Workplace injuries are common in every business or industry. Any kind of accident right from a fall to an equipment-related accident can result in serious injuries leaving the worker in need of compensation benefits.
Types of Workplace Injuries
Workplace accidents can result in either minor injuries or major life-altering disabilities. According to this information from the injury lawyers at Riddle and Brantley, some of the most common types of injuries are:
Crushing Injuries: If a heavy machinery or object has fallen on a worker, it may result in a crushing injury like severe nerve or muscle damage, fractures, broken bones, and trauma.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: These include stiffness or soreness in neck, shoulder, back, hips, knees, joints, arthritis, strains, and inflammation caused by the work environments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Typing on a keyboard for long hours can result in carpal tunnel syndrome that contributes to numbness, feeling of tingle, weakness, and muscle damage in hands and fingers.
Loss of Vision and Hearing: Workplace environments may also contribute to the loss of vision or hearing.
Major Burns: Workplace hazards may result in fire, electric current, explosion, or chemical radiation that can cause major burn injuries.
Fatalities: Workplace accidents such as fall from a height, vehicle crashes, and similar other situations may also result in wrongful death.
How Can You Receive Compensation for A Workplace Injury?
Workplace injuries could result in a longer duration of recovery, huge economic losses due to medical bills, and loss of wages. If you are an injured employee, you may be eligible to receive benefits through the worker’s compensation insurance. These benefits are meant to cover medical expenses and a part of your lost salary. If you are a family member of a person deceased in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to receive benefits for their lost income.
It is important to note that simply because you are entitled to these benefits does not mean that you will automatically receive them. Additionally, the employer may dispute or deny your claim based on the factors that contributed to the accident. Hence, if you or your loved one have been involved in a workplace accident, it is imperative to hire a personal injury lawyer who will help appeal for your workers compensation claim.
List of Occupations That Have A Higher Risk of Workplace Injuries
Some occupations have a higher risk of workplace injuries due to their specific work environment. These include:
Construction: Construction workers typically handle heavy machinery and equipment, high power tools, open electrical connections, heat, and dangerous chemicals making them more likely to suffer workplace accidents.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing workers work in plants that are often unclean, and noisy due to non-stop running of the machinery. Based on the manufacturing industry, these workers face the danger of being injured by the machines or being exposed to toxic chemicals and radiation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: If driving or riding a vehicle is a part of a worker’s job they could be involved in an accident and suffer injuries.
State and Municipal Work: Government workers, Emergency responders, utility workers and law enforcement personnel are exposed to dangerous situations and may experience violence while at work.
If you are looking to claim compensation for your workplace injuries, you can hire an experienced personal injury attorney who will review your case, safeguard your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.