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Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen in a variety of ways. If you’re not sure whether your injury is considered eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, it can help to learn about some of the most common workplace injuries and compare your situation. Many injuries may seem like they are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but they may be in reality. Finding out what injuries are commonly considered eligible is a good place to start if you’ve been hurt at work.
Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Overexertion: Injuries related to pulling, lifting, pushing, throwing, holding, and carrying. Overexertion is considered to be one of the most common injuries that happens at the workplace.
- Slip and fall: This refers to slips on wet and slippery floors, or falls caused by an uneven floor surface. It can also include slips on snow/uncleared walkways during the winter.
- Fall to lower level: Falling off ladders, down stairs, off roofs, etc.
- Struck by object: Injury caused by falling objects or objects dropped by another person.
- Struck against an object: Injuries when a person accidentally turns into objects such as walls, doors, windows, etc.
- Traffic incidents: Crashes or other accidents while using company vehicles.
- Caught in/compressed by: These injuries typically happen in factories and involve heavy machinery.
- Repetitive motion: A workplace injury that is less obvious, but still harmful. Injuries may include repetitive motion stress from typing, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscles and tendons causing back injury, and more.
- Workplace assaults: when one or more workers are assaulted in the workplace.
Important Things to Know About Workers’ Compensation Cases
A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim, but there are some things you need to be aware of. For instance, you’ll want to know what the statute of limitations is to file a claim and collect benefits, what paperwork you need to keep (medical records, incident reports, etc.), and what type of compensation you should work toward receiving (compensation for permanent injury, lost wages, medical reimbursement, etc.).
If you’re unsure of any of the timeline requirements or what you can expect from filing a claim, a work injury lawyer can easily explain the process.
The Process of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a compensation claim can seem like a complicated process, which is why it’s important to have a work injury attorney assist you.
The first step is, of course, reporting the accident to your employer. The injury typically must be reported within seven days. If seeking medical treatment, be sure to inform the medical provider that the injury is work-related, as you may need to see the employer’s designated medical facility or physicians.
Next, the insurance will open a claim for benefits when they have received reports from the employer or the doctor. If the claim is compensable, the insurance company will contact the injured party and the employer to determine the rate of pay that injured person will receive while he or she is out of work. If the claim is denied, the injured worker has the right to apply for a hearing to dispute that ruling.
About Vasilatos Injury Law
Vasilatos Injury Law serves Chicago Heights, the Chicago Metropolitan area, and clients all over Illinois, and we’re dedicated to providing the quality legal representation you need. Our concentrations are workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability. We provide home, hospital, and phone consultations, and we also offer flexible scheduling. We’re easily accessible by public transportation, and if you can’t make it to us, we can come to you.
When you need help with a work injury in the 60411 or 60412 areas, you can trust the workers’ compensation attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law to provide you with the guidance and assistance you deserve.
