Injuries to workers at work often result in a workers’ compensation claim for the worker. When an injury at work is recognized, the injured worker may have to prove that the injury was sustained during employment. To pursue a claim for a particular injury, plaintiffs typically must prove that their current or past employers were negligent. By understanding the following common injuries, you can better understand what steps to take when seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
1. Sprains and Strains
Tendon or muscle sprains and strains are common, especially among office workers. These injuries can be identified by a sudden and sharp pain in the joint or muscle area or a sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the size of the injury. Often, these symptoms occur after a specific type of activity, such as when the worker is walking up stairs or lifting heavy objects.
2. Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Lacerations and puncture wounds are both types of damage to the skin that involves deep and open wounds. Injuries incurred from lacerations and punctures may be severe, as there is a risk of infection.
3. Contusions
This type of injury occurs after a bump or fall when a worker’s skin is directly impacted by blunt force or something else that causes bruising. Some bumps and bruises may be small, but others can be so severe that surgery is needed.
4. Inflammatory Injuries
Exposure to certain substances and materials typically causes inflammatory injuries. Scarring and excessive skin discoloration may be a sign that an inflammatory injury has occurred. The inflammatory damage typically appears as a lump or redness of the skin and may be accompanied by pain and swelling.
5. Broken Bones
There are many different types of fractures, but each can be categorized as either closed or open. A closed fracture is a break in the skin, while an open fracture has a break in the skin and bone. Patients with broken bones may be treated with casts, splints, or traction. These are used to help control pain and swelling until healing occurs.
6. Respiratory Disorders
Exposure to toxic substances and gases in the workplace may lead to respiratory disorders. These disorders come in many forms, including shortness of breath, chronic coughs, or wheezing. By understanding the root cause of your respiratory illness, you can better pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
7. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may be caused by exposure to loud noises in the workplace. Understanding that hearing loss can affect a person’s ability to work daily is essential. By proving that you have hearing loss, you may be able to pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you are unable to perform your job due to this condition.
8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition affecting the hand and wrist and can severely limit the use of that limb. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the palm, forearm, or even shoulder, depending on where the nerve compression occurs. The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are job stress, repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and injuries sustained in workplace accidents.
Getting injured in the line of duty is no joke, and it can affect you and your family’s life in so many ways. Get yourself checked out by a doctor and then head to the next step is looking for an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ compensation claims help reimburse injured employees for their injuries and losses, such as medical bills and lost wages due to time off work.