Top 5 Workers Compensation Claims in the US

The National Safety Council estimates that in 2020 there were approximately 4 thousand fatalities and 4 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses sustained on the job. The majority of employees are protected by workers’ compensation in Oregon. This means that you will be eligible for benefits in the event of a work-related injury. The five most frequent causes for workers’ compensation claims are discussed below.

Hazardous Exposure

Employees can be hurt in many ways, including by being exposed to poisonous chemicals, electricity, severe temperatures, and traumatic experiences on the job. Hazardous exposure, which had previously been identified as the sixth most common workers’ compensation claim, jumped to the top due to the spread of COVID-19. 

Injuries Caused by Exertion

Sprains, rips, and hernias are just some of the problems that can occur when moving heavy objects around or due to repetitive stress to a certain muscle. Repetitive stress injuries, such carpal tunnel syndrome, are also included. Twenty-one percent of all claims for workers’ compensation were the result of injuries sustained from overexertion.

Accidents Due to Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falling from floors, platforms, rooftops, scaffolds, ladders, steps, and ramps is the second leading cause of workplace accidents and fatalities in Oregon in 2020. In general, in case of a workplace slip and fall accident in Oregon, no matter who is at fault for negligence, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation including compensation for medical costs, lost wages during your recovery, temporary or permanent disability payments, and job retraining in case you are unequipped to return to your old job.

Inadequate safety precautions can cause slip and trip dangers in any industry or workplace. There is always a risk that an employee will need to file a slip-and-fall workers’ compensation claim, whether they work in retail and slide on a spilt product or an office and trip over some loose computer cables. This is especially important to keep in mind in wetter parts of the world, where wet floors near doorways and other high-traffic areas pose a risk of injury. Accidental falls can happen from any height, including ladders, scaffolding, and roofs, as well as by tripping on obstacles in walkways or slipping on wet or uneven surfaces. One of the “Fatal Four” causes of construction accidents identified by OSHA includes falls from heights or from scaffolds.

Accidents involving Machines and Heavy Equipment

Injuries sustained from tools, equipment, falling things, swung objects, and flying objects all fall under this category. Injuries from being struck by a vehicle are also included. The dangers of operating heavy machinery and industrial equipment are amplified when employees are not provided with adequate training or safety gear. Some companies aim to cut expenses by requiring employees to share safety equipment rather than providing individual pieces of equipment for each employee. It’s no secret that accidents involving machinery and other forms of heavy equipment along with equipment malfunction are a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.

Transportation Accidents

When an employee is involved in a transportation accident (also known as work auto accident), it can involve any mode of transportation other than an automobile, such as a train, plane, boat, or bicycle. There were 41,010 transportation-related accidents in 2020, or 3.5% of the total.

How Can Extra Compensation Be Obtained for your workplace injury?

Workers’ compensation prevents employees from suing their employers for injuries sustained on the job, although in many cases, another entity is responsible for those injuries. A claim filed against a party other than your employer, such as a property owner or equipment manufacturer, is called a third-party claim. It is highly recommended that you get the advice of an experienced attorney before filing a third-party workers’ compensation claim. Damages for injuries, such as medical costs, lost pay, and pain and suffering, may be obtained through a third-party workers’ compensation claim.

A workers comp lawyer can help you by filing your workers’ compensation claim resulting from any of the top 5 workplace injuries that may be suffered by you.