & Schaaf can help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve.

Call (270) 444-0406 or contact us online for a free consultation. We represent clients in Paducah, Murray, and communities throughout Western Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Injuries in Kentucky

What should I do immediately after a workplace injury?

Seek medical attention and notify your employer as soon as possible. Reporting the injury quickly helps protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

Do I need to prove fault to receive workers’ compensation?

No. workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident, as long as the injury occurred within the course of employment.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

Kentucky law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for filing legitimate injury claims.

Can I pursue a personal injury lawsuit for a workplace accident?

Yes, but only if someone other than your employer caused your injury. These are known as third party claims and may allow additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation.

What if my employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?

You still have rights. Our attorneys can help appeal the denial and gather the evidence needed to support your claim.

How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim?

Kentucky law sets deadlines for both workers’ compensation and third party claims. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

How much does it cost to hire a workplace injury lawyer?

Our firm handles workplace injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Our Attorneys

Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC is dedicated to providing high quality, aggressive legal representation to victims of personal injury and wrongful death. Since 1984, this firm and its predecessors have had one goal in mind – to help the victims of personal injury put the pieces of their lives back together.