In the workplace, employees encounter a variety of dangers every day. While some accidents result in minor injuries, others can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being. With the United States reporting around 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses each year, workers need to be aware of the common types of accidents that can result in Workers’ Compensation cases.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation protects employees injured on the job. State law requires this insurance program to provide benefits for work-related injuries. These benefits include medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. Workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault system, entitling employees to benefits regardless of responsibility for the injury.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are common work-related accidents that can occur due to various factors, such as slippery surfaces, uneven floors, inadequate handrails, insufficient lighting, or obstacles within the work area. Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. Negligence in doing so exposes workers to the risk of injury. If you have experienced a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is crucial to take immediate action.
When it comes to filing a workers’ compensation claim for a slip, trip, or fall accident, there are specific steps you should follow. Firstly, seek medical attention promptly to prioritize your health and recovery. Secondly, report the accident to your supervisor or employer without delay to document the incident and resulting injuries. This documentation may be necessary when filing the claim. Lastly, file the workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. This compensation should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Overexertion
Most physically demanding jobs commonly experience overexertion incidents. Workers exert more energy than their bodies can handle, resulting in various injuries, from minor sprains to severe medical conditions. For instance, lifting heavy equipment can strain the back or muscles in construction. Promptly reporting these injuries is crucial to prevent them from leading to more severe medical conditions such as spinal disc herniation and other serious consequences.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion accounts for approximately 33% of all work-related injuries, making it the leading cause. In 2019, there were over 3.15 million nonfatal overexertion injuries reported. Workplace accidents caused by overexertion can occur even in jobs that aren’t physically inclined.
Specific steps should be followed when filing workers’ compensation claims for slip, trip, or fall accidents. Seeking immediate medical attention is vital for health and recovery. Reporting the accident promptly to the supervisor or employer is necessary to document the incident and resulting injuries, as this documentation may be required when filing the claim. Filing the workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible ensures they receive the deserved compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs.
Struck by Object
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 293,000 workplace injuries and illnesses caused by objects striking individuals in 2022, accounting for 6.5% of all workplace injuries. Handheld objects, such as tools and equipment, accounted for 22% of cases, making them the most frequent culprits. Falling objects, like boxes, were the second most common, contributing 19% of cases. Vehicles, machinery, and structures also caused significant injuries when they hit workers.
Common Injuries from Being Struck by Objects:
– Head injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
– Eye injuries leading to blindness or optic nerve damage
– Facial trauma
– Fractured or broken bones
– Spinal cord injuries
– Internal injuries causing organ damage
Vehicular Accidents
Vehicular accidents at the workplace include roadway, forklift, and crane accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), transportation incidents account for approximately 38% of workplace fatalities. If you experience a vehicular accident while on the job, it is crucial to promptly report the incident to your supervisor and seek immediate medical attention.
In workers’ comp cases involving vehicular accidents, you must demonstrate that your employer or a third party’s negligence caused the accident. You must establish that the accident is connected to your work, occurred during the performance of your duties, and that the other party’s negligence led to the accident.
Machinery Accidents
Workers commonly get caught in moving parts, such as gears, conveyors, or belts, leading to most machinery accidents. Other typical machinery accidents involve getting stuck between equipment, handling sharp tools, and slipping or tripping on wet surfaces. Injuries sustained by workers can range from broken bones and lacerations to amputations, which can have life-altering consequences and prevent them from returning to work.
Manufacturers and employers must adhere to numerous machinery safety standards to maintain workplace safety. OSHA, ANSI, ISO, and IEC are among the organizations that establish protocols for guarding machinery, controlling hazardous energy, and preventing accidents. Employers must comply with these standards to ensure a safe working environment for their employees. Failure to do so can result in worker injuries or even fatalities in machinery accidents, highlighting the importance of holding them accountable and having experienced counsel to defend workers’ rights.
Electrical Accidents
Electrical accidents occur infrequently but have the potential to cause severe injuries and property damage. These accidents mainly arise from electrical faults, wiring concerns, inadequate maintenance, and equipment failure. Workers affected by electrical accidents, especially those subjected to high-voltage electric shocks and burns, endure devastating consequences. Even minor accidents, like mild electric shocks, can result in both physical and emotional trauma.
Common Causes of Electrical Accidents:
– Inadequate insulation in electrical equipment
– Improperly installed wiring
– Failure to adhere to safety procedures
– Employer and employee negligence
– Insufficient training
Fires and Explosions
Workers can suffer significant and severe injuries from fires and explosions, such as burns, disfigurement, traumatic brain injuries, and loss of limbs. These injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. Moreover, explosive incidents can cause widespread damage to the workplace and surrounding property, including machinery, buildings, and other assets. Injured workers may be eligible for financial and medical benefits through the workers’ compensation system, including compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and disability payments.
Fires and explosions can stem from various causes, including electrical malfunctions, gas leaks, chemical reactions, and faulty equipment. Explosions may also result from the accumulation of combustible dust or vapors, leading to flammable systems known as flash fires. Typically, these accidents occur in industries like manufacturing, mining, and construction, where workers face exposure to hazardous materials and dangerous equipment. However, even seemingly harmless workplaces like offices can become susceptible to fires without proper safety precautions.
How Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault Can Help
If you sustain an injury in a work accident, you must file a Workers’ Comp claim to receive benefits. File your claim as soon as possible after the injury. Once filed, the claim will be investigated by your employer’s insurance company, which will determine whether benefits will be provided. If approved, you will receive medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation for lost wages. If denied, you may have to appeal the decision.
Navigating the Workers’ Comp system may seem daunting, making it hard to know where to start. Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault have extensive experience in handling Workers’ Comp cases and can assist in obtaining the compensation you need. They can help with your initial claim, ensure medical coverage, and provide assistance during the appeals process if necessary. With their help, you can focus on recovery while they advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Need legal assistance for a workers’ compensation case? Contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault today!
Jonathan Ashton, Partner and Personal Injury Attorney, began his law career at GT&B in 2007 as a law clerk. He was hired as an associate immediately after passing the Ohio Bar in 2008. Jonathan practices in Personal Injury, representing clients who have been injured and need justice and compensation for them to move forward in their lives.
