It takes only seconds to accidentally hurt yourself, no matter where you are. In 2022, there were approximately 25 million emergency department visits for unintentional injuries. Many of these injuries occurred in workplace settings.
While most of us don’t expect to have a work-related injury, this occurs more often than most people think. We’ve put together a list of the most common workplace injuries.
We’ve also included info on when you should hire a workplace injury attorney. Let’s explore the key information you should know.
Slips and Falls
These are what people often envision when they think of workplace accidents. They can occur for a variety of reasons, such as when a facility fails to designate a wet floor. Falls can also occur if equipment isn’t properly secured.
For example, a handrail could break when someone grabs it while walking up the stairs. Situations like these can easily lead to common injuries like head trauma or broken bones.
Strains
Strains often occur when lifting heavy objects. They can also happen if the weight of an object unexpectedly shifts.
For instance, let’s assume a warehouse worker was lifting a heavy box full of goods. The goods were supposed to be secured in place, but they moved freely throughout the box.
This shift in weight could cause unexpected strain on the worker’s body. Strains could make it difficult or unpleasant for the worker to perform their role.
Repetitive Use Injuries
As the name implies, these types of injuries occur when performing the same task repeatedly. Turning a wrench is one of the best examples.
Overuse injuries are more likely to happen if employers don’t give workers appropriate breaks. Although this issue sounds minor, it can lead to permanent impairment.
Cuts
Cuts can happen in virtually every industry. Even an office secretary could suffer from cuts at work. More often than not, these job site injuries are a result of negligence.
A restaurant worker might not have cleaned up broken glass. A building owner could have failed to repair the frame of a metal door. Regardless of why cuts happen, they are often serious and require immediate medical attention.
Collisions and Crashes
Any employee who operates a vehicle while on the job is at risk of collisions and crashes. Sometimes, an employer’s inaction can lead to a crash. This often happens when business owners don’t properly maintain their fleets.
If brakes fail or tires blow, serious injury could result. These are some of the most complex workplace accidents, as they often involve multiple parties.
When to Hire a Workplace Injury Attorney
It’s imperative to understand when you should hire a workplace attorney. Working with the right professional can determine whether the case resolves in your favor. Listed below are scenarios to look for.
Your Employer Denies Liability
Not all employers will hold themselves accountable. This is true even if the incident is blatantly their fault.
If your employer refuses to accept blame, contact an attorney as soon as possible. They’ll help you gather evidence and interview witnesses. They can also investigate the scene to determine signs of negligence.
Your Injuries Left You Disabled
Serious accidents can lead to disability. This can impact how easy it is for you to find work and support yourself. Disability can also affect your quality of life.
It’s essential to seek compensation for your disability. Otherwise, you might have trouble handling things like utility bills and groceries. Hiring a reputable attorney will ensure you get the amount you deserve.
Insurance Denies Your Claim
Insurance companies look for every possible reason to avoid paying your claim. This is a major factor that makes it difficult to get compensation after an accident.
An even bigger issue is that insurance companies don’t always deny claims legally. If your insurance company denies your claim, you’ll need a legal professional on your side.
They can determine if the insurance company infringed upon your rights. Your attorney can also put them in a position where settling out of court is an attractive option.
Your Settlement Offer Is Insufficient
The other party may attempt to settle to avoid legal action. As a general rule of thumb, the other party will never offer you the maximum they’re willing to pay.
Instead, they’ll offer a much lower amount. Your attorney can negotiate with the other party, leading to a fair settlement. In some cases, this could help you get thousands more dollars than you otherwise would have.
Your Employer Retaliates Against You
It’s not uncommon for employers to pressure injured workers into not filing a claim. In some cases, they retaliate against injured employees for taking legal action. This often comes in the form of workplace mistreatment.
Employers may also wrongfully demote or terminate an employee who files a claim. This activity is illegal and you should notify a workplace injury attorney if this occurs.
Finding an Attorney
When searching for someone to hire, see what others have to say about their experiences. Look for feedback that mentions professionalism, quality results, and timeliness. Assess how comfortable you are communicating with your lawyer.
If you don’t find them easy to talk to, continue your search elsewhere. Attorneys representing injured workers receive fees on a contingency basis.
This means that you pay nothing up front and they take their compensation from the amount you’re awarded. If you lose your case, you don’t pay anything at all.
Prioritize lawyers who specialize in workplace injuries. This will ensure they have the required experience to get the best results.
Take Action Immediately After a Workplace Injury
The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to get the compensation you deserve. As long as you find the right workplace injury attorney, you can get your life back on track as soon as possible.
At Hollington Brown LLP, our experienced team strives to achieve justice for injured workers. Workers’ compensation laws can be complex, but we’re here to help you navigate the system. Book a consultation today to see what we can do for you.
