Recognizing the most common workplace injuries can be the first step toward finding an experienced worker’s compensation attorney and receiving the disability benefits you deserve.
Many workplace injuries go unaddressed because workers believe they only deserve disability benefits if they visit a hospital for treatment. However, if you experience repetitive strains or other workplace injuries that affect your ability to do your job without discomfort, should speak with a Kentucky worker’s compensation attorney about disability benefits. The following information will help you determine whether you have suffered a common worker’s compensation injury.
Common Worker’s Compensation Injuries
According to a review of 1.5 million claims conducted by The Travelers Companies, five injuries contributed to 71% of all worker’s compensation cases between 2010 and 2014. These injuries include:
- Strains and sprains (30%)
- Cuts or punctures (19%)
- Contusions (12%)
- Inflammation (5%)
- Fractures (5%)
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Common worker’s compensation injuries can often be linked to a handful of particular workplace hazards. Be aware of the following risks to avoid injury or explain how you became injured when speaking with a Kentucky worker’s compensation attorney:
- Material Handling: Material handling injuries account for 32% of all worker’s compensation claims, and they are most common in the manufacturing and retail industries. These injuries often occur in work environments that involve lifting and carrying heavy loads. Material handling injuries often involve sprains or strains that stretch or tear ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
- Slip, Trips, and Falls: Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall injuries account for 16% of all worker’s compensation claims, and they occur when a worker is hurt after slipping on a floor, stair, or other surface. Winter snow and ice can increase the frequency of slip and fall injuries, although wet floors are a year-round hazard. These injuries can be serious, potentially resulting in permanent disability or even death. Workers at greatest risk for slip or trip injuries have roles that require them walk around the workplace, such as housekeepers and security guards.
- Collisions: Collision occur when a worker runs into an object or is struck by an object, and these injuries account for 10% of all worker’s compensation claims. A collision commonly occurs when an object falls off a shelf or is dropped by a co-worker, hitting a fellow employee. Workers in bustling workplaces such as hotels, construction sites, and restaurants see an increased risk for
- Machinery or Tool Accidents: Because tools and machinery can be dangerous when used improperly, it should not be surprising that they are involved in 7% of all worker’s compensation cases. These injuries are most common in factories or construction sites.
- Traumas Occurring Over Time: Traumas occurring over time account for 4% of all worker’s compensation claims. This category of injury occurs when a body part is injured through overuse or strain. These kinds of injuries usually occur in factories, construction zones, and kitchens, where workers are required to perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
Claiming Disability Benefits in Kentucky
Kentucky workers who are hurt on the job are entitled by law to receive disability benefits to compensate for lost wages, medical expenses, and paid vocational training if the injuries do not allow a worker to resume their duties. You may also be eligible for a permanent disability settlement if a workplace injury has caused total disability. An experienced Kentucky worker’s compensation attorney can help you file the necessary forms, gather medical evidence that is crucial to your case, and review settlement offers to ensure you receive the maximum amount of benefits you deserve. If you were injured on the job and need a Kentucky worker’s compensation attorney, contact Edwards & Kautz Law Firm at 270-908-4914 to schedule a free legal consultation. The attorneys at Edwards & Kautz can help you file a file a disability benefits claim on your behalf.