Employers are required to maintain safe working conditions, but the possibility of workplace accidents can’t be eliminated altogether. Accidents can occur in any setting, from construction sites to office spaces. While some injuries result in minor discomfort, others can lead to long-term disabilities and financial loss.
Understanding the types of injuries that can occur at a workplace can prepare you for unexpected situations. When an injury occurs, hiring a workplace injury lawyer is even more critical.
Keep reading to learn the seven most common workplace injuries and how a workplace injury lawyer can ensure fair compensation and peace of mind.
Common Workplace Injuries
In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 5,000 fatal and 2.6 million non-fatal work injuries. Common examples include:
- Slips and Falls
From construction sites to office spaces, slips and falls can occur anywhere. Wet floors, cluttered workspaces, scattered cords, and inadequate lighting are among the common reasons. Even minor falls can lead to severe injuries, such as broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
- Vehicle Accidents
People who drive or spend their day around moving vehicles as part of their jobs are exposed to greater danger. Workers can get hit by a tractor at a construction site or collide with a forklift at a warehouse. Getting injured in a car crash while driving a company vehicle also falls under workplace injury.
- Inhalation Hazards
If you’re exposed to fumes, dust, and other hazardous substances, the chances of chemical inhalation significantly increase. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe health effects, including skin irritation, burns, and respiratory problems. Inadequate air filtration systems and ventilation mechanisms are leading causes of inhalation hazards.
- Struck-by Objects
Getting struck by a moving or falling object can lead to cuts, lacerations, internal organ injuries, and even brain damage. At manufacturing and construction sites, machinery malfunctions causing debris to fly and swinging objects, such as crane loads, are common reasons for workplace injury.
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
As the name indicates, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by the overuse of a particular body part. If you’re sitting or standing in a fixed posture for extended hours or overusing muscles, you might suffer from RSI. Workers in a manufacturing factory, who perform repetitive tasks, are more likely to get RSI.
- Hearing Loss
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 22 million workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels in the United States. Given such trends, occupation noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) has become a common work-related illness. Employers neglect implementing sound-dampening systems and fail to provide personal protective equipment, such as earmuffs, leading to partial or permanent hearing loss in employees.
- Electrocution
Electric injuries, such as shocks and burns, are more common than you’d think. They occur when a worker comes in contact with a live wire and faulty equipment. Electrocution can have numerous harmful effects on the body, including painful muscle spasms, nervous system damage, and heart issues.
Why Hire a Workplace Injury Lawyer
If you’ve suffered from any of the above-mentioned workplace injuries, hiring a workplace injury lawyer should be your priority. Here’s how an attorney can strengthen your case and help you get fair compensation:
- They Will Provide Expert Guidance
As a layman, learning the dos and don’ts of a civil litigation case can be challenging. Work injury lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience, allowing them to handle complicated situations.
A personal injury lawyer will assess the full extent of damage, incorporating medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. They will thoroughly review your case and suggest the best course of action, be it a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit.
- They Will Ensure Correct and Timely Filing
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, employees who are injured at work are eligible for workers’ compensation. However, keeping up with the timeline and requirements of filing the claim can be exhausting.
A competent legal firm, such as Work Injury Advisor, will take care of everything. From gathering incident photos to interviewing witnesses, an attorney will ensure correct and timely filing, making your case bulletproof.
- They Will Negotiate with Insurance Companies
In most cases, the employer and the business’s insurance company try to deny or undervalue a liability claim. They might try to prove that the injury didn’t happen at work or is not as severe as claimed. In such situations, having legal support can make a world of difference.
Workplace injury lawyers know all the techniques of insurance companies. With excellent negotiating skills, they will advocate for a settlement that truly reflects the damages you suffered. In many cases, judges and insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when a lawyer is representing you.
- They Have Extensive Resources
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is not enough. You might need external support or evidence to gain fair compensation. A workplace injury lawyer has connections with industry experts.
They can call a medical professional to explain the extent of your injuries and testify on your behalf. In addition, workplace attorneys have investigators on payroll, which can gather crucial evidence and depict how the accident occurred.
A workplace injury lawyer will take all the right steps to add legitimacy and credibility to your case.
- They will Represent You in Court
In case of a denied workers’ compensation appeal, your workplace injury lawyer can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf. They will gather necessary documents, present witnesses, and argue on your behalf.
Civil lawsuits can take months and even years to resolve when you don’t have legal representation. A workplace injury lawyer will expedite the procedure, saving you from further stress.
- They Ensure Peace of Mind
Workplace injuries are physically and emotionally stressful. On top of recovering from a medical injury, you also have to deal with lost wages. In such a situation, understanding legal jargon and negotiating with insurance adjusters can be the final blow.
Workplace injury lawyers handle all the complex procedures, allowing you and your family to heal from a traumatic event.
Final Thoughts
A workplace injury isn’t the end of your professional life. It is a roadblock that can be overcome with financial compensation and emotional support. Seek professional help to resume your career and fulfill personal responsibilities.