Common Injuries Related to Workers Compensation Law

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24Feb/100

Common Injuries Related to Workers Compensation Law

Workers Compensation laws allow employees whom are injured on the job to receive compensation for lost wages and medical benefits. Here are some recent findings related to common injuries in the workplace.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of the over four million reported cases of workplace injury and illness, about one-tenth was due to sprain, strain and tear injuries. When a worker moves past his or her physical limitations, he or she may suffer from sprained/strained back muscles, torn ligaments or sprained ankles. Fortunately, as these types of injuries are declining each year, perhaps we are becoming more aware about our limitations.

Also among the list of common injuries cited in workers compensation claims are back injuries, including spine and spinal cord injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2007 data reported that five percent of all injuries involve the back. Even more injuries, some 253,440 in 2007, involved falls, a number that was up significantly from the 234,450 falls recorded in 2006. More than 94,000 workers suffered a fracture in the workplace.

Within the private industry in the US, there were 5,112 fatalities in 2007, resulting from causes ranging from highway incidents, falls to a lower level, and homicide. The highest number of fatalities occurred in the transportation, warehousing and construction industries. What the Bureau of Labor Statistics refers to as "contact with objects and equipment" accounted for the next highest incidence of fatalities.

Although the levels of injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace are generally decreasing, the workplace still remains a potentially dangerous environment. Likewise, these findings remind us how careful we should be at work and to be mindful of our safety at work.

For those in the Chicago area, if you have a workers compensation claim, our Chicago workers comp lawyers at the Ronaldson & Kuchler Law Firm can help you with your case.