What Are The Most Common Work-Related Injuries?
Economic activity dropped sharply in 2020, mostly due to coronavirus shutdowns. Yet, the number of work-related trauma accidents only decreased marginally. Other kinds of workplace injury claims actually increased. These statistics speak not only to the inherent risks in many jobs, but also to the attitude that many employers have about such matters.
Construction, and its intensive use of LEP (Limited English Proficiency) workers, is a good illustration of both these points. Many construction projects have very tight deadlines. To many employers, safety devices, like saw guards and tether harnesses, slow workers down by a few minutes a day. Those nickels and dimes quickly add up to quarters and dollars. Additionally, many employers do not inform LEP workers about the available safety systems, and the need to use them, in their own language. Even if employers provide interpreters, important items often get lost in translation.
If you were hurt on the job, a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney may be able to obtain substantial compensation in court. This compensation usually includes lost wage replacement and medical bill payment. Generally, job injury victims receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage for the duration of their temporary or permanent disabilities. Additionally, workers’ compensation insurance pays all reasonably necessary medical bills, regardless of fault for the accident.
Trauma Injuries
Falls are the most common work-related trauma injuries in Tampa Bay. Third-party assaults and motor vehicle collisions are a rather distant second and third.
A fall could be a fall from a height or a slip-and-fall injury. A fall from as little as forty feet (four stories) above ground is often fatal. Slip-and-fall incidents often involve head injuries, even if the victim was wearing a hardhat. Traumatic Brain Injuries, such as bleeding in the brain, are difficult to treat and have high fatality rates.
The type of environment often dictates the type of fall. Falls from a height are more common among blue collar workers, while slip-and-falls are more common among white collar workers.
When employers hire workers, they often give little regard to things like employee camaraderie. Other employers fail to properly supervise workers or properly discipline troublesome workers. Therefore, petty fights often start. These fights often end very badly for one or both participants. Full compensation is usually available, even if the victim was partially at fault, or entirely at fault, for the assault.
As for vehicle collisions, many employers require workers to drive as part of their jobs. Even if the crash happened away from the workplace, if the victim was performing a directly work-related task, which is basically anything other than commuting to and from work, workers’ compensation benefits are probably available.
Occupational Diseases
These claims are different, mostly because occupational diseases occur slowly over time. Furthermore, it’s often challenging for a Tampa workers’ compensation injury lawyer to connect a specific condition with a work-related event.
Common occupational disease claims include repetitive muscle stress disorders, like knee or back problems, toxic exposure illnesses, and repetitive sensory disorders, such as computer vision syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Rely On an Experienced Hillsborough County Attorney
Job injury victims are entitled to important financial benefits. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa, contact Kobal Law. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
Resource:
bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
