Despite even the most rigorous of safety protocols, injuries while performing work-related duties are fairly common. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021. This means that for every 100 full-time workers, there were about 2.7 recorded cases of occupational injuries. When an accident like this occurs, workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover any incurred medical expenses and lost wages for the employees. Below are the five most common injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance:
Slip and Fall
Workplace accidents involving slips, trips, and falls occur frequently and makeup about 18% of all of the workers’ compensation claims made in 2020. These injuries happen when an employee loses their footing or slips on a wet surface and can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head injuries. Under Georgia’s worker compensation statutes, these work-related accidents are covered by the law and entitle you to full coverage for your injuries and time lost at work. However, if your claim is denied for whatever reason and you wish to file a lawsuit, it is essential to consult a workers comp lawyer so that they can help you navigate the process and get you the total compensation you deserve.
Sprains and Strains
Another fairly common class of injuries reported in the workplace are sprains and strains. A sprain is an overstretching or tearing of the ligaments which connect your bones together, while a strain is an overstretching or tearing of the muscles and tendons that connect your muscles to your bones. These injuries are often due to improper lifting and poor ergonomics in the workplace. Pain and discomfort can linger from as little as weeks to as long as years, and it may become difficult to perform at the same level at your job. It is highly advised that you seek out workers’ compensation benefits as they can significantly reduce the financial impact that the injury has had on you and your family.
Burns
A burn is an injury to the skin and other organic tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, friction, or radiation. These injuries are fairly common in industries such as food service, construction, manufacturing, and production. The impact a burn injury can have on your life is immense, depending on how severe your burn is—non-fatal burns can lead to prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. Fortunately, workers’ compensation insurance should cover all of the medical expenses that you require to treat your burns and increase your chances of recovery.
Vehicle Accidents
Workers who perform job duties involving driving or operating machinery such as forklifts are at risk for vehicular accidents. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries such as concussions, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. If you were involved in a vehicular accident, you are eligible for workers’ compensation if you were on the job at the time of the accident and the accident was related to your job duties.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
A repetitive motion injury, or repetitive stress injury, occurs when jobs require performing the same repetitive movements over and over, leading to strain which eventually culminates into an injury. This gradual degradation of the body can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and tendinitis. Therefore, both single traumatic injuries and repetitive stress injuries are covered under workers’ compensation benefits.
To sum up, workers’ compensation insurance policies help employees who suffer from work-related injuries by covering the costs of medical expenses and lost wages. Some of the injuries covered under these laws are slips and falls, sprains and strains, burns, vehicle accidents, and repetitive motion injuries. This list is by no means exhaustive—workers’ compensation benefits cover a wide range of work-related injuries. Consulting an attorney about what you are entitled to and how you can claim your benefits will help to expedite the process.
