Top Five Workers’ Compensation Injuries And Common Causes

Workers’ compensation benefits help to protect employees against injuries that happen on the job. They do this by providing reimbursement for lost wages and offsetting the high costs of medical care. They also provide additional amounts in the event your injuries prevent you from returning to the workplace or performing certain tasks on your job. Job-related accidents can happen to anyone and in any field. The following details the top five workers’ compensation injuries and common causes.

Immediately Report Your Injuries

While some jobs and worksites are inherently more dangerous than others, on-the-job accidents can happen in any occupation. Anytime you suffer an injury either at work or while performing job-related duties, it’s important to notify your employer immediately and seek medical care as soon as possible. Not doing so could impact your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Injuries That Can Happen On The Job

According to the Insurance Journal, millions of workers end up having to file for workers’ compensation each year. The most common injuries listed on claims include:

• Strains and sprains: These can impact muscles, tendons, or ligaments, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. They can take long months to heal and are susceptible to re-injury, which can result in permanent disabilities.

• Cuts and puncture wounds: While these may seem like relatively minor injuries, they can result in major harm. Deep cuts can end up slicing through soft tissues or resulting in amputations. They can also cause potentially life-threatening infections.

• Contusions: These commonly appear as bruises and result from ruptured blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. These can cause lasting damage to nerves and underlying tissues. Depending on the part of the body affected, they can also cause permanent impairments.

• Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation can result from a variety of work-related activities. Unfortunately, it can have widespread effects throughout the body, resulting in chronic pain and serious health conditions.

• Fractures: Bone fractures are one of the most common types of on-the-job injuries. Depending on the type of break, they can be difficult to fix. If not properly cared for, they can result in long-term disabilities.

Common Causes of On-The-Job Injuries

The Employment Health Safety (EHS) Advisor warns that failure to properly train workers, address maintenance issues, or provide proper safety equipment are frequent factors that put employees at risk. Among the most common causes cited in workers’ compensation claims include:

● Being struck by or against objects

● Exposure to hazardous substances

● Exposure to live wiring and electrical currents

● Getting caught in or against machines

● Motorized vehicle accidents

● Overuse and repetitive stress

● Slips, trips, and falls

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

These are the top five workers’ compensation injuries and common causes. When on-the-job injuries occur due to the above or other causes, the Surasky Law Firm helps you get the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. To discuss your case and your rights in filing a claim, contact our Aiken workers’ compensation attorney online and request a consultation today.