Worker’s compensation is a type of insurance program that protects employees from the financial impacts of work-related accidents. This unique insurance program is designed to pay for medical, rehabilitation, and income supplements for employees who have experienced occupational injuries.
With this, we’ve listed the five most prevalent reasons employees claim from this program. If you need to claim for an occupational injury, it’s essential to search for ‘lawyers near me specializing in workers’ compensation‘ to get the most out of your claim.
Strains And Sprains
These types of injuries occur from strenuous activities. And they are by far the most common kind of occupational injury. A staggering total of 1.5 million workers’ comp claims are the result of sprains and strain while at work.
Cuts And Punctures
While strains and sprains are a leading type of injury in most work environments, cuts and punctures are common industries in higher-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and a few others.
Eye injuries are exceptionally prominent in the manufacturing industry, while small businesses also seem to be more prone to compensation claims for cuts and punctures. These injuries are caused by sharp tools, jagged edges, knives, glass, and other potentially unsafe details in a workspace.
Severe Cuts
While some cuts will only require medical attention for wound cleaning, stitches, and infection prevention measures, other cuts can be more severe. In some cases, surgical intervention is essential for severe cuts and lacerations. Severe lacerations can result in amputations or permanent muscle and nerve damage.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
These injuries are typically relevant when employees are overworked or not adequately trained for the job. Repetitive stress injuries are also not immediately apparent; the symptoms of the injury arise later on as the damage gradually compounds over time.
Repetitive stress injuries refer to knee injuries, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and others caused by the repeating overuse of a muscle. These injuries are relevant due to strain on an old injury in some cases.
Steps To Take After An Injury
If you have experienced an injury on the job, it’s essential to follow a particular set of steps to receive compensation from the insurance program.
First, you must report the injury immediately to management or HR. You will need to fill out an injury report form. Next, visit your nearest medical center to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t believe medical treatment is essential, you won’t receive compensation if you don’t have accurate medical records to validate the injury and your need for monetary compensation. Once you have visited the doctor, keep your employer up to date with your recovery.
If you have experienced any of the injuries listed above, it’s vital to consult a workers’ comp lawyer. On the other hand, if you have been injured during an accident that was not your fault and you were not on the job during the incident, you’ll need to consult an expert personal injury attorney to claim compensation for your injuries.
