What Are The Most Common Causes People Seek Workers’ Compensation?
If you are injured while at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This program is designed to help injured workers get the medical care and financial assistance they need during their recovery period. But what types of injuries are covered by workers’ comp?
Have you suffered injuries in the workplace and do not know whether or not your injury is compensable under workers’ comp law? Talk to our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to discuss your unique situation and determine your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits in Maryland.
Common Reasons People File Workers’ Compensation Claims
According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 1.8 million workers across the United States sustained injuries at work and were treated in emergency rooms in 2020. Below are some of the most common reasons people seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are among the most common types of workplace-related injuries. They can occur as a result of lifting heavy objects, performing repetitive tasks, or doing activities that involve sudden movements. Symptoms may include pain in the affected area, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and medications such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.
Cuts and Punctures
Cuts and punctures can occur when sharp tools or objects come into contact with your skin. These types of injuries often require stitches or other kinds of wound closure techniques to reduce the risk of infection or potential scarring. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may also need antibiotics or other treatments to prevent complications from occurring.
Severe Cuts and Lacerations
Severe cuts and lacerations are more serious than simple cuts and punctures because they involve deep tissue damage that requires sutures or staples for treatment. Severe lacerations can result in significant blood loss, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you have suffered one of these types of injuries. Afterward, you’ll likely require a course of antibiotics to reduce your risk for infection further down the line.
Overuse or Repetitive Stress Injuries
Overuse and repetitive stress injuries can occur when you perform the same task over and over again for an extended period of time. These types of injuries include things like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, bursitis, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), sciatica nerve pain, trigger finger/thumb pain, cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve entrapment), etc. Treatment typically involves rest from activities that cause pain as well as physical therapy exercises that can improve strength and flexibility in the affected area(s).
Fractures
Workplace fractures are typically caused by falls or direct blows to a particular area of your body (e.g., your arm). They aren’t always visible right away. Sometimes, there is no outward sign that something is broken until after an x-ray has been taken at a hospital or doctor’s office. Treatment for fractures usually involves immobilizing the affected area with a cast until it heals completely. Depending on the severity of your injury, this process could take several weeks or even months before you’re able to resume normal activities again.
Discuss Your Unique Case with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
There are many types of injuries that may be covered under workers’ compensation insurance policies. The key is understanding exactly what kind of injury you have sustained so that you can get the proper care—and any financial assistance—you need right away.
If you think your injury may qualify for coverage under workers’ comp, don’t hesitate to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to review your case thoroughly before filing any paperwork on your behalf. Call 800-248-3352 for a free, no-obligation case review.
Source:
cdc.gov/niosh/injury/fastfacts.html
