When a person goes to work, they are trusting their employer to provide them with a safe working environment. Unfortunately, many employees are injured because of unsafe working conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 2.8 million Americans suffered workplace injuries and illnesses within the private sector in 2017, and 4, 674 workers ultimately died due to their injuries. If you or a loved one are injured at work, you will typically be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits, and an attorney can help you determine whether you may also pursue a lawsuit against any third parties whose negligence led to your injuries.
Industries Where Injuries Commonly Occur
A significant number of American workers suffer injuries every year, and three industries where injuries commonly occur are construction, manufacturing, and hospitals. These injuries include:
- Construction Workers: According to statistics compiled by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than 20% of all fatal worker injuries in 2017 occurred within the construction industry. The three most common causes of construction fatalities are falls, being struck by an object, and electrocutions. Fall injuries made up just under 40% of all construction deaths in 2017, with 381 workers dying due to falling on-site. In comparison, injuries involving electrocutions or being struck by objects resulted in 151 construction deaths over that same time period. Many of the injuries suffered by construction workers are a result of an employer’s non-compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Manufacturing: According to BLS, more than 115, 000 American manufacturing workers suffered injuries that ultimately resulted in days away from work in 2017. The most common manufacturing injuries are related to physical activity, such as sprains or muscle strains and tears. Approximately 34, 000 workers in manufacturing suffered injuries of this nature in 2017. In a substantial percentage of manufacturing injuries, the employer was not in compliance with OSHA safety regulations. Common manufacturing violations include improper eye and mouth protection or insufficient machine guarding.
- Hospital Workers: In 2017, 51, 380 hospital employees suffered injuries and illnesses that caused them to miss time from work. The most common cause of injuries among hospital employees is overexertion. These employees are often required to work long, rigorous hours in a pressure-filled environment, and the stresses, many of which are unique to the industry, can ultimately lead to injury. Due to the fact that nurses and doctors are dealing with sick patients, they are also more likely to miss work days due to illness.
Contact an Appleton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ compensation benefits are the exclusive remedy of an employee for an industrial injury against the employer, any other employee of the same employer, and the worker’s compensation insurer. The term “third party claim” is frequently used to describe a tort claim by a worker against a person other than the employer or a co-employee. An injured employee, the employer, or workers’ compensation insurer may sue a third party tortfeasor who is responsible for the employee’s injuries. The employee claims damages for injuries above and beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Such damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and derivative claims for loss of society and companionship. If you are unsure whether you have only a workers’ compensation claim, or whether there may be a third-party claim available to you as well, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the facts and circumstances of your injury.
In the event of a workplace accident, it is important to act quickly. Employers or their insurance companies may attempt to avoid paying any workers’ compensation benefits to an injured employee. For families, a workplace injury can result in loss of work hours and costly medical expenses, and receiving injury compensation is a necessity for their financial health. The attorneys and staff at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. are dedicated to helping our clients receive the full injury compensation they need in order to provide for their families, and we can provide you with the legal representation you need when making a workers’ compensation claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a Green Bay personal injury attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html