Top Injuries That Result in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation was created to protect those who are injured while on the job. Under the laws, if you sustain a work-related injury, you will receive compensation for that injury and even compensation for a portion of your lost wages so that you can recover. There are hundreds of workers’ compensation claims filed each year around the country and there are certain types of injuries that are more common than others.
It is important to realize that no matter the cause or type of injury you suffer at work, if you do have a work related injury, you should speak with an attorney regarding your claim. An attorney will assist you with exercising your rights to compensation and can even help protect your job.
What Injuries are the Most common for Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Accidents do and will happen on the job, but some accidents are more commonly seen with workers’ compensation claims, including:
- Overexertion – This happens when an employee lifts, pulls, pushes or throws something that results in injury. A muscle can be strained and forced to move beyond its typical range of motion. This is more commonly seen in jobs requiring manual labor, but it can occur even during office work.
- Slip and Fall – Slips, trips and falls can occur on wet floors and surfaces at work. Most of these are related to falls outside, but they can also occur when an employee trips over objects left in the middle of the hallway.
- Falling to Lower Levels – This is more commonly seen in roofing and construction work, but still can occur when an employee is doing ladder work. It involves falling from a height onto a lower surface.
- Bodily Reaction Injuries – These occur typically in slips and falls and the person will try to avoid falling. Their bodily reaction results in a sprained ankle or broken wrist as they try to stop the fall.
- Car Accidents – There are numerous jobs that require their employees to travel. While a car accident during your commute is not always considered “work related” it can be if you are driving a company vehicle or considered on the clock at the time you were driving. Also, if you are running work related errands at the time of a vehicle accident you will have a valid workers’ compensation claim.
- Repetitive Motion – When a person is forced to repeat the same motion over and over, they can strain the muscles and tendons in their body and lead to repetitive motion injuries. These often require surgery and physical therapy for recovery. The most common type of repetitive motion injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Machinery Accidents – This typically occurs for employees that are around heavy machinery – such as those in construction. Injuries can include crushing, mutilation, loss of limbs, and even death.
Contact a Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have suffered a work-related injury, contact a workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC. We can assist you with your workers’ compensation claim and ensure you get the benefits that you are entitled to. Start by meeting with one of our attorneys as soon as possible after your injury and letting us assess your case. We can help you file the necessary paperwork, but also remain in compliance so you are never without the benefits you deserve. Call us at 636-519-0085 or fill out an online contact form with your questions.
