An injury at work is not only unexpected, but it can have long-term consequences for your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, workplace injuries are more common than you may realize. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, and some develop over time. Understanding the most common types of workplace injuries can help you prevent them from happening, seek the medical attention you need if they do, and possibly receive the compensation you may be entitled to. If you are injured at work, you should file a workers’ compensation claim.
Sprains and Strains
When your muscles and joints are stressed, they can react in excruciatingly painful ways that are most associated with a strain or sprain. A sprain occurs when the stress on your ligaments stretches or tears them. A strain occurs when the stress tears or stretches your muscles. These types of injuries can last a couple of days, weeks, months, or even permanently.
There are many situations that can cause these types of injuries:
- Improperly lifting an object
- Overexerting yourself by attempting to lift an object that is too heavy
- Pulling, pushing, or carrying an object that is too heavy
- Sudden, awkward movements
- Stress on the body due to movements such as twisting
- Collisions
- Slips and falls
- Motions that are repetitive
If you feel you are suffering from a strain or sprain, you should seek medical help right away to prevent further injury. In California, employers are required to provide access to prompt medical attention for employees who experience a strain or sprain.
Cuts and Punctures
Whether from moving papers, filing, or working with dangerous machinery, cuts and punctures can happen in almost any element of a job in all industries. These types of injuries can easily occur from improper handling of equipment or accidentally handling an office supply incorrectly. Cuts and punctures are quite common in the workplace, almost as common as a strain or sprain. Employees who work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and retail are particularly susceptible to these types of workplace injuries.
Unlike strains and sprains, employers are not required by law to treat cuts and punctures. However, state law does dictate that employers must use funds from their workers’ compensation fund to help pay the expenses for employees who suffer more serious cuts or punctures. Without proper treatment, cuts and punctures can turn infectious, which can lead to a more permanent or serious injury.
Fractures
Fractures are more severe workplace injuries as they result in the partial or total break of a bone in the body. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer this type of workplace injury, you could be out of work for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the severity of the fracture. Many employees who work in industries that require stocking heavy items or delivering large packages could be most prone to experiencing a fracture. In fact, they are among the groups that file the highest number of workers’ compensation claims.
In severe cases, the fracture could result in the employee suffering lasting pain that is triggered by certain jobs. In these cases, the injury, which could have a potential impact on a workers’ compensation settlement, could force the employee to retrain for their job or even change jobs.
Bruises
Bruising is common both on and off the job. It may not seem too detrimental to performing a job, but a severe enough bruise could cause you to miss work for a couple of days. While medical treatment may not be required, it is still important to have it checked to be sure that there is not anything more severe.
If bruises are left untreated, they could cause damage to other organs, which could result in additional bruises. If you experience an injury at work that causes bruising, immediately inform your employer.
Other Work-Related Injuries
While these are a few of the more common types of injuries that could lead to a workers’ compensation claim, there are additional injuries that could lead to the same. These include:
- Burns
- Loss of vision
- Loss of hearing
- Brain trauma
- Accidents involving electrical shock
- Toxic material exposure
FAQs
Q: What Are the Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claims?
A: There are many different types of injuries that can occur in the workplace and lead to a workers’ compensation claim. However, the most common are strains and sprains, bruises, and fractures. Not all workplace injuries are physically traumatic. Workers’ compensation claims can also be filed for immunodeficiencies that result from exposure to viruses or hazardous materials.
Q: What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement in California?
A: The average settlement for workers’ compensation in California ranges between $2,000 and $20,000. The type of medical coverage needed to treat the injury, the amount of time out of work, and any partial or permanent disability can play a factor in the amount of the settlement you receive.
Q: What Is the Maximum Payout for Workers’ Compensation in California?
A: Workers’ compensation claim payouts in California have no specific maximum. The payouts are calculated based on several factors, including the impact on your benefits, your medical expenses, and the salary you were receiving prior to the injury. Temporary or permanent disability also plays a factor in determining the payout you could receive.
Q: How Much Is My Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth in California?
A: The value of your workers’ compensation claim is variable depending on how your disability is determined. If, for example, you are given a temporary disability, you are eligible for payment for up to 104 weeks. However, with temporary disability, your payment is calculated based on a determinant of your salary. If you made more than $346.43 per week, you would receive two-thirds of it. Anything less, and you will receive a flat rate of $230.95 per week.
Indio Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you are injured on the job, it is important to receive legal consultation quickly. After receiving any medical treatment, discuss your situation with an expert workers’ compensation attorney to understand your options. At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, our attorneys bring the expertise and knowledge to help you understand your workers’ compensation claim. Contact our offices today and let us help you get the compensation you may be entitled to.
