Posted on: March 21, 2016
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we have handled more than 40,000 personal injury cases throughout South Carolina, many of which resulted from preventable workplace accidents. Throughout the years, our South Carolina attorneys have helped numerous clients obtain the workers’ compensation benefits they need to compensate them for their medical expenses, lost wages, and temporary or permanent disability. Regardless of the type of injury you have suffered, you can benefit from the experienced representation of our award-winning team.
Common Workplace Accidents & Injuries
Work injuries can happen at any time in any occupation, but there are some occupations that are inherently riskier than others – especially those in construction and manufacturing. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 3.3 million workers suffer work-related injuries and 5,000 workers lose their lives to workplace accidents each year.
Here are seven of the most common work-related injuries:
- Over-exertion: The primary cause of work-related injuries is overexertion, which involves extensive lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and throwing. In 2010, overexertion cases resulted in $13.4 billion in workers’ compensation across the nation, according to the 2010 Workplace Safety Index.
- Falls: Falls can either be from the same level, including tripping or slipping, or from a height, including falling from a ladder, stairs, scaffolding, or rooftop. Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, neck and back injuries, and injuries to internal organs.
- Caught in/between: A worker can be seriously injured or killed if they become caught in between two surfaces or objects. For example, a construction worker can be seriously hurt if they get caught between a truck frame and a lowering hydraulic bed.
- Struck by an object: Whether an object drops from above or swings through the air, it can cause serious injury if it strikes a worker. Even small objects like tools can be deadly if they fall from high enough and strike the head or another body part with enough force.
- Crush injuries: Crush injuries can occur on construction sites or in areas that use heavy machinery. A crush injury may be caused by a workplace safety violation, such as by a machine without the appropriate safety guards in place.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Repetitive motion injuries occur when the body performs the same movement over a long period of time, such as bending or stretching. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive motion injury that involves pain in the hands and wrists from overuse.
- Mental injuries: An exceptionally stressful workplace injury can bring about emotional and psychological problems. This type of stress could make it difficult for the worker to return to their job for fear of being hurt again.
Workplace injuries can have serious physical, mental, and financial consequences. If you are suffering as a result of a job-related injury – even if it was your fault – you can seek benefits through South Carolina workers’ compensation program. You should take action as soon as possible to preserve your rights and file a workers’ compensation claim. Remember, you must report your injury as soon as possible or you may risk hundreds or even thousands of dollars in valuable benefits. George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers stands ready to help you get the fair settlement you deserve in as little time as possible.
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