The Top 10 Most Common Workplace Injuries and How Workers’ Compensation Can Help
In every workplace, there’s a potential for accidents. Fortunately, we have a system called workers’ comp for moments when our jobs cause injuries. But how does this system work, and what about when things go wrong?
These are the top 10 most common workplace injuries and how workers’ compensation can help, along with what to do if you can’t get the benefits you need.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways can lead to slips, trips, and falls – some of the most prevalent workplace injuries. These incidents can result in sprains, fractures, and other injuries.
Typically, you can pinpoint an exact moment and place for each of these injuries. This may help you get workers’ comp faster and more smoothly than with some other workplace accidents.
2. Muscle Strains and Sprains
Overexertion and lifting heavy objects can lead to muscle strains and sprains, particularly in jobs that involve manual labor. If you face this type of injury, you might be eligible to receive workers’ comp for medical treatment, physical therapy, and temporary disability payments while you recover.
At our Memphis workers’ compensation firm, we’ve seen these injuries lead to further damage over time. For example, we’ve had clients suffer from rotator cuff tears that require minor surgery, and then later those same injuries lead to a full shoulder replacement.
If you’re worried your injury might get worse and workers’ comp won’t cover it, contact us to talk with an attorney.
3. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Jobs that require repetitive motions, like typing, assembly line work, or operating machinery, can cause RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. These injuries can have a terrible impact on your everyday life.
However, under the new workers’ comp law in Tennessee, these cases may be harder to prove than others. You now have to pinpoint a specific moment of injury, instead of just showing damage from ongoing use.
That’s obviously not how the human body works, but it’s the current law in Tennessee. But don’t let that convince you to give up without talking with someone. If you suffer from an RSI at work, we can help you understand your options.
4. Falling Objects
In industries like construction, manufacturing, or warehousing, falling objects pose a significant risk to workers. You could suffer from head injuries, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) as a result of falling tools, equipment, or materials.
These types of injuries can be devastating long-term, and you should make sure your workers’ comp benefits cover the ongoing care you might need. Our firm can help.
5. Vehicle Accidents
If you drive as part of your job duties, vehicle accident injuries may qualify for workers’ comp. This includes truck drivers, delivery personnel, or sales representatives who have to drive from place to place.
Keep in mind that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover injuries from daily commuting accidents. In those situations, regular car insurance would handle the claim.
6. Machine Entanglement
Workers who operate heavy machinery or equipment risk getting caught or entangled in moving parts. This may lead to some of the most severe accidents, like amputations or crush injuries.
Workers’ compensation offers financial assistance and support for ongoing medical care. In the case of these injuries, it may include coverage for prosthetic devices.
7. Exposure to Harmful Substances
Exposure to hazardous substances or chemicals on the job can cause respiratory problems, skin conditions, or occupational illnesses. Employees in industries like construction, manufacturing, or agriculture may face special risk.
However, the same workers’ comp changes in Tennessee that affect RSIs (above) also may affect these injuries. You have to be able to prove a specific moment of injury, which can be extremely hard when the medical problems come from long-term exposure.
If you suffer from an injury like this, our attorneys can help you understand your options.
8. Burns and Electrical Injuries
Burns or electrical injuries happen all too often at work, and construction workers, welders, or food service employees face special risks. But even a comfortable office worker might face electrical injuries, simply from working with large office appliances.
The good news is, you can typically pinpoint the moment a burn injury occurs and determine what caused the accident in the first place. This may help an employee get workers’ comp quickly.
9. Violence in the Workplace
Sadly, workplace violence can occur in just about any setting, including healthcare facilities, retail stores, or office environments.
At its best, workers’ compensation provides benefits to help with physical or psychological injuries due to acts of violence, including coverage for medical treatment and counseling services.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to prove the need for psychological care. If you’ve been injured by workplace violence, you may need an attorney to help with your workers’ comp claim.
10. Falls from Heights
Falls from heights can result in serious injuries, like fractures, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities. Employees who work at elevated heights are at special risk of falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms. This might include construction workers, roofers, or maintenance personnel.
Bear in mind that in many of these industries, workers function as independent contractors. Independent contractors have to cover their own medical expenses, as workers’ comp only includes a company’s employees.
If you have questions about your workers’ comp coverage, you can contact our attorneys to discuss your situation.
Legal Help to Get Workers’ Comp for Your Injury
We depend on the system of workers’ comp for when people get injured on the job. But there are so many questions surrounding whether a person can get these benefits.
For example, what if you aren’t a full-time employee? What if it isn’t clear whether the injury happened during work?
And most commonly, what happens when the insurance companies simply refuse to pay?
Our Memphis workers’ comp attorneys can help you with all of these questions and more. Not only can we investigate your claim and help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need, but we can help you problem-solve if you don’t qualify for these benefits.
That’s because we also specialize in SSDI and personal injury law. We can look at every angle of your claim, figure out who is responsible for your injuries, and help you get the benefits that best suit your situation. And we don’t get paid unless we win.
Our award-winning team has helped thousands of people get help when they need it most. And we can help you, too.
We offer a free consultation to get started, no strings attached. Just call us today at 901-327-2100 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at no charge.