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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.7 million nonfatal illnesses and injuries were reported by private industry companies in 2020. Although this number has declined since 2019, workplace injuries are still quite common. Work-related injuries can also be quite severe.
Though companies are responsible for ensuring and enforcing workplace safety protocols, work-related injuries can and do still happen. An individual who is injured in the workplace may be eligible to file a workers compensation claim to help recoup lost wages and pay for any associated medical treatments.
There are many types of workplace-related injuries. Most fall into three main categories including compensable injuries, occupational illness, and mental health-related issues. The attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC. can help Ohioans who have been injured at work navigate the workers compensation claims process for all types of work-related injuries.
Types of Workplace Injury
Many different types of workplace injuries occur in several industries. Outside of COVID-19 and the extenuating circumstances caused by the pandemic in the workplace, the most common workplace injuries can be organized into three main categories including compensable injuries, occupational illness, and issues related to mental health and wellbeing.
Compensable Injuries
A compensable injury occurs while an individual is working. Ohioans can receive compensation for this type of injury in the workplace. A workers compensation lawyer can help.
Common Compensable Workplace Injuries
According to a study done by Travelers Indemnity Company, the top compensable workplace injuries include:
Muscle strains and sprains
Cuts, bruises, or other puncture wounds
Contusions
Inflammation of the joints
Bone fractures
Work injuries like these are typically caused by overexertion of the body, slips, trips, and falls. These injuries can lead to lost work time. Ongoing medical treatment can also grow quite costly. These types of injuries can place a significant emotional and financial burden on the shoulders of the victim.
Construction Industry Injuries
Construction can be a dangerous industry. Though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets industry standards to help reduce workplace injuries and construction worker deaths, accidents in this field can and do still happen.
Often referred to as the "fatal four," the four most common injuries in this industry include:
Falls off loose scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, etc.
Workers being struck by a loose or heavy object
Electrocution caused by exposed wires
Workers being caught in between two or more pieces of heavy equipment
These events can cause traumatic injuries and workplace fatalities. With so many workplace hazards in this particular industry, personal injury is likely, and it can be severe. Traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other severe injuries are a real threat in this profession.
Occupational Illness
The next category of workplace injury is occupational illness and disease. These injuries are the result of occupational activity.
Occupational illness is most likely to affect healthcare workers, office workers, warehouse workers, and those working in the service industry. This category of illness may include things like lung or skin diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, vision issues, and lead poisoning.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Often caused by overexertion of the musculoskeletal system, musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive strain injuries are disorders that affect the muscles, nerves, and tendons.
These repetitive motion injuries may include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or DeQuervain's Syndrome, for example. An individual may notice the onset of these injuries if they experience joint pain, muscle stiffness, swelling, or pins and needles. (Learn more about repetitive work injury)
An individual like an office worker, for example, may develop carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists from extended periods of typing on a computer. Other professionals may experience these repetitive motion injuries, too. They are some of the most common workplace injuries that can lead to pain, discomfort, and time away from work.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is another common workplace injury that falls under the realm of occupational illness and disease. Though the National Institute of Occupational Safety (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set standards for the workplace concerning noise levels, hearing loss is a major issue. OSHA estimates that more than $200 million is spent every year on workers compensation claims for this workplace injury.
Mental Health-Related Work Issues
The third category of workplace injury involves mental health issues. The American Institute of Preventative Medicine estimates that stress drives more than 75% of doctor's office visits in the United States. While only a handful of states support this type of worker compensation claim involving stress and emotional distress, these types of issues are a major concern.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anyone exposed to a traumatic event can experience PTSD. Those working in high-risk industries, however, may be at an increased risk of PTSD. Military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and emergency workers, for example, are all at an increased risk for this job-related injury.
If you got injured outside of the workplace, find out more about having light duty for non-work related injury.
Working with a Workers Compensation Lawyer
There are many common work-related injuries ranging from compensable injuries to occupational disease and associated mental health illnesses. While organizations like the National Safety Council promote healthy and safe workplaces across the United States, accidents can and do still happen.
Workplace-related injuries occur more often than one might think. When they do, the attorneys Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC. can help. This family law firm has been helping clients navigate the legal process for more than 90 years. They specialize in several practice areas including workplace injury.
The Columbus workers comp attorneys at Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC. will work with an injured person to successfully file a compensation claim. With deep knowledge and understanding of the process, they will help file the appropriate paperwork to ensure the claim is processed quickly and efficiently. They will then fight to ensure benefits are paid with no opposition from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. If opposition does occur, they will fight on the client's behalf to secure the best outcome.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC. today at 614-221-7548.