Whether you work in an office, on a construction site, or in a factory, there are certain injuries that are likely to occur. It is important to know the most common workers’ compensation claims, so you can be prepared to take the right steps to protect yourself and your employees.
Lacerations
Whether you’re working in a hospital, manufacturing plant or restaurant, cuts and lacerations are common workplace injuries that are covered under workers’ compensation. These injuries can lead to amputations, disfigurement, or disability.
While some cuts heal quickly with simple first aid, more severe cuts require extensive medical treatment. Deep cuts can go through the skin, muscles, or bones, resulting in the loss of limbs. These cuts can also damage tendons and ligaments, leading to long-term disability.
Even minor lacerations can lead to an infection, which can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of wound infections include pain, chills, and discoloration around the wound. If you suspect an infection, you should consult a doctor right away.
Cuts and lacerations can be caused by working on or near sharp objects or not wearing proper safety equipment. Workers’ compensation insurance can help injured workers pay for medical expenses.
Workers’ compensation insurance will also help pay for lost wages if you cannot work due to a laceration injury. The amount of money you’ll receive depends on the severity of the injury. If you suffer permanent scarring from a cut or laceration, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering, and disfigurement caused by your injuries.
Sprains
Amongst the many types of injuries that workers can suffer, sprains and strains are the most common. These injuries can have a negative effect on your ability to work. They can also cost a lot of money, so it’s important to have them treated as soon as possible.
A sprain is an injury caused by a ligament being torn. They can also be caused by awkward posture or repetitive tasks. They can be treated with physical therapy or surgery.
Sprains are often associated with pain in the back or neck, but they can also occur in the wrist. They are also commonly caused by lifting heavy objects. They can take weeks to heal but will often require medical attention.
Depending on the severity of the injury, a sprain may require surgery. Symptoms of a sprain include pain and swelling.
Sprains and strains are usually caused by awkward posture, repetitive tasks, and carrying heavy loads. They can take weeks to heal but can significantly impact a person’s ability to work. Slips, trips, and falls can also cause them.
Contusions
Bruises, or contusions, are bruises caused by blood pooling under the skin. Usually, they are caused by a direct blow to the body or a collision with equipment.
While contusions are not life-threatening, they can be very debilitating. Depending on the severity of the injury, they can take months to heal. If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to benefits.
There are several things to consider when it comes to the best possible recovery from a work injury. The first is to seek medical attention. You may want to seek treatment from your employer’s medical provider network.
You should also try to keep a record of your accident. If your injury is not serious, you can return to work after a short amount of time. However, you may need to seek hospitalization if your injury is serious.
In general, you are likely to have a better chance of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits if you return to work as soon as possible. Sometimes, your employer may be willing to work with your physician to accommodate your restrictions.
Injuries to the Head or Central Nervous System
Among all on-the-job injuries, head or central nervous system injuries are some of the most costly. This type of injury is also one of the most common, with an estimated 20,000 head injuries yearly in Pennsylvania alone.
These injuries can be life-altering and expensive, often requiring major medical and life modifications. They can also cause long-term disability.
Head injuries can occur in various situations, including slip and fall accidents. They can also result from an assault or violent incident.
Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, fatigue, dizziness, and headache. In some cases, these injuries can even lead to death.
If you or a loved one is injured in a workplace head injury, you should contact your employer immediately. They can assist you financially through workers’ compensation. Depending on your injury, you may also be able to recover for pain and suffering, lost wages, and punitive damages. You may also be able to claim your employer’s insurance company.
Eye Strain
Whether you’re sitting at a computer all day or snatching glances at a tablet, eye strain is a major problem. It’s one of the most common workplace injuries.
The best way to prevent this is to take frequent breaks. You should rest your eyes for a few minutes every two hours. You should also ensure you don’t have your wrists rested on the keyboard while typing.
Some funky signs and symptoms of eye strain include blurry vision, tearing, a distorted eye, and double vision. There are also more serious signs, such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, vertigo, and dry eye.
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation if you have been injured at work. This benefit is meant to cover medical treatment and partial wage replacement. The amount you receive depends on the severity of the injury and your ability to return to work.
An eye injury can be caused by flying objects, blunt force trauma to the eyeball, and contact with chemicals or bodily fluids. If you’ve been injured in the workplace, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
