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What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?

January 23, 2023

Serious work-related injuries can be very hard to bounce back from and may require a personal injury lawyer to get fair compensation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three most common causes are contact with objects and equipment; overexertion and bodily reaction; and falls, slips, or trips. However, there are many more to consider that may seriously impact your overall health. Read below to see the other most common workplace injuries you should avoid.

Equipment Contact


Equipment contact refers to people coming into direct contact with work-related items and getting injured. For example, a carpenter who's cut by their saw would experience equipment contact-related injuries. These may also include electrical shocks or burns by fire or chemicals.


The severity of equipment contact injuries will vary based on what items a person touches. For example, contact with a running power saw may cause worse injuries than touching a non-powered saw blade. The severity and extent of an injury can also affect what compensation a person receives.

Overexertion and Bodily Reaction


Unfortunately, people in physically demanding jobs may be at a high risk of overexerting themselves and suffering physical or emotional injuries. The extent of their overexertion can impact what compensation they receive, as well as how they overexert themselves in the workplace.


A business that mandates overtime work and causes an employee's physical collapse is more likely to be considered to be at fault than someone who works too hard on their own time. In these situations, it's important to work with a lawyer who understands your rights.

Falls, Slips, or Trips


Slips, falls, and trips at the workplace are very common and can be incredibly painful. Whether that's a personal injury lawsuit depends on the context of the fall. Typically, the employer has to be responsible for the conditions that led to an employee falling down.


For instance, if an employer was aware of ice on their parking lot and did nothing to help it, they're liable if an employee is injured. The same is true of slippery floors that aren't properly labeled, such as if a leaking roof causes water to fall onto a floor. In this situation, a personal injury lawyer is critical.

Repetitive Strain Injury


A repetitive strain injury is an injury that occurs due to repetitive use of a specific part of the body. For example, a builder using a jackhammer repeatedly may suffer from a repetitive strain injury in their wrists, hands, and throughout the rest of their arms. This injury may also occur in typing-based jobs.


The extent of an employer's liability for these injuries is often hard to prove. Typically, the employer is liable if they don't do enough to help reduce an employee's risk of these injuries, such as failing to provide adequate break periods or health care if they suffer from a repetitive strain injury.

Crashes


If you work in a job with motorized vehicles, such as delivery or as a forklift operator, there's a real risk that you might get into a crash. A crash-related injury can be very damaging and can impact your overall health or cause other issues, such as reducing your overall strength and balance.


In this type of lawsuit, you need to prove that your employer or someone else was liable for your crash. For example, if your employer didn't properly maintain a car and this caused the crash, it's important to prove that they were negligent by not properly handling repairs.

Burns


Depending on your work environment, you may be at risk of several types of burns. Fire-based burns are not uncommon in welding professions. However, you may also experience chemical burns or exposure to various toxic fumes at your workplace.


These burns can be very painful and may cause long-term complications with your health. This may include lung damage caused by breathing toxic fumes. Working with a skillful lawyer can help you better prepare for this kind of long-term and complicated lawsuit.


Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer can make it easier to present your case and potentially earn compensation for your injuries. Personal injury lawyers can also help create a better and more effective way of defending yourself in what can be lengthy and emotionally challenging lawsuit situations. Contact Wilson & Novak Law Offices today to receive the personal injury assistance you deserve.


Understanding Personal Injury Law Basics

April 9, 2025
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be daunting. This area of law encompasses a variety of scenarios where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. From automobile accidents to medical malpractice, understanding the fundamentals of filing a claim is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case? A personal injury case arises when a person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. The responsible party could be an individual, a business, or even a government entity. Common examples of personal injury cases include automobile accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. Key Elements of a Personal Injury Claim To successfully file a personal injury claim, certain elements must be proven: Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligence or intentional misconduct. Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injury. Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages, such as medical bills or lost wages. Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases Damages in personal injury cases are typically categorized into two types: economic and non-economic damages. Economic Damages Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of an injury. These include: Medical Bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work. Lost Earnings Capacity: Future income lost as a result of long-term disability. Property Damage: Costs for repair or replacement of damaged property, such as a vehicle in car accidents. Non-Economic Damages Non-economic damages are more subjective and may include: Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. Loss of Consortium: Damages for loss of companionship or spousal support. Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for a reduced ability to enjoy life’s pleasures. Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim Filing a personal injury claim involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail. 1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention Prompt medical evaluation is crucial not only for your health but also for establishing a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Medical records will serve as vital evidence in your personal injury case. 2. Gather Evidence Collecting evidence is essential for substantiating your claim. This includes: Photographs of the accident scene and injuries. Police or accident reports. Witness statements. Medical records and bills. 3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer Engaging with a qualified injury attorney is advisable to navigate the legal intricacies. A personal injury lawyer can offer expert guidance, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation. 4. File the Claim A formal claim must be filed with the responsible party's insurance company. This claim should detail the extent of your injuries and damages. An experienced attorney can assist in articulating the intricacies of your case. 5. Negotiate a Settlement Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. Your attorney will work to secure a settlement that adequately compensates for your losses. If negotiations fail, litigation may be necessary. Statute of Limitations The statute of limitations dictates the time frame within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, this period ranges from one to six years from the date of the injury, varying by jurisdiction and case type. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures compliance with these legal deadlines. The Role of Insurance Companies Insurance companies play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They are responsible for compensating the injured party, but their primary aim is often to minimize payouts. Therefore, it is crucial to approach negotiations with caution and the support of legal representation. Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies Delaying the Process: Prolonging the claims process in hopes of wearing down the claimant. Denying Liability: Asserting that their policyholder was not at fault. Underestimating Damages: Offering settlements that do not fully cover the claimant’s losses. Conclusion Understanding the basics of personal injury law empowers you to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether dealing with car accidents, medical malpractice, or other injuries, comprehensive knowledge of the legal process and the assistance of an adept personal injury lawyer are invaluable. By recognizing the various facets of filing a claim, the types of damages you can recover, and the tactics employed by insurance companies, you are better equipped to navigate your personal injury case effectively. Always prioritize your health and consult with a professional to guide you through this challenging process. To schedule a case evaluation with Wilson & Novak Law Offices, reach out online or give us a call at 219-757-0225 .
What does a personal injury attorney do

What does a personal injury attorney do?

September 18, 2024
A personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in helping victims of accidents and negligence get the compensation they deserve. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, they handle all aspects of your case.
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