While some industries are more dangerous than others, all types of workers are susceptible to work-related injuries. Fortunately, workers have rights, which include financial compensation for workplace injuries.
Depending on the nature of the work-related injury, a worker can be severely hurt or even permanently disabled due to an accident or incident. And while many regulations are in place to protect workers from injury and to prevent workplace accidents, they still — and often do — occur.
Understanding what an occupational injury is and how it is classified can make all the difference in helping an injured employee maintain their rights and receive all the money and benefits they deserve. It can also help them determine whether or not they are eligible for workers’ compensation.
At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we can help break down what is — and what is not — a work-related injury, as well as explain how accidents and incidents can occur. Moreover, if you or a loved one has been injured on the job, we can make sure your rights are preserved.
Get in touch with a member of our team by calling Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today. Alternatively, you can schedule your free consultation when you visit us online. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
How Do Workplace Injuries Occur?
Work injuries can occur for a variety of reasons and under many different circumstances.
Understanding how they can occur can help workers’ and company supervisors maintain a safe work environment. It can also help injured employees determine whether or not their injuries are work-related.
The following are some of the more common workplace hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries:
Slippery or Uneven Floors
Slips and falls are common injuries that can occur in almost any workplace, from offices to schools to construction sites. Slips, trips, and falls can occur due to slippery floors or misplaced physical hazards that can get in the way of work activities. In some cases, floors or stairwells that are uneven or broken can also pose a danger to employees.
Falling or Untethered Objects
Injuries from falling or untethered objects can occur if a worker is struck by a heavy object or material. Injuries that result from falling or untethered objects are most common among construction or warehouse workers, in which there is regular use of heavy materials and equipment.
While workplace incidents can occur across all industries, statistics have repeatedly shown that construction and utility work is one of the most dangerous industries for workers because of increased hazards on job sites.
Exposed Electrical Wires and Damaged Equipment
Coming in contact with exposed electrical wires or using faulty equipment can lead to electrocutions or burns. Electrical wires, as well as all workplace equipment, must be regularly maintained and checked for any faults.
Chemicals and Other Materials
From hospital labs to construction sites, the misuse of chemicals and other materials can cause serious personal injury. Hazards can include corrosive substances like acids as well as pesticides. Depending on the material, chemicals can cause injury if they are inhaled or if they come in contact with the skin.
Cave-Ins
A cave-in or collapse occurs when a building or structure collapses. Workers most susceptible to a cave-in include miners as well as excavation and construction workers.
For more on this and related topics, you can speak with one of the skilled attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers directly when you dial 516-342-2200 or visit us online today.
What Are Some Common Types Of Workplace Injuries?
From the various hazards that can exist in a workplace, many types of injuries can afflict workers. These injuries can range from minor to permanently disabling. Some may even lead to the death of a worker.
Some of the more common types of workplace injuries include but are not limited to:
Falls
Falls from any height can occur due to a lack of safety rails on elevated surfaces, faulty railings on stairways, deficient or absent gear, and beyond. And while some falls may only lead to bruising and scratching, more severe falls can lead to broken bones, disability, or even death.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are injuries to the brain that can result from falls or from being struck by a falling or untethered object. They can also be caused by something as simple as slipping on a wet floor.
While traumatic brain injuries can range in effects, they are classified by damage done to the brain. A concussion can be considered a minor form of a TBI. More severe TBI’s can cause brain bleeding and significant impairment.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions can occur if an individual comes in contact with exposed electrical wire or uses faulty electrical equipment. Electrocution can cause damage to the heart and may also leave burns on the skin.
More than (150) fatalities a year occur due to electrocution injuries. Across industries, construction and maintenance workers are most at risk for injury from electrocution.
Overexertion
While overexertion is not always caused by one workplace accident or incident, it is very common and can afflict many types of workers, especially those who engage in physical labor.
Overexertion occurs over time and is caused by repeated stress put on the body from engaging in certain tasks throughout your course of employment. These can include repeatedly lifting or pushing heavy materials. For example, a warehouse worker who regularly carries and transports heavy boxes may suffer from back pain or injury.
While these are just some common types of workplace injuries, there are many more that can occur due to a workplace incident.
