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Types of Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, and can change your life. If you’re not sure if your injury will qualify for benefits, though, a good place to start is learning what some of the most common workplace injuries are and comparing your situation.
Many injuries may seem like they won’t be eligible for workers’ compensation, when in reality, they are. Finding out about the most commonly occurring injuries are can help you decide what to do next.
Some of the more frequent injuries at work include:
- Overexertion: Injuries related to pulling, pushing, holding, throwing, lifting, or carrying. This is considered one of the most common injuries.
- Slips and falls: This refers to slipping on wet or slippery floors, or falling on an uneven floor surfaces. It can also include falling during winter on uncleared walkways.
- Caught in/compressed by: Injuries typically taking place in factories or involving heavy machinery.
- Fall to lower level: Falling off of a ladder, down stairs, off a roof, etc.
- Struck by object: Injuries caused by falling objects or objects dropped by another person.
- Struck against an object: Injuries involving an object such as a wall, door, window.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries from crashes or other accidents while using company vehicles.
- Workplace assaults: When one or more workers are assaulted in the workplace.
- Repetitive motion: Injuries such as back injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, which are caused by performing the same motion over and over.
Important Things to Know About Workers Compensation Cases
A workers compensation attorney will be able to help you work through the process of filing a claim, but there are some things you need to know on your own and be aware of. For instance, you’ll want to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim and collecting benefits, what paperwork you will need to keep on hand (medical records, incident reports, etc.) and what sort of compensation you are looking to receive. Types of compensation include payment for permanent injury, lost wages, medical bill reimbursement, and more. If you’re not sure of the timeline requirements or these other details, a work injury attorney will be able to explain the ins and outs of them.
The Process of Filing a Claim
Filing a workers compensation claim can seem complicated, but having legal representation on your side can make it easier.
The first step is reporting the incident to your employer. The injury typically must be reported within seven days of occurring. When seeking medical treatment for it, be sure to let the medical professionals know that the injury is work-related, as your employer may require you to visit certain doctors or clinics.
After this, the insurance carrier will open a claim for benefits. They’ll do this after receiving reports from the employer or the doctor, and if the claim is found to be compensable, they insurance carrier will contact the injured party and the employer to discuss the rate of pay that the injured person will receive while they’re out of work.
However, if the claim is denied, the injured worker will have the option to appeal that decision.
