Is my injury claimable as work injury?
Accidents in the workplace occur on a daily basis and can result in both minor and severe injuries. That’s why there is workers compensation. This insurance pays for medical care, lost income and other expenses an employee endured from being hurt on the job. Let’s take a look at the most common work-related accidents that our law firm handles on a regular basis:
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are two very common injuries that occur in the workplace. In fact, they make up 30 percent of work-related injuries. A strain occurs when the muscle or tissue connecting muscle to the bone tears. A sprain refers to the overextension of a ligament.
It’s common for police officers, landscape workers and construction workers to suffer back sprains or strains.
Fracture
A bone fracture can occur in just about any type of work environment and can result in pain, swelling and bruising.
Inflammation
When a body part has been overused, it can become inflamed. Common examples include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. This type of injury is more likely to occur among clerical workers, construction workers and nurses.
Contusions
Accounting for 12 percent of work-related injuries, contusions are typically caused by a cut or blow to an area of the body. They can lead to swelling and pain and decreased range of motion. Contusions might seem minor at first, but they can turn serious if they aren’t treated promptly. It’s important for workers with contusions to seek medical care right away.
Cuts and Punctures
Cuts and punctures on the skin commonly occur because of slip and fall accidents and the misuse of tools. These injuries can also result from being exposed to broken glass and sharp metal items. While some cuts are minor, others are deep and may require stitches. Deep cuts may cause a lot of discomfort and require pain medication. They may even require employees to take time off of work to fully recover.
As you can now see, there are many kinds of injuries you can get on the job if you aren’t careful. Always follow safety rules while at work and inform your employer about potential dangerous situations. For example, if you notice a liquid spill on the floor, you should let your boss know about it right away. If you ever have any questions about your rights under workers compensation law, contact workers comp lawyers Long Island trusts today.
Thanks to our friends Polsky, Shouldice, & Rosen P.C. for their insight into workers compensation for government employees.