According to OSHA, the rate of injuries and illnesses in the workplace was about 2.8 per every 100 workers in 2017. While we’ve seen work-related injury rates lessen over the years, it’s still an issue that we face in this country.
If you believe that you have experienced a work-related injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
The question is, what does a work-related injury entail? Note that you may need to find an experienced workers’ comp doctor to treat your work-related injuries. Additionally, you should consider working with a competent worker’s compensation attorney in order to make that your rights are fully protected.
Read on to find out more about what a work-place injury is.
Injuries At Work
The most obvious example of a work-related injury is an injury resulting from your work or from the behavior of others at your work.
For example, New York City saw an alarming rise in work-related injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. They were often caused by workers falling from heights. They were also caused by objects or machinery that hit or crushed workers.
Some injuries fall under the category of repetitive stress injuries. Rather than a single incident leading to a major injury, you experience a worsening condition over time due to repetitive movement. Constant lifting, bending, and twisting can cause repetitive stress injuries.
If you are injured while on the job, there is a high chance that you deserve the worker’s’ compensation. You will only be denied workers’ comp if the injury is considered entirely your own fault, which is rare.
Occupational Illnesses
Occupational illnesses fall under the umbrella of work-related injuries. They include any illnesses that you contract as a result of your job.
For example, people who work in hospitals are at risk of catching contagious viruses if the necessary precautions aren’t taken. People who work in industries that involve airborne toxins and pollutants are at risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
If you believe that your illness resulted from unsafe or negligent working conditions, you may be eligible for workers’ comp.
Exacerbated Pre-Existing Conditions
Some workers find that their job exacerbates pre-existing conditions. In other words, some element of your job causes an injury or illness you already had to worsen.
This applies whether the pre-existing condition is related to a prior work-related injury or not.
For example, if you are a construction worker and you reinjure a bone that was broken while on the job, you can file a claim for workers’ comp. If you reinjure a bone that was broken playing sports on the weekend, outside of work, you can not file a claim for workers’ comp.
The Question Of Car Accidents
Some people ask if they can file a claim for workers’ comp based on an injury that occurred during their commute to work. Typically, the answer is no.
However, if an auto accident occurred during work hours to complete a work-related task, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ comp.
Seek Help For Your Work-Related Injury
If you live in New York City and have experienced a work-related injury, seek help right away. A medical professional will diagnose the injury or illness and this will shape your workers’ compensation claim.
Call (888) 590-4030 today so that we can put you in touch with the right workers’ comp doctor near you.