Common Examples of Workers Compensation Claims

Work accidents can happen to any worker, even if the employee is especially careful and takes all the precautions to avoid incidents. In fact, each year, there are more than 2.5 million non-fatal workplace accidents. The following are some common examples of workers’ compensation claims. For more detailed information or if you have been injured on the job, a workers’ compensation attorney can explain all of your legal options. Common examples of workers compensation claims include:

• Slip, Trips, and Falls: Slip, trips, and falls are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. These usually occur because of some type of wetness on a floor, such as from a spilled drink or other liquid that did not get cleaned up. These accidents can also happen because of uncovered wires, loose stairways, or frayed carpet edges.

• Overexertion: When someone engages in more activity than their body can physically handle, this can cause a serious job injury. These accidents can happen if a worker lifts an object that weighs too much or exerts any kind of physical force that goes beyond what the body is typically used to. These accidents are common in construction jobs, industrial jobs, or any other occupation that requires physical labor.

• Struck by an Object: Another common job injury is when a worker is struck by an object. These accidents can happen if another worker drops an object on the victim, the victim is forced into a stationary object, or an object falls off a shelf.

• Machinery: Workers who use heavy machinery are at high risk of crush or mutilation accidents. These types of accidents usually occur at construction sites and industrial companies. Unfortunately, many of these accidents result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

• Exposure to Toxic Substances: There is a myriad of toxic chemicals that workers are exposed to every day and tragically, an accident that exposes workers to these chemicals can be deadly. Injuries suffered in these incidents include burns and rashes. Long-term exposure can cause neurological injuries and terminal illnesses.

• Electrocution: If a worker suffers a high voltage electric shock, in addition to severe burns, they can also suffer brain injury, cardiac arrest, nerve damage, and organ damage. The occupations that are most at risk for these types of accidents include electricians, utility workers, construction workers, and arborists.

• Transportation Accidents: Any worker whose job involves traveling on the road is at risk of transportation accidents. While most people think of truck drivers in this category, there are many workers who suffer on-the-job injuries in transportation accidents, including emergency responders, postal workers, delivery drivers, and sales representatives.

• Workplace Violence: While many people may not even think about workplace violence when discussing workers’ compensation claims, national data reveals that almost two million workers are victims of workplace violence each year. These incidents can happen in any type of profession or occupation.

For more information, contact us today at the Saavedra Law Firm, PLC.