Types of Workplace Injuries

Experienced workers’ compensation lawyer protecting the interests of injured workers throughout Tampa Bay

In 2016, 892,270 work-related injury and illness claims were filed. Additionally, 5,190 workers died on the job in 2016. When an employee sustains an injury or develops an occupational illness, the workers’ compensation system is intended to provide the worker with benefits. However, many employers sidestep their obligation by denying valid workers’ compensation claims. If you were injured at work, it is important that you have an experienced legal advocate on your side who can help you file your workers’ compensation claim and assist you with any necessary appeals. Some of the industries most affected by worker injury and illnesses include:

Laborers

Laborers reported the highest number of job-related injuries and illnesses. These are individuals who do not work in the construction industry. Injuries may be more common among this group due to a lack of training, temporary jobs and high turnover rates. In 2016, 63,790 work-related injury and illness claims were filed.

Construction workers

It is well known that construction work can often be very dangerous. Construction workers often work from dangerous heights and in dangerous conditions. In 2016, 24,630 construction workers had work-related injuries or illnesses. 991 fatalities involved workers in the construction industry, representing over 21 percent of worker fatalities in the private sector. These deaths occurred from:

Falls – 38.7 percent of construction fatalities were due to falls, representing 384 deaths.
Struck by object – Being struck by an object like a tool, equipment or materials accounted for 93 deaths or 9.4 percent of the total number of deaths.
Electrocution – Electrocution accounted for 82 and 8.3 percent of deaths
Caught-in/between – Being caught in or compressed by equipment or objects or in a collapsing structure, equipment or material accounted for 72 and 7.3 percent of construction worker fatalities.

Construction work is made even more dangerous when employers refuse to follow federal laws and safety guidelines. Some of the most-often violated OSHA rules include fall protection, scaffolding and ladders.

Healthcare workers

Healthcare workers are at a high risk of injury. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers is seven times higher than for all other private sector workers. These injuries are common in slip and fall accidents, as well as in patient violence. Many healthcare workers are also injured as a result of accidental needle stick injuries. Nursing assistants are the fourth highest occupation for work-related claims, with a total of 36,340 work-related injury and illness claims. Registered nurses are also in the top ten.

Industrial workers

Workers in factories, warehouses or other industrial settings are also at an increased risk for danger. These workers could be injured due to moving large boxes or equipment, handling dangerous substances or subjecting themselves to intense environmental factors.

Public employees

Workers in the public sector may also suffer injuries from car crashes, slips and falls in the workplace, repetitive motion injuries and other causes. Workers’ compensation is not typically available in these situations, but a similar yet separate federal program may be available to cover these workers.

Contact an experienced Florida workers’ compensation for help with your claim

We can assist workers who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that is intended to provide injured workers with necessary medical and economic benefits. Our Florida workers’ compensation attorneys ensures you receive the benefits you are entitled to and will work diligently to help you with your claim. Attorney Joseph Rooth has helped clients just like you in New Port Richey and throughout the Tampa Bay area for nearly a quarter of a century. He can help with the initial claim as well as each stage of the appeals process. For help with your workers’ compensation claim, contact us online or call us at 727-849-3400 to schedule a confidential consultation.