Getting injured on the job is a situation that every hardworking employee tries to avoid. However, unfortunately, it happens often. Understanding what your rights are as a worker, how to file claims, and what workers’ compensation insurance your employer has can help you be ready should you need to exercise your rights after being injured on the job.
Workers get harmed often on the job in North Carolina and knowing the common claims that fellow employees in your state are filing can help give you guidance as to what to look for and try to evade when filing your own workers’ compensation claims with an attorney.
The Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the most common types of worker’s compensation claims are those related to injuries or illnesses resulting from:
- Back injuries. These are very common in workers who lift heavy objects or perform other physically demanding tasks and may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents. Workers who suffer injuries as a result of slipping, tripping, or falling on the job are also common, and they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Repetitive motion injuries. Workers who perform the same motions repeatedly, such as typing or assembly line work, may develop injuries or illnesses as a result and may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Workers who make repetitive motions with their hands, wrists, and fingers, such as typing or assembly line work, may develop carpal tunnel syndrome and may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Trauma injuries. Injuries from equipment or machinery, as well as burns, are common, especially in manufacturing, construction, and agricultural works.
- Stress-related injuries. Emotional distress and mental health injuries, such as depression and anxiety, can be covered by workers’ comp if caused by a job-related event, such as harassment, discrimination, or a traumatic event.
It is important to remember that in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation, the injury or illness must be due specifically to your job, and you should report the injury or illness as soon as possible to your employer.
Types of Injury by Industry
Different types of industries tend to have different types of injuries. Here are some examples of common injuries by industry:
- Construction. Falls from heights, electrical shocks and burns, cuts, lacerations, sprains, fractures, and amputations from power tools and heavy machinery.
- Manufacturing. Burns, cuts, lacerations, sprains, fractures, and amputations from heavy machinery and assembly line equipment, and repetitive motion injuries.
- Transportation. Back injuries, burns, cuts, lacerations, sprains, fractures, and amputations from vehicle accidents, as well as injuries resulting from long-term exposure to vibration.
- Health Care. Back injuries, repetitive motion injuries, exposure to blood-borne pathogens, needle sticks, and other injuries resulting from patient handling.
- Office jobs. Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are caused by prolonged computer use and injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Stress-related conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also happen as a result of job-related events like harassment, discrimination, or a traumatic event.
It is important to remember that these are just examples and that injuries can happen in any industry, regardless of the type of work, and it’s important for employers to provide a safe working environment and to adhere to OSHA regulations and guidelines in order to reduce the risk of injuries.
These injuries can have a huge impact on an individual’s quality of life and may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even permanent disability. Because of the seriousness of these injuries, it is important to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay?
A: The maximum rate changes every year and is determined by the state Industrial Commission. For permanent partial disability, the employee will receive a certain amount based on the degree of disability determined by the medical provider and the state rating schedule. The employee may also receive a lump sum award. For permanent total disability, the employee will receive 66 2/3% of their average weekly wage, not to exceed the maximum set by the state. The benefits will be paid until the employee reaches the age of 67.
Q: What Is the Most Common Type of Injury That Leads to Serious Workers’ Compensation Claims?
A: The most common type of injury that leads to serious workers’ compensation claims is back injuries. These types of injuries can occur from a variety of activities, such as lifting heavy objects, performing repetitive motions, or even from slips, trips, and falls. Back injuries can range from strains and sprains to more serious conditions such as herniated discs and can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and even permanent disability.
Q: What Is the Simplest Type of Workers’ Compensation Claim?
A: A simple workers’ compensation claim is one where the injury is minor, the cause of the injury is clear and well-documented, and the employee’s recovery is expected to be quick and complete. An example of this type of claim is a minor strain or sprain from a slip or fall accident at work, with no long-term effects or permanent disability.
Q: What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
A: Vocational rehabilitation is a program that helps injured or disabled workers regain the skills and abilities necessary to return to work. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to enable employees to return to their pre-injury employment or, if that is not possible, to secure suitable employment in a different field. Vocational rehabilitation services may include job training, education and retraining, job placement assistance, and other support services. These services may be provided through various resources, including vocational rehabilitation providers, government programs, or non-profit organizations.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Helping You File Claims with Confidence
If you have been injured, or believe that your employer is not adhering to the safety rules and regulations to keep you protected and feeling safe at work, do not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated attorney at M. Reid Acree, Jr. We will make sure that you receive the workers’ compensation that you deserve, and make sure that you continue to be financially supported, whether you are able to work or not.