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The Most Common Workplace Injuries
When you get hurt at work, it can be difficult to tell if your injury will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. One way to determine whether you can expect compensation is to compare your injury to some of the most commonly occurring workplace injuries. By doing this, you can get a better feel about whether you will be entitled to compensation.
Some of the most common workplace injuries are:
- Struck against an object: Injuries involving doors, windows, or walls.
- Workplace assaults: When one worker or more are injured in an assault while on the job.
- Fall to a lower level: Falling down stairs, off roofs, off ladders, etc.
- Overexertion: Involving holding, throwing, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling, overexertion injuries are perhaps the most common workplace injury.
- Caught in/compressed by: Injuries that usually involve some type of heavy machinery. These are common to factories.
- Traffic incidents: Injuries that happen while using workplace vehicles.
- Slips and falls: When someone is injured by slipping and falling on wet, uneven, or slippery grounds/floors.
- Struck by an object: When objects that are dropped or falling cause injury.
What You Should Know About Worker’s Compensation Cases
When you hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Arlington Heights, they will of course be able to help you understand everything surrounding your claim, but for your own benefit, it can be helpful to learn about different aspects of it on your own. For instance, find out what paperwork you’ll need to keep on hand, as well as what the statute of limitations is. Also, research what type of compensation you need to fight for—this can include lost wages, medical bill reimbursement, permanent injury, or a combination. If you need help with any of this, a work injury attorney can be a great help.
The Process of Filing a Claim
Filing a work injury claim can be a complex process, but working with a workers’ compensation lawyer can make it much easier.
First, you’ll need to inform your employer of the incident. Though you may have longer than seven days to do so, it’s best to do so as soon as you can. If you seek medical attention, be sure to let the medical professionals know that your injury is a work related one, as some workplaces require their workers to be seen at specific clinics or by specific specialists.
Next, the doctors or your employer will submit information to the insurance carrier, and the insurance carrier will open a benefits claim. The claim will be reviewed, and if it’s found to be compensable, the carrier will contact the injured party as well as the employer to determine what the rate of pay or benefits will be. If the claim is denied, however, the injured party may choose to appeal the decision.
