Injuries that occur while working for an employer can be defined as work-related injuries. These injuries can be a result of the hazardous conditions you are working in, or they could be occupational. You can also get injured due to the negligence of others or due to equipment malfunction.
Either way, a work-related injury can put you in a lot of pain, and you can spend a long time in the hospital. You will not be able to work for a living while you recover, and even after your recovery, your ability to work might be reduced significantly.
In such circumstances, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering. The bills need to be paid while you recover, and this can only be made possible through reimbursement for your suffering.
1. Understanding Workers Compensation
Workers compensation is compensation awarded to a worker in the event of them being injured while performing their duties. This compensation can be awarded in the event of the worker being injured due to someone else’s negligence.
If the working conditions are unsafe or the employer forces a worker to attempt a hazardous task, the employer will be liable to pay compensation for any injury. If a worker steps on a nail or sharp object, that will also create a liability for the employer. A trip and fall injury also makes the employer liable for paying compensation.
2. Common Workplace Injuries
Working in a physically demanding setting can lead to a number of injuries for the workers. Depending on the nature of the work, cuts and bruises can be common. Usually, these do not amount to an injury; however, if the injury is of a nature that can put your life at risk, it needs to be attended to.
If you work with heavy machinery, broken bones, and fractures can occur due to the negligence of the operator. There can be circumstances where a worker might get amputated due to mishandling of heavy equipment. All of these injuries will be covered under worker’s compensation.
Similarly, while working at a construction site, a worker can be susceptible to head or spinal cord injuries. Lifting heavy objects or falling debris can result in such injuries, and they will be classified as workplace injuries.
3. Injuries Related to Occupations
There can be injuries that correlate to a certain occupation. For example, if you have worked as an asbestos remover in the past, you can be at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is a type of cancer that can take years to develop. However, it will be covered under worker’s compensation laws.
Similarly, if you have worked as a mold remover, you can be at risk of developing black lung disease or other respiratory diseases. If your work environment is industrial and you have to deal with a loud environment, you can end up with hearing loss or tinnitus. Worker’s compensation laws cover all of these injuries.
4. Repetitive Stress Injuries
Working in a setting where you have to make repeated motions, such as lifting heavy loads or handling equipment that vibrates, can lead to repetitive stress injuries. Even if you sit at your desk all day long without movement, you can suffer from such injuries.
These injuries can result in a number of issues for you. You can start to develop a tremble in your hands, which can impact the quality of your life. Similarly, you can end up dealing with a lot of stress in your shoulders and neck, which can put you in constant pain.
5. Accidents and Negligence Injuries
Accidents can happen while you are at work. Some of these accidents can result in minor injuries and act as a warning to you. However, if you do not take these warning signs seriously, you can get badly injured. If you are working in an unsafe environment, you should complain to your superiors about it.
Working in an unsafe environment can make accidents more likely to happen. Falls and slips can be the most common types of injuries in such instances. There can be situations where your injuries can get more severe. You can end up with lifelong disabilities if you end up losing a limb.
In case you get injured, your employer will be at fault for not providing a safe environment for workers. You will be able to seek compensation for your injuries if such unfortunate events take place.
6. Mental Implications Related to Work
Being in a violent accident at your place of work can leave you battling with mental health issues. If you have been involved in a violent accident or if your fellow worker lost their life in front of you, you can be traumatized for life.
Post-traumatic stress will make your life a living hell, and you will be unable to carry on with your work. This can put you in a position where you can struggle to provide sustenance for yourself and your family.
In such circumstances, your employer is liable to pay compensation that can cover the cost of your counseling so that you can get back to work.
7. Substance-Related Injuries
Working with harsh chemicals and substances that are injurious to your health can also cause complications for you. You can end up dealing with skin conditions that can be a result of exposure to harsh chemicals.
Similarly, you can get chemical burns and respiratory diseases as a result of being exposed to chemicals. All of these injuries are covered under worker’s compensation, and you should file a claim for compensation if you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above.
8. Strategies to Seek Relief
If you have been a victim of any of the injuries mentioned above, you should get in touch with a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to assess your situation and offer advice accordingly. At Peterson Law Office, you will be able to get a consultation to discuss your matter.
You can explore relief strategies and figure out how much compensation you can claim for your injuries. Your lawyer will be able to point out additional claims against which you might be able to seek compensation.
