When you head to work every day, the main focus for most of us is simply getting the job done and getting home safely. Suffering an accident or injury does not usually cross our minds and, fortunately, is a relative rarity for the majority of workers.
In some cases, however, accidents happen, and employees find themselves suffering injuries that have the potential to change their lives forever. While, as you may expect, construction sites tend to come in with the highest levels of injuries, it is important to note that even the seemingly safe office space can be fraught with hazards. If you were injured in any way at your place of employment you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer NC can help determine your possible causes for action.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered by Workers?
A few accidents regularly top the list as the most common workplace injuries; knowing what these are can sometimes help you determine if such an injury qualifies for a claim. If you suffered any of the following, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Slips and Falls
It comes as no surprise that slips and falls regularly account for some of the most common workplace injuries suffered by employees, and these can occur in almost any working environment. From freshly mopped floors in restaurants to falling on a spill in a supermarket, workers need to keep a close eye on potential hazards – this can help to prevent an accident, but if the issue wasn’t properly addressed and you suffered because of it, you have the right to file a claim. An injury attorney can help you determine if you qualify.
Overexertion
Physical overexertion can result in a number of serious injuries, including strains and tears. These accidents and injuries are typically the result of a worker forcing a joint to move beyond the normal range of motion, and maybe the result of lifting, pulling, or pushing a very heavy object. If your job required this kind of strain, you deserve to be compensated if you were injured.
Being Hit by a Falling Object
It is essential that any loose items are stored correctly and that they are adequately secured to prevent slippage and movement. Boxes can fall from shelves and racking, or someone working at a higher level, such as on a ladder, or up on scaffolding or platforms, can drop an object. The person underneath this object can suffer serious head injuries if they are struck and this is a common cause of accidents -in a single year, 43% of all fatal workplace accidents across North Carolina were caused by a falling object.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Working the same job day in and day out can take a toll on your body. Employees who are performing a repetitive motion over and over again are susceptible to developing repetitive stress injuries, and these can damage nerves, tendons, muscles, and even spinal discs, resulting in pain to the neck, shoulders, back, hands and arms. Once again, this is an injury that can affect many workers, from grocery checkout assistants to typists, and assembly line workers to those continually bending and lifting in a more physical role. If you were not provided the physical support you need to do your job safely or able to take regular breaks, you may have a personal injury case.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Contact Laura S. Jenkins, PC if you have suffered a workplace accident or injury and searching for personal injury lawyer Raleigh NC. Your personal injury lawyer will work to demonstrate the negligence on the behalf of your employer and fight to earn you the compensation that you justly deserve.
