Workplace Injury

Workplace Injury

If you are injured at work, you are not alone. In 2018, for every 100 workers, 2.8 became ill or injured as a result of their occupation. This number has steadily trended downward since 2003.

Employer Responsibility

We may never reach zero injuries in the workplace. But, certain conditions in the workplace make workers more susceptible to harm. It is the responsibility of every employer to make sure the workplace is as safe as possible for all employees. In the event of an injury, the employer has a duty to compensate the injured employee – no matter who is at fault.

Common Causes Of Workplace Injuries

There are a number of ways you can find yourself injured or ill as a result of your work environment. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are five main causes for non-fatal workplace injuries. 

5 Main Causes of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

1. Overexertion
2. Falls and slips
3. Contact with equipment
4. Violence or injury caused by co-worker or animals
5. Transportation accidents

Workplace Injuries Declining

While the number of overall workplace injuries and illnesses is declining, the number of fatal workplace injuries are rising. In 2019, a worker died every 90 minutes on the job in the US.

6 Common Causes of Workplace Fatalities

1. Transportation accidents 
2. Falls, slips and trips
3. Violence or injury caused by co-worker or animals 
4. Contact with objects and equipment
5. Exposure to harmful substances or environments 
6. Fires and explosions 

Some occupations involve more danger than others. While there may be a risk involved in every profession, certain industries regularly expose workers to danger. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, these occupations had the highest number of fatalities in 2019:

6 Most Dangerous Occupations

1. Logging workers 
2. Commercial fishing
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
4. Roofers
5. Sanitation and refuse workers
6. Vehicle operators (truckers, delivery, sales, etc.)

Types Of Workplace Injuries

Injuries that occur in the workplace can range from minor to serious – even death in some cases. Minor injuries typically mean a sprain, muscle tension, and/or temporary pain. More serious injuries can include chemical burns, broken bones, and amputations.

10 Common Workplace Injuries

1. Soreness or pain
2. Cuts and lacerations
3. Contusions
4. Bruises 
5. Fractures
6. Concussion or head injury
7. Carpal tunnel syndrome
8. Tendonitis
9. Heat or chemical burns
10. Hazardous material or chemical exposure

Work-Related Illness or Disease

While these are some of the most common types of injuries, there are many more injuries that can occur on the job. Contracting an illness or disease at your workplace can also happen. For example, Revlon is currently being sued for exposing employees to asbestos. 

Workers’ Compensation

Many states have created workers’ compensation programs to aid injured workers. However, workers’ comp can prohibit people from taking legal action against their employer after an injury. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among these states. The details of your situation will determine eligibility.

Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, all people who perform services for another entity are eligible for workers comp. This excludes “casual employees” only.

Workers’ Comp in New Jersey

In New Jersey, they are a bit less lenient in who is eligible for workers comp. New Jersey law excludes independent contractors, domestic workers, negligent employees, inmates, and casual employees.

Workers’ Comp Benefits

If you are eligible, workers’ compensation will help pay for your medical bills, missed wages and offer other benefits for your pain and suffering. 

What To Do If You Are Injured In The Workplace

Workers’ comp typically bans employees from taking legal action against their employer. But, you may be able to sue the employer under certain circumstances. Not every situation is eligible for a lawsuit. An employee may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:

• The employer did not provide workers compensation coverage
• The employer, or another employee intentionally harms an employee
• Willful misconduct of the employer caused the injury
• Employer fraud
• Injury due to a third party who has a different employer

Talk to a Workplace Injury Lawyer

It is confusing to know whether or not you are able to file a lawsuit. At Kane and Silverman we offer free consultations to help you navigate your next steps.

Free Workplace Injury Consultation

With a free consultation, you will get professional legal advice from experienced attorneys, with no strings attached. Here at Kane and Silverman, we want to help you in any way we can. Schedule your free consultation today. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.

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