The Most Commonly Filed Workers’ Comp Claims In The U.S.

Each year, millions of Americans are hurt on the job and must file a workers’ compensation claim, which guarantees them income for a specific period of time as they recover from their injuries. And contrary to popular opinion, workers’ comp is not just filed by employees in physical jobs such as construction, but is also prevalent in many white collar occupations. To help you understand the full range of injuries covered under this benefit, here are some of the most common types of workers’ comp claims.

Slips and Falls are the Most Common Type of Workers’ Comp Claim

Slips and falls are among the most common workplace injuries in the U.S., and according to the National Floor Safety Institute, they are the leading cause of all workers’ compensation claims in the U.S., especially among workers over the age of 55.

Slips and falls are often caused by wet floors at commercial facilities, or by objects such as electrical cords left in walkways.

These types of claims occur in all industries, not just factories, warehouses, or shipping docks, and are preventable if employees post warning signs for wet areas of a workplace, and ensure that heavily-trafficked areas are free of obstructions.

Falling Objects and Workers’ Comp Claims

Objects that fall from a height and strike an employee are another common workers’ compensation claim. This often occurs in warehouses where workers are busy packing or unpacking goods and can result from improperly placed items. It also occurs in restaurant storage areas, and in retail shops with shelves.

Workers’ Comp Claims Related to Machine/Equipment Injuries

Workers whose jobs involve operating heavy machines and equipment, or who work in direct proximity to machines and equipment, are at risk of injury or even death. This often occurs in factories or on construction sites, and they can cause devastating injuries such as loss of limb, crushed bones and mutilation.

Repetitive Motion and Workers’ Comp Claims

Also known as overuse injuries, repetitive motion claims result from what are known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and tension neck syndrome.

They are caused by constant engagement of the arms, hands, wrists, elbows, neck and shoulder, most often due to fixed positions, continual repetitive movements, or constant motion that does not provide enough recovery time to muscles and bones.

Workers’ Comp Claims and Violence At the Workplace

Over the past decade, workplace violence has increased significantly and as a result, more people are filing workers’ comp claims due to injuries sustained in these incidents.

Typically, workers in professions such as law enforcement, security and nursing are more likely to suffer workplace violence that leads to a compensation claim.

In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that 18,000 workers are forced off the job because of non-fatal injuries caused by violence. And there is often a corollary effect on other employees who witness workplace violence and suffer from stress and anxiety.

An Advocate For Your Rights during a Workers’ Comp Claim

Workers’ compensation claims can be fraught with complications that result in a denial of your benefits. If you are facing this situation, and you believe your rights have been violated, please call the team of Rosner Law Offices, P.C. at (856) 502-1655. We have the experience and a dedicated group of professionals who are equally as concerned about your well-being as we are about obtaining fair compensation on your behalf.