For more information about types of workplace injuries and how they are caused, you can reach out to a member of our legal team at Schwartzapfel Lawyersby calling 516-342-2200 or scheduling your free consultation online today.
How Are Work-Related Injuries Classified?
Many different types of injuries can occur in the workplace. However, just because an injury or accident was sustained on the job does not mean that it is a work-related injury.
For an injury to be considered a work-related injury, it must fit into a few different classifications. To receive compensation for a work-related injury, workers must be able to prove that it is work-related and that it fits these classifications:
- The injury must have occurred during work hours, on the job site, or while an employee was engaging in their tasks or duties.
- The injury must have been sustained due to either an accident or negligence on the part of the company or employer.
- The injured employee must have reported their injuries as well as received medical care for their injuries.
In New York State, an injury may not be considered a work-related injury if:
- The time of the injury was not during work or due to work-related duties.
- An injury occurred due to intoxication or substance use on the part of the injured employee.
In many cases, workplace injuries can be the result of workplace negligence, which is when a supervisor or employer fails to uphold regulations put in place to keep work sites safe.
For example, to prevent construction accidents, supervisors are required to ensure that workers are provided with hard hats and other protective gear to prevent them from sustaining injuries.
If a supervisor fails to do so or fails to uphold other workplace safety guidelines, they may be held responsible for any incidents or injuries that result from their negligence.
If you suspect that your employer is not upholding the appropriate workplace safety guidelines for your line of work, you may benefit from speaking to a skilled lawyer about your concerns. At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we are committed to maintaining workers’ rights and safety. You can get in contact with a skilled member of our team today by dialing 516-342-2200 or visiting us online.
What Should You Know About Eligibility For Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related injury, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits for your losses.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help injured workers cover:
- All medical expenses related to their injury.
- Lost wages they missed while unable to work and recovering from their injuries.
- Lump-sum compensation or ongoing financial support if a worker suffers disabilities or long-term impairments due to their injuries.
Accordingly, filing a claim for workers’ compensation insurance successfully can make a major difference in helping you receive the support you need to recover physically as well as financially.
Note: In most cases, if your injury can be classified as work-related and you can take the right steps to file your claim, you should be eligible to receive all the money and benefits you deserve.
That said, if you have questions or concerns about the particulars of your claim, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, act now and have the award-winning attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers fight for you. Simply dial 516-342-2200 or visit us online to schedule your free case evaluation today!
How Can You Successfully File A Claim For Workers’ Compensation?
If you are eligible for workers’ compensation insurance, you will likely receive financial compensation and other benefits. As mentioned, however, it is absolutely critical that you prove that your injuries are work-related and that you file your claim properly and on time.
Moreover, there are other ways you can present an even stronger case. To ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is successful and that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, steps you should take include but are not limited to:
- Receiving medical care as soon as you can after an incident, even if the injuries sustained seem minor. This not only ensures that you receive the treatment you need, but it also provides documentation for your injuries. You cannot file a workers’ compensation claim if you do not receive medical care.
- Providing ample documentation for your injuries and the accidents that lead to them. This includes all and any medical documentation, as well as witness statements or reports from the accident leading to your injuries. This can also help prove negligence if negligence was one of the causes of your injuries.
- Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as you can. This can help your company begin the workers’ compensation process on their end and can help you receive benefits as soon as possible.
Dealing With A Work Injury?
The most important step you can take to help with your workers’ compensation case is to hire a skilled lawyer to take care of it for you while you focus on what’s most important: getting better.
At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, our experienced and resourceful attorneys are committed to fighting for you and your rights. The members of our legal team have more than (150) years of combined experience in successfully handling workers’ compensation claims, and will do everything in their power to make sure you receive all the money and benefits you are entitled to.
To book a free consultation with one of our seasoned lawyers today, simply dial 516-342-2200 or visit us online. Your future is too important to leave to chance. Protect it now by making the call. One conversation may save you miles of headache, heartache, and financial strain down the line.
Call now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 1-516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Most Dangerous Industries – Injury Facts | National Safety Council
Common Workplace Injuries and How to Prevent Them | Mercy Medical Center
Top Work-Related Injury Causes | National Safety Council
Workers’ Compensation Benefits | New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
