Injuries on the job may seem few and far between, but they are pretty commonplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, over 2.7 million people reported workplace illness and injury in 2020.
There are many reasons people file for workers’ compensation; these are the most common.
Sprains and strains
Tearing or pulling ligaments and muscles can be debilitating. An employee who cannot move around normally due to a strain may need to take time off, resulting in wage losses.
Lacerations and punctures
Cuts from equipment or machinery are regular occurrences for machinists and construction laborers. Wounds that break the skin may include a costly visit to the emergency room. A tetanus shot may be necessary if the affliction involves rusty or dirty equipment.
Contusions
Workers can suffer bumps and bruises in any industry. A simple black and blue mark is usually not a concern. But the problem can be more serious when swelling occurs soon after the incident. Internal bleeding and head trauma from such injuries could result in permanent disability.
Fractures
Falls and accidents are common causes of broken bones. A car accident involving an on-the-clock delivery driver could result in multiple fractures or life-altering impairment.
Inflammation
This broad term can cover anything from burns to complications of a preexisting condition. When chemicals used in a lab cause aggravate a researcher’s autoimmune disorder, that person may qualify for damages.
Any illness or injury sustained at a place of employment could result in a workers’ compensation filing.
