Workplace injuries can occur anywhere. While you might associate them more with dangerous professions such as construction, there are many other ways they could happen. Someone could, for instance, suffer a severe injury in a car accident while driving for their job, or a moving company employee could try to lift something too heavy and hurt their back.

Whatever workplace injury you’ve suffered, you should contact a Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh attorney if you have difficulty obtaining the compensation you deserve.

The following are some workplace injuries that occur far too often.

Burns

Burns are a common type of injury that can occur in the workplace, often due to accidents involving fire, chemicals, electricity, or hot surfaces. They can range in severity from minor to life-threatening and cause significant pain, discomfort, and long-term physical and emotional trauma. Some of the most common causes of workplace burns include exposure to chemicals or toxic substances, electrical hazards, fires or explosions, and contact with hot machinery or equipment.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones, also known as fractures, are a common type of injury that can occur in the workplace due to accidents involving falls, heavy machinery, or vehicle accidents. These types of injuries can range from simple fractures to multiple bone fractures and can cause severe pain and long-term disability.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are a severe type of injury that can occur in the workplace due to falls, strikes, or vehicle accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), leading to decades of debilitation.

Employers must ensure that their employees receive adequate training, keep all equipment in good working order, and put proper safety measures in place. Companies must also offer protective equipment, such as hard hats, helmets, and more. They should also have a clear protocol for handling head injuries, such as providing first aid and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.

Back and Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries are a common type of injury that can occur in the workplace due to accidents involving heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or falls. They range from minor sprains and strains to severely herniated discs and spinal cord injuries and can cause severe pain, disability, and long-term physical and emotional trauma. Some of the most common causes of back and neck injuries in the workplace include improper lifting techniques, repetitive motions, and falls from heights or slips and trips on the ground.

Crushing Injuries

Crush injuries occur when a body part becomes caught between two heavy objects or when a heavy object falls on a body part. These injuries can occur in various workplaces, including manufacturing, construction sites, and mining.

Crush injuries can cause extensive damage to the bones, muscles, and soft tissue, as well as damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other serious complications. They can also result in amputations or the need for limb reconstruction. Crush injuries can also cause severe injuries to nerves and blood vessels, leading to long-term complications such as nerve damage, loss of sensation and movement, poor blood flow, and more.

Upper Extremity Injuries

Upper extremity injuries refer to injuries that occur in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. Some examples of upper extremity workplace injuries include:

  • Sprains and strains caused by repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects, or falls.
  • Tendinitis due to typing or assembling
  • Fractures caused by falls or by getting struck by falling objects
  • Lacerations due to sharp objects or machinery
  • Amputations caused by getting caught in machinery or vehicle accidents.

Lower Extremity Injuries

Lower extremity injuries refer to injuries that occur in the hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. These injuries can happen in various workplaces, such as construction sites, factories, warehouses, and offices. Lower extremity workplace injuries typically include sprains and strains.

Examples include the following:

  • Shin splints caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the lower legs.
  • Ankle sprains due to falls, slips, or twists.
  • Plantar fasciitis because of overuse.

Overexertion or Repetitive Use Injuries

Overexertion or repetitive use injuries are a type of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) resulting from prolonged and awkward postures. They can happen in many workplaces, such as assembly lines, offices, and warehouses. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), trigger finger, and rotator cuff injuries.

Employers should prevent these injuries by providing proper training, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures. These procedures can include ergonomic assessments, job rotation, and workstation adjustments. Additionally, employers should ensure that employees take regular breaks and have adequate rest time between shifts.

Steps to Take if You’re Injured at Work

If you suffer a workplace injury, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and rights. The first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can include going to a hospital, visiting a doctor, or seeking treatment from a physical therapist. Be sure to inform your doctor that the injury occurred at work and ask that they document the injury in your medical records.

Next, inform your employer of the injury as soon as possible. Your employer should then file a report with their insurance company and provide you with the necessary forms to file a claim.

It’s also a good idea to keep a record of the injury and related expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Take pictures of the area where the injury occurred and note any witnesses.

You should also consult with a workers’ compensation attorney, as they can help you navigate the process, ensure that your rights are protected, and help you get the benefits to which you’re entitled.

Call Keller, Melchiorre, and Walsh Today

The attorneys with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh regularly deliver positive results on behalf of our clients. If you’re having problems obtaining fair compensation, we’ll work to ensure recovery of all your injury-related financial losses. Use our online contact form or call for a free evaluation of your case.