If you were injured on the job, you could have a right to file a workers compensation claim and get workers comp benefits. Workplace injuries can vary based on the specific industry, working environment, job role, and more. Below, you will find some of the most common workplace injuries and possible details of workers’ comp claims that could arise.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Incidents
Slip and falls, trip and falls, and falls in general, are among the most common types of injuries. These incidents generally occur due to hazards on the floors throughout the workplace. Examples of hazards could include wet floors, spills, blocked walkways, uneven flooring, and more.
Some of the injuries that could occur as a result of slips, trips, and falls, could include the following:
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- And more
In general, workers compensation claims for these incidents and resulting injuries may include coverage for medical expenses (including surgeries, physical therapy, etc.), lost wages during the recovery period, and potentially permanent disability benefits if any injury caused lasting harm.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (or RSIs) occur due to repetitive motions. Some jobs are more likely to result in injuries due to repetitive activities or tasks, such as typing, lifting, or assembly line work, for example.
Examples of harm caused by RSIs include the following:
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic shoulder pain
Workers comp claims for RSIs could include coverage for physical therapy, modifications for work equipment (to make more ergonomic), wages during the recovery period, vocational rehab if the worker cannot perform previous job duties, etc.
Machinery Accidents
Based on the industry, there may be heavy machinery in the workplace. There is always a risk of injury around heavy machinery. Incidents involving workplace machinery could lead to severe injuries.
Examples of these injuries could include the following:
- Crushing injuries
- Fractures
- Amputations/severed limbs
- Burns
- Lacerations
Workers comp claims for machinery claims may include wage replacement for extended recovery periods, coverage for medical treatment, including surgeries, prosthetics, and physical rehabilitation, permanent disability benefits for permanent injuries, and more.
Auto Accidents
Certain jobs require employees to drive different vehicles either on public roads or within the work sites. These may include delivery vehicles, forklifts, utility vehicles, and more. Possible incidents may include crashes, overloaded vehicles tipping over, roll over crashes, and more.
Injuries resulting from auto accidents could include the following:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Lacerations, scrapes, and bruises
- And more
Compensation claims for work-related auto accidents could potentially include medical expenses (including long-term treatment), wage replacement during the recovery period, disability benefits (temporary or permanent), and in the case of death, death benefits for the family of the victim.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Many workplaces expose workers to different substances that may be harmful. Examples of harmful substances may include asbestos, toxic fumes, or other hazardous materials. When workers are exposed to harmful substances long term, they may suffer harm as a result.
The harm that could occur due to exposure to substances at the workplace may include the following:
- Respiratory illnesses, including asthma
- Chemical burns
- Mesothelioma
- Lead poisoning
- Cancer
- And more
Workers comp claims for harm caused by exposure to harmful substances could include costs of all medical care, including future monitoring, disability pay for permanent damage, and more.
Additional Incidents that May Result in Workers Comp Claims
In addition to the workplace incidents previously mentioned, some other common types of workers comp incidents resulting in claims can include the following:
- Overexertion and muscle strains (from lifting, pushing, etc.)
- Workplace violence (violence between co-workers, including assault and battery, and violence with weapons)
- Falling objects (overloaded shelves collapsing, light fixtures detaching and falling, etc.)
- Electrical failures, resulting in shock or burns
- Hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises in the work environment
Can I File a Workers Comp Claim?
No matter the specific incident that occurs, you could have the right to file a workers’ comp claim. You should immediately report the incident to your employer. You should also immediately seek medical care (and make sure that your doctor knows the injury is work-related). You should ensure that the incident is well documented (that is, ensure that there is a written report, gather all medical records, gather records of all communications with your employer, etc.). You should also ensure that you are following all procedures required by your employer and their workers comp insurance (like going to an approved medical provider, etc.).
If your employer is unfairly denying your claim, does not have workers comp coverage, or taking any retaliatory action against you, it is important that you seek legal assistance from a workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact the California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group
If you were injured on the job and are looking into possibly pursuing a workers compensation claim, it is important that you take action as soon as possible. If your employer does not have workers compensation coverage, unjustly denies your claim, or retaliates against you, it is important that you find a lawyer to help you protect your rights under employment law. Here at our law firm, our team is more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to begin or continue your workers comp claim. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with our expert employment attorneys, contact us today.
