Workplace injuries are inevitable and while preventable, occur frequently, especially in industries where the workforce performs manual labor. Industries or jobs requiring employees to operate heavy machinery or equipment pose a greater risk to employee safety. Equipment failure, negligence and faulty infrastructure are some of the common factors causing on injuries on the job.
While this is so, a workplace injury can occur anywhere and once liability is determined, the employee is entitled to compensation for their injuries as well as coverage for lost wages in the event they are unable to perform their job duties or in some cases, continue their career.
The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses define an ‘incident’ when a worker is injured or succumbs to illness that requires medical attention while performing their job duty. A large majority of the injuries occur in manufacturing environments, warehouses and transportation industries. The injured employees are typically covered by some form of workers compensation, which is limited and the employers insurance companies will do all they can to limited the disbursements they make.
Some of the common workplace injuries are a result of:
- Falls due to uneven surfaces or lack of warnings/ signifiers
- Electrocutions
- Compression when a large or heaving object pins a person down
- Fires and smoke inhalation
- Scaffolding collapsing
- Equipment failure (ladders, harnesses, ropes)
- The absence of safety guards on heavy machinery
These instances can result in death and in many cases severe injuries including but not limited to:
- Broken bones requiring orthopedic treatment
- Punctured organs
- Burns
- Blindness
- Spinal cord injury- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Brain Damage
- Psychological Trauma as a result of any of the above
The insurance companies will take advantage of the uninformed to limit their payouts. It is important to be aware of this and know that you are not required to give statements to them and that even if you have reoccurring injuries or ailments, you can still get compensation. If you’ve been injured on the job, you are entitled to compensation for short-term disabilities and long-term disabilities as well. Injuries can take a toll on the psyche and anticipating all the potential implications can be burdensome on the injured. For this reason, it is important that the injured parties secure the services of a skilled attorney.
Workplace Injury attorneys have extensive knowledge on the regulations in niche industries as well as experience dealing with large insurance companies and medical institutions. Documenting the incident and communicating with medical experts will assist in the recovery process. Riley, Williams & Piatt are Indianapolis based Workplace Injury Attorneys who have successfully recovered millions for those injured in the Workplace. Contact them for a case evaluation today.