Which Injuries Lead to a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Understanding the most common on-the-job injuries and which are more likely to end with a workers’ compensation claim.

Injuries can happen on the job no matter how safe the construction site is.  “Every year there are millions of nonfatal workplace injuries in every type of industry,” according to Cotney Construction Law.  Accidents happen for a variety of reasons.  Cotney Construction Law outlines the most common injuries that typically lead to a workers’ compensation claim. 

Overexertion and Repetitive Strain

“As construction jobs require significant physical labor, when a worker pulls a muscle or joint, this can lead to a workers’ compensation claim,” Cotney Construction Law shares.  “Overexertion injuries are common when workers lift, pull, or push an item with too much force.” Repetitive strain injuries are usually muscular, chronic, long-term injuries that occur “when a worker injures themselves by making the same motion again and again,” Cotney Construction Law explains.  These injuries can take a while to come to fruition. And while they are common for workers’ compensation claims, they are difficult for the employee to prove the injury occurred on-the-job.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to Cotney Construction Law, “Slips, trips, and falls can be as minor as a worker slipping on the surface level of a jobsite or as serious as a worker falling from great heights.”  With these types of injuries, there’s opportunity for workers to embellish how hurt they are in order to file a claim. Other times the injury is severe and requires recovery time. Ensuring workers are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the many ways contractors can help keep the jobsite hazard-free and reduce the chances of someone slipping, tripping, or falling during work.  

Struck By or Against or Machinery Accidents

Struck by or against accidents are the most straightforward types of injuries.  For this reason they generally result in a valid claim. “Struck by or against accidents occur when a worker is struck by an object (equipment, material, tools) or they are forced against an object,” Cotney Construction Law discloses.  Machinery accidents are also not commonly disputed. “Whether machinery is broken, faulty, or being misused, these types of injuries are extremely prevalent on construction sites,” Cotney Construction Law explains. It’s vital that all workers are adequately trained to operate the equipment properly.  Additionally, contractors need to be vigilant when maintaining their equipment and when checking that lockout/tagout procedures are being followed.

Speak with an Attorney About Injuries at Your Workplace

These are some of the most common injuries that result in workers’ compensation claims.  There are numerous hazards and situations in construction that could cause an injury. Other accidents that can lead to a workers’ compensation claim include exposure to harmful chemicals or substances and incidents of workplace violence.  “In other cases, a worker required to transport materials or drive a work truck from jobsite to jobsite could experience an accident during their time spent on the road, resulting in time out of work and medical bills,” Cotney Construction Law discloses.  It’s important to consult a workers’ compensation defense attorney whenever an injury occurs on your jobsite.

Consult an experienced construction attorney like Cotney Construction Law with questions regarding workers’ compensation claims and workplace accidents.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only.  This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.