Workplace Injuries: Common Types & What to Do When They Occur

When an employee gets injured at the workplace, it might seem you’ve fallen from a Bermuda Triangle, which causes various injuries. 

Have you sustained injuries at work but are unsure what type of injuries they are or what steps you should take afterward? If that’s the case, look nowhere else; we’ll stop letting you be unsure! 

This blog post illuminates two significant aspects of workplace injuries: common injuries that are often sustained and the must-do things to deal with them. So, continue to read on… 

Common Injuries Sustained in Workplace Accidents 

Based on the report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), several common injuries occur at the workplace, such as; 

• Slips and Falls – Frequently occur thanks to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. This type of accident can result in broken bones, back injuries, and permanent injuries.
• Machinery Accidents – Due to faulty equipment or improper usage in industries like manufacturing, severe injuries can happen, including amputations or lacerations.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries – Engaging in elongated tasks like typing or lifting can cause conditions such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Falling Objects – Using inefficiently secured tools or materials can strike workers. This can lead to head trauma or other severe injuries.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials – Contact with toxic chemicals or unsafe substances can lead to various long-term health complications. Some of them are respiratory illnesses, burns, or others. 

If sustained, these injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, long-term medical care, and income loss. Consider working with a reputable Work Injury Advisor to seek fair compensation for overcoming such consequences. 

Here’s What You Should Do if Workplace Injuries Occur

Let’s take a look at some must-taken steps if you are injured at work; 

1. Report the Injury to Your Employer Immediately

Without any delay, notify your employer regarding your injury. The majority of states impose strict deadlines to report injuries sustained in the workspace. If you fail to meet these specified deadlines, this can negatively affect your ability to file a claim. 

Remember to offer a detail-oriented account of the incident. Be sure to include when and where it has happened. It’s strongly advisable to submit the report in written form. Don’t forget to mention the immediate impact of the injury and any unsafe conditions behind it, as well as the names of witnesses. 

2. Capture Photographs & Videos of Where Accident Happened

Capturing photos and videos is referred to as bulletproof evidence. So, take pictures and videos of the accident scene right after the accident, if you can. This can assist in compensation claims. If you don’t take this step, you cannot defend yourself from any accusations from a dishonorable employer. 

Right after an accident, you or witnesses should work as a Crime Scene Investigator. Don’t overwhelm when gathering evidence. If in doubt, prioritize recording it. 

Never hesitate; no one at the workplace can criticize you for taking multiple images and videos of the accident scene. If you sustained serious injuries, people around you should gather visual evidence of what happened. 

3. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Another must-do thing is to prioritize your health. Consider seeking medical care immediately, even if you feel your injury appears minor. This way, you can ensure your well-being and establish documented medical records directly linked to your workplace injuries.  

Obtaining medical records is essential for successful workers’ compensation or personal injury cases. They will serve as evidence of the nature and extent of the injuries you sustained and the treatment needed most. 

If feasible, consult with a trusted medical expert who has been approved by your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance. So you can ensure your medical treatments are covered correctly. 

4. Document the Incident

The pursuit of building a strong case requires you to document all the evidence gathered. Invest some time in documenting the actual circumstances adequately surrounding your injury. Consider taking photos of the accident scene, including; 

• malfunctioning equipment, 
• adverse conditions, or
• any notable injuries. 

Request witness statements from coworkers who were present at the accident scene and when the accident occurred. Jot down all about the incident, which must include the time, date, and other contributing aspects. 

Let’s suppose disputes about how the injury occurred arise. In that case, offering this detailed documentation to your work injury lawyer will help substantiate your compensation claim.

5. Make a Claim in Specified Time Limit

If you intend to claim for your workplace injury, keep in mind that you only have a certain amount of time to make it happen. For the majority of at-work accident claims, it’s essential to settle the claim and start court proceedings within three years of the accident. 

Otherwise, you will be restricted from claiming any compensation for your workplace injuries. Mostly, such deadlines may creep up so quickly. So, be proactive and seek professional help for a compensation claim as soon as you can. 

6. Consult a Work Injury Advisor for Legal Support

A professional work injury lawyer matters most when dealing with the legal aspects of your injuries like; 

• the circumstances surrounding the incident
• the evidence you’ve gathered and others. 

Insurance providers often deny offering fair settlement amounts for several reasons, some of which are as follows;

• insufficient evidence, 
• pre-existing conditions, or 
• failure to follow appropriate procedures. 

That’s where a specialized work injury advisor plays a significant role. They take time to investigate the denial and gather further evidence. You will feel more at ease knowing your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair resolution. 

Then, they file an appeal on your behalf and fight for you during court hearings. What’s more, your legal representative will also assist in handling the issues raised by the employer. Hence, they will protect your employment rights. 

7. Focus On Your Recovery and Rehabilitation 

Beyond all that, the most important thing is to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation. Go for medical consultations every now and then and follow the prescription provided. 

Once you leave your compensation claim and other legal needs to your attorney, you can have adequate time to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. On another note, you can also be in a position to take the necessary steps for your rehabilitation. 

If you have lost your wages during your healing and recovery tenure, now is the time to rejoin the workplace and start fulfilling your job roles. Thus, you can overcome income loss and make the most out of your efforts and dedication.