Common Examples of Worker’s Compensation Claims

No industry is safe from potential on-the-job injuries. In fact, in 2021, there were 4.2 million medically consulted injuries – a number that does not include the 4,472 preventable injury-related deaths. Workplace injuries are harmful to employees and employers alike. When they occur, worker’s compensation claims & insurance can kick in to help offset medical expenses and loss of income during their recovery period.

Workers’ comp can cover a wide range of injuries and illnesses, and some claims are more common than others. Below are some of the injuries most likely to occur at the workplace.

Overexertion

Overexertion occurs when too much pressure is placed on the body. It can manifest in sprains or strains, or worse injuries. While physical overexertion is more common in jobs where heavy lifting or physical labor is a daily requirement, it can occur in any industry.

Awareness of safety protocols and proper safety gear can help mitigate overexertion. Employees should also feel empowered to listen to their bodies and decline certain tasks they feel might demand too much of them physically.

While manual labor is a component of many jobs, it’s important for employees to know when they might need additional support in completing a task.

Slips and Falls in Worker’s Compensation Claims

Employers understand that when employees injure themselves, the company risks losing money. For that reason, most employers are quick to enforce the safety standards in place, either by law or by industry best practices, to keep employees from injuring themselves on the job.

As such, workers may be required to wear gloves, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, or other safety gear when performing certain tasks. However, accidents can still happen even when precautions have been taken.

There are numerous opportunities to fall in the workplace. Obviously, construction is again at the forefront due to the nature of the work itself, but falls can happen anywhere. Off a ladder or roof, down a flight of stairs, or even flat slippery surfaces made so by spilled liquid or recent cleaning.

Employees need to be advised that there is a statute of limitations in reporting slips and falls. Any incidents need to be relayed to an employer immediately. Once the window passes, a worker’s compensation claim will be rejected.

Struck by a Falling Object

This is another injury that occurs most frequently in physically demanding jobs, such as construction. A piece of material that has not yet been secured into place can be knocked loose and cause damage upon striking someone. Depending on the object that fell, the injuries can be serious.

While these injuries are more common in industries like construction, they can occur pretty much anywhere. For instance, a retail employee can be struck by a falling object while visiting a stock room.

Machinery Accidents

The vast majority of jobs do not involve operating heavy machinery, but machinery accidents are among the most common types of workplace injuries. People who work in the construction industry or have factory jobs are the most susceptible.

The use of heavy machinery in the workplace comes with rigorous safety training to mitigate odds of injury. That said, even with protocols in place, accidents can still occur.

Workplace Violence

There are a number of jobs in which bodily harm might not be an accident. Law enforcement, security guards, and even healthcare workers can easily find themselves victims of intentional and unintentional violence alike.

That is, of course, not counting instances of violence caused by disgruntled employees. While it is relatively rare, it does happen.

If you have questions about worker’s compensation or believe you may have a case, contact the professionals at HK&R.