In 1894, Congress established Labor Day as a national celebration of the workers who keep our society running. However, workers remain some of the most frequently harmed members of society due to work-related accidents, which are unfortunately common. Despite the progress made through various regulations and safety standards, many workers continue to be injured or harmed on the job. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nearly 2.8 million workplace-related injuries occurred in a single year (source).
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to help protect employees from sudden income loss while they recover from injuries. Most states in the U.S. have workers’ compensation regulations, although the level of protection can vary significantly between states. Some states interpret their workers’ compensation laws so broadly that even injuries sustained during events like company kickball games are covered (source).
In addition to state protections, some cities, like New York City, have special laws in place. For example, New York’s “Labor Law” enforces strict liability standards, placing the responsibility for safety on building owners, general contractors, or their agents. This law helps shift the burden of safety from workers—who are often in vulnerable positions—to those in control of the worksite (source).
For workers who are not protected by such laws, there are other avenues for justice, whether their injuries are physical or involve issues like unpaid wages or wrongful termination. Many unions, such as those affiliated with the AFL-CIO, provide access to legal services. The AFL-CIO, the largest network of unions in the U.S., partners with over 2,000 law firms nationwide to assist its members. This legal aid can be a lifeline for workers unable to afford representation, especially when suing their own employers (source).
Despite these systems of protection, many American workers face significant challenges when pursuing justice. Some employees fail to report their injuries, fearing retaliation or potential job loss. This leads many to bear the cost of their medical treatments themselves. Additionally, as union membership continues to decline in the private sector, fewer workers have access to union-sponsored legal services or protections (source). Private companies, for the most part, do not offer legal assistance to injured employees.
At Justice Bolt, we believe in empowering workers through plaintiff financing, ensuring that those who are injured have access to justice. But while legal funding can help, it’s only one piece of the solution. Workers’ compensation laws, union legal aid, and business-sponsored support are essential tools, but more must be done. Both the free market and our elected officials need to do more to ensure that justice is swift. As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.
