- September 4, 2021
A workplace injury is common across the United States, especially in high-risk work environments. In 2019, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries in the United States. This is why workers’ compensation exists; to help employees cover costs if they sustain an injury or illness on the job.
This article outlines what workplace injuries are and how you can claim compensation for them. If you or any of your loved ones have suffered a workplace injury, you should contact a Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney today.
What Is a Workplace Injury?
A workplace injury may include wounds, illnesses, or conditions one suffers during the course or scope of one’s employment. These are usually caused by work activities, exposure to harmful materials, and faulty equipment. There are three types of work-related injuries; Physical injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational illnesses.
According to the National Safety Council, these are the top workplace injury causes: Overexertion and bodily reaction; slips, trips, and falls; and contact with objects and equipment. When you suffer an occupational injury covered by workers’ comp insurance, you should report it immediately.
This is because your claim can only be valid for a limited period. After the time elapses, your employer may have grounds to deny you your compensation benefits. If your employee denies your compensation claim, you should immediately speak to a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.
Work-Related Injuries
These are physical injuries that could occur on the job or within the scope of your work. For example, they could occur because of strenuous or dangerous work that you do. They could also result from other people’s actions or negligence. Other times, they are just general injuries such as tripping or twisting your ankle.
If you are not sure if your injury is covered by workers’ compensation, speak to a Charlotte workers’ compensation attorney to help you out.
Occupational Illnesses
These are conditions or illnesses that you get because of your job. If you worked in a factory that deals with toxic chemicals, you might develop a condition because of that. If you work in healthcare, you could contract an illness.
An employee could develop an occupational illness immediately or over some time. Workers’ compensation benefits cover these illnesses if the employee can prove that they got it from work. You should contact a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer if your employer denies your claim.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
A repetitive strain injury is also known as an RSI. This is another type of injury that can be covered by workers’ comp. For example, when you perform a stressful task every day, you could develop injuries from it. The following are tasks that can cause RSIs:
- Using a computer mouse
- Typing
- Grasping tools
- Working on an assembly line
- Constantly lifting heavy objects
- Swiping items at a checkout
Below are also RSIs that could result from these tasks:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
What if I Sustain an Injury While Commuting To Work?
There are some gray areas with workers’ compensation injuries, and this is one of them. Typically, if you suffer an injury while commuting to or from work, you are not eligible for workers’ comp benefits. However, if you were still on the clock while you sustained the injury, you may qualify for compensation.
For example, if you were commuting to a business meeting with a client, that falls under work-related injuries. In addition, if you were running an errand for work, it could also qualify as a work-related injury. Again, you should speak to workers’ comp lawyers in Charlotte, NC, to guide you further on this.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim
To file a workers’ comp claim, you must do the following:
- First, notify your employer immediately after the injury or illness occurs. Your report must include the date, time, and type of injury, as well as how the injury occurred.
- File a workers’ comp claim through your employer to their workers’ comp insurance carrier.
- Undergo medical examination to prove the existence of your injury or illness.
- Speak to a Charlotte workers’ comp attorney to ensure that you have filed your claim correctly.
Contact Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Charlotte, NC, Today!
If you or any of your loved ones have sustained a work-related injury, you should contact a workers’ comp attorney in Charlotte, NC, immediately. Our experienced lawyers will examine your case for credibility. We will also guide you on steps to take to ensure that you get compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free case review with us today to get started.
