What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Worker’s compensation covers injuries that occur within the scope of work-related duties. Workplace injuries are common in labor-intensive industries and professions, but workers in all sectors are equally at risk of sustaining job-related injuries or illnesses. The injuries can take a toll on the victims, with effects ranging from intensive pain to permanent disability.
If you’re a victim of workplace injuries, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. Consult skilled personal injury lawyers in Arizona and let them evaluate your case. They can help you determine liability and prove negligence to pursue fair compensation for the damages. Common injuries that lawyers help victims seek compensation for include the following:
Slips and Falls
Employers know that it can be costly for them when employees get hurt on the job. They often go out of their way to enforce safety regulations and standards to ensure employees work in safe conditions. Some safety measures employers enforce include making employees wear gloves non-slip footwear, and placing warning signs in hazardous areas.
However, despite the best efforts by employers, employees still get hurt through slip and fall accidents. Fall accidents at a workplace with large machinery, construction materials, or unfinished floors can result in serious injury.
If you were injured in such an accident, you must report to your employer immediately. It’s also in your best interest to consult workers’ compensation lawyers in Phoenix for legal guidance to protect your compensation rights.
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Slip and fall accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, depending on how and where the victim falls. Accidents occurring in construction sites and other hazardous workplaces often cause severe brain injuries, especially if a sharp or hard object strikes the victim on the head.
In some cases, brain injuries occur in addition to spinal cord injuries. No matter how minor the injury, accidents that hurt the spine can result in extended periods away from work. Compensation cases for these types of damages can be lengthy and emotionally draining. Consider hiring aggressive Phoenix workers’ compensation attorneys to fight for your rights.
Broken Bones
Broken bones and fractures are often the result of trips, slips, falls, improper operation of heavy machinery, falling objects, and vehicle collisions. Construction and industrial workplaces must maintain certain safeguards, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) when building tall structures to prevent employees from falling and sustaining broken bones.
In professional and office settings, basic safety measures that prevent fractured and broken bones include regular workplace upkeep and ensuring the walkways are always clear.
Cuts and Punctures
Cuts and punctures are common workplace injuries in small businesses. They are often caused by sharp tools or standard office equipment such as staplers, paper punches, and shredders. Jagged edges, knives, glass, or unsafe flooring can cause such injuries.
Fingers and hands are most likely to suffer these types of injuries. Severe cuts and punctures prevent victims from working as they can’t hold objects, type, or drive. If you sustain cuts and punctures, don’t dismiss them as minor or insignificant. Get medical care before they escalate into severe wounds. You could also file for compensation with the help of Florida personal injury lawyers.
Overexertion
Overexertion is straining of the body or parts of the body. If you usually work five hours a day but suddenly increase to ten a day, you may overexert yourself. Overexertion may cause muscle strain, back pain, or worse.
Workers’ compensation claims based on overexertion are common in factory jobs that involve heavy lifting and a lot of physical labor. Overexertion happens over a long time, leading to overuse injuries such as the following:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Tendonitis
- Nerve damage
- Knee injuries
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
In many cases, muscles are long damaged before a worker notices a twinge of pain. Employers may deny the compensation claim, arguing that activities outside the workplace caused the injuries. Skilled Phoenix workers’ compensation lawyers can help you prove repetitive motions due to your job description caused your injuries.
Eye Injuries and Blindness
Eye injuries at the workplace can range from temporary impairments to permanent blindness. Permanent vision loss can be challenging and life-changing, while even minor eye injuries can lead to significant loss of wages. Common causes of eye injuries at the workplace include:
- Penetration and impact by staples or tools that slip and malfunction
- Small flying objects
- Splashes and fumes from dangerous chemicals
- Radiation and thermal burns
- Blood-borne pathogens from body fluids
If you sustained an eye injury at work, talk to workers’ compensation attorneys in Phoenix and discuss how to pursue compensation. They can fight hard to ensure you receive the settlement amount you deserve.
Workplace Violence
Cases of disgruntled workers who take out their rage on coworkers are not uncommon. Some jobs with high incidents of workplace violence include:
- Security guards
- Nurse and health care aides
- Police officers
If you’re a victim of workplace violence, don’t suffer in silence. You could be eligible for workers’ compensation depending on the case specifics.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Pursuing Your Workers’ Compensation
Workplace injuries can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of their job or industry. If you’re a victim of workplace injuries, you must take the necessary steps to receive proper medical care and the compensation you deserve. Even if your injuries are minor, ensure you get medical attention immediately and have them documented. Report the damages to your employer.
Then, talk to Phoenix workers’ compensation attorneys at the Desert Star Law Group. We can help you navigate the complex compensation laws while fighting to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Personal injury compensation cases can be lengthy and emotionally draining, and we can take the wheel when you cannot. Call us at (602) 584-8957 to schedule a FREE case strategy.