What are the most common injuries when you slip and fall on the job? Most employers will tell you that they have the best procedures and equipment for the safety of their employees, but sometimes things don’t go quite as planned. Slip and fall accidents can be very serious because these could cause permanent injury to your back or spine even when there’s no apparent evidence of being injured on the job. You can get compensation for these injuries, but it may be impossible to prove that you actually sustained an injury on the job, so this is where slip and fall accident lawyers come in.
Slip and fall accident lawyers are trained professionals who specialize in helping slip and fall victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. They provide aggressive and proactive legal representation to get the compensation that you deserve for your medical bills and the damages that your insurance company or property owner could potentially be liable for. If you have suffered an injury while on the job, it’s important that you contact a qualified slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case and get a free consultation. This is not a typical insurance claim, and you don’t want to waste your time trying to handle this matter alone. Hiring a reputable slip and fall injury lawyer to represent your case can make all the difference. Ensure that your slip and fall lawyer is experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with slip and fall cases and knows how to present your case to the insurance company properly.
Here are the four most common slip and fall injuries at work:
- Repetitive Motion Injuries
Sprains and fractures account for most workplace accidents, yet more people suffer a repetitive motion injury or a fall. The majority of injuries at work can be prevented by simply using protective equipment, such as a hard hat, gloves, a helmet, or even personal protective equipment (PPE). When an accident occurs, the first thing to do is to get to the safety and medical aid station quickly. If an accident is severe enough, seek emergency medical assistance immediately, and never return to your job. By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your co-workers.
If an injury has caused you to miss time from work, call your employer right away. Never walk around with any visible signs of an injury. A medical professional is the only person who can assess the extent of damage and provide appropriate medical care. In most cases, it’s recommended that you never work without proper medical supervision. By following this advice, you can help prevent further injuries and improve your health at work.
In addition to calling your employer if an accident has occurred, contact a local physician right away if your employer does not offer any type of medical assistance or cannot afford hospitalization.
- Skull Injuries
Another common injury at work is skull injuries. Injuries caused by falling, tripping, and slips are responsible for more than one-fourth of all workplace accidents. Falls frequently happen in places where there’s a little friction or traction, such as wet floors. Thus, it’s usually recommended that you take the time to wear your protective footwear (highly-threaded), especially if you’re likely to be working in those kinds of places. This way, you’ll be more able to protect your brain from damage sustained from impact with objects. Headaches and migraines after a fall can be a sign of a skull injury; if you experience pain, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Whiplash
One of the most common workplace injuries is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a car backs into the front end of the driver. The impact creates an unstable neck, and sometimes the head is thrown forward and backward. If you experience this type of injury, you should consult a doctor so that they can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment options. To better prevent accidents at work, make sure you analyze workplace safety when completing a task or assisting with a project, as you never know what could happen.
- Spinal Injuries
Any work that requires the use of a specific type of equipment may also result in a spinal injury. If you think your spine has sustained an injury at work, contact your doctor for a diagnosis. If you have a herniated disc or pinched nerves, your doctor will most likely prescribe medications to help with pain management. In the case of a spine injury caused by an accident, your doctor will most likely recommend surgical procedures. Most spine surgery involves the use of screws, titanium rods, pins, or glass. These are often used to repair broken bones and other injuries caused by accidents at work. In most cases, patients are allowed to return to work after surgery, although it may take several weeks of physical therapy to get back into the habit of going to work each day.
Common injuries that result in spine injuries include sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and disc ruptures. Sprains and strains can sometimes be treated through rest, while ligaments and discs may be torn. Disc ruptures occur when there is an internal tear in the disc itself. When this happens, the disk will eventually burst, damaging surrounding tissue. If this happens, patients may be advised to avoid getting on their feet until the pain subsides. Other treatments may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and even surgery.
These common injuries result from repetitive motions, slips, and falls. Other types of injury may cause workers to miss a few days or weeks off from work. The most commonly known causes of such injuries include car accidents, lifting objects improperly, and unsafe machinery.
Regardless of the injury you have sustained while on the job, you will want to contact your employer to see if you are eligible for workers’ compensation. Even if you are not, it’s also advised that you see a medical professional.