It doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in or what your job may be in that area of expertise – accidents leading to injuries can happen quickly and unexpectedly. This is where worker’s compensation steps in. Worker’s comp injuries occur regularly, but hopefully, your company is doing what it can to keep you safe.
Maybe you’ve used worker’s compensation before, or perhaps you’ve only heard of it. Either way, it’s essential to know what kinds of injuries it covers. What can be claimed under worker’s comp benefits may be surprising to you. Let’s look at some of the most common workers’ comp injuries claimed each year.
Automobile Crash
The most expensive lost-time workers’ comp claims are from auto accidents, averaging about $82,000 per claim in 2018 and 2019! A delivery truck driver, home health nurse, taxi driver, or bus driver are all examples of people that may claim an auto accident as workers’ comp during their career. These accidents can happen just about anywhere and can be claimed under workers’ comp as long as it can be proven the driver was “working” when the accident occurred.
Repetitive Motion or Overuse
There are all kinds of jobs that utilize repetitive motions throughout the day. For example, anyone from warehouse workers to data entry staff all use repetitive motions and overuse certain parts of the body, be it the back, legs, arms, or fingers.
The pain that can come from moving the same parts of the body over and over again can be extreme. In some cases, it can become debilitating. Therefore, employers should be doing what they can to minimize overuse and repetitive motions for their workers. Things like changing stations so that the same job isn’t done the entire day or taking regular breaks to stretch and rest are essential aspects of keeping your body feeling good.
Falls
Whether slipping on a wet floor or falling from tall equipment, falls in general are a significant factor in many workers’ comp claims. Things like broken bones, hurt backs, and more can be the result of a fall. In addition, depending on the fall, lifelong disabilities can be the result, and many people cannot go back to their previous jobs. Because of this, slips and falls come in second behind motor vehicle accidents in workers’ compensation claim costs.
Crushed Hands or Limbs
When workers deal with heavy machinery and equipment each day on the job, there are potentially severe accidents just waiting to happen. All it takes is for something like the sleeve of your jacket to be caught on a machine for your arm to be crushed by its weight. Even something like not paying attention as you walk by moving equipment and being hit or electrocuted as a result is a risk you want to steer clear of.
Hearing Loss
Some people work in a very noisy setting each day. Although there are probably things provided to help keep the sound from damaging employees’ hearing (ear covers or earplugs), the damage can be irreparable over time.
The good news is workers’ comp will usually cover hearing loss unless other lifestyle choices are proven to be the reason for the hearing damage.
Stress
Luckily, the medical field and public overall recognize mental health as a vital part of your overall wellbeing. Many illnesses are being recognized as a result of being too stressed for too long. Whether you will be able to collect workers’ comp for emotional stress resulting in illness will depend on where you live and the laws in that state.
However, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be covered regardless of where you live. It requires that your PTSD was caused by a sudden traumatic event at work, like being robbed at gunpoint while working as a cashier at a grocery store, etc.
Other Injuries
There are endless ways that you can be hurt on the job. Although we’ve discussed some of the most common injuries, others may include:
- Workplace violence
- Knee injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Amputations
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Lung disease
We’ve only been able to touch on a few ways people are injured at work or while “on the clock,” but if you think your injury illness is a result of an accident or lack of safety efforts on the part of your employer, don’t hesitate to talk to an attorney. The team at Wormington & Bollinger can help clear up any confusion or answer any questions you may have about your workers’ comp injuries.
As a result of your injuries, you may be out of work for a short time or the foreseeable future. Therefore, you will need to put all your focus and effort into healing and recovering so that you are back on your feet as soon as possible.
Not Just Accidents
Remember, workers’ compensation doesn’t just cover injuries resulting from accidents. Occupational illnesses are also included in this coverage. Therefore, being exposed to harmful substances like toxins or other unhealthy things like coal dust (resulting in black lung disease), COVID, and much more are not okay, and you should be compensated.
Workers’ Comp Injuries Legal Assistance
You need to know that workers’ comp will work hard to pay out as little as it can for injuries. However, it can get tricky answering all their questions, and it’s easy to get hung up on some of the questions and unknowingly talk yourself out of a lot of money that could have provided you much-needed financial assistance for treatments.
Wormington & Bollinger has experience with workers’ comp injuries and working through the process the way it needs to be done. They will be the legal team you can trust to work on your behalf, getting you the money you deserve for doctor’s appointments, diagnostic testing, and corresponding treatment for your workers’ comp injuries. Plus, your attorney can help you file a claim for the hardships you’ve incurred emotionally from your injuries. So don’t journey through this process on your own. Call Wormington & Bollinger today for more information.