Accidents can result in physical or mental injuries or psychological injuries that the worker may suffer as a result of his or her work activities. Although more and more emphasis is being placed on their prevention, the latest figures indicate that, in the last year, work-related injuries have increased by 6.9%. Below are some of the most common types of workplace injuries that exist and the steps you can take in case one of these events happens, especially seeking help from a worker’s compensation lawyer.
Back Injuries
Some occupations require the worker to lift excessively heavy objects or perform duties in locations where there is an increased risk of slips and falls. If an action is performed improperly, a minor workplace accident could develop into severe, throbbing back pain. Injuries of this type can cause long-term health problems, especially if they involve fractured vertebrae or lack of proper medical care. When vertebrae are fractured, it means that one or more bones in the spine have been broken, which could cause great discomfort in the area and in other parts of the body if it is very severe.
Fractures
Fractures are often obvious. If a person is in an accident and suffers a back injury, the area will be instantly sore and swollen or bulging if any bones are broken or damaged. Specialized care is recommended as soon as possible because complex back injuries can lead to nerve impingement or paralysis.
It should be noted that work-related injuries that can cause chronic pain in the back area (including cervical, thoracic and lumbar) usually indicate mechanical dysfunction in the spine or any of its components. In addition, there are certain mechanical aspects that can increase pain, such as:
Tears or Sprains
The muscles or tendons in your back can strain or tear if the soft tissue is overstretched. Vigorous heavy lifting or improper movements while lifting a load above the knees can increase the risk of strains or tears.
Herniated Disc/Bulging Disc
The spine has thick, flexible pads of tissue between the bony vertebrae, commonly known as intervertebral discs. A disc can slip out of place due to an injury at work, bulging out of the vertebrae and pressing on sensitive spinal nerves. If this happens, acute or chronic herniated pain symptoms appear.
Head Injuries
Workers, regardless of the industry in which they work, can suffer head injuries. Some of these injuries are caused by unrestrained objects falling on people. Reports have shown that the highest incidence of these types of workplace injuries is in the construction or manufacturing industry. Head injuries can be closed or open. Closed head injuries do not puncture the skull, while open head injuries occur when something has broken through the skull, which can cause some injury to the brain. When an employee suffers a head injury, he or she may suffer contusions, hematomas from bleeding in the brain, and even cerebral contusions.
Most people who have suffered a mild or moderate head injury usually make a full recovery without major complications. However, recovery time can vary from case to case. Generally, workers who have workplace accidents that result in injuries such as these are unable to work for some time, leaving them without the income that the employer must cover through a policy or on their own.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Among the most common types of work-related injuries are musculoskeletal injuries. These can encompass a variety of conditions that can be very painful and even debilitating. Depending on the degree of complexity of the injury, it can affect joints, tendons, muscles, and even nerves.
To name a few, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and neck strain are some of the common injuries that workers often suffer. In relation to causes and classification, doctors say that musculoskeletal injuries can be categorized as repetitive motion injuries, cervicobrachial occupational disorders, soft tissue disorders, and regional musculoskeletal disorders.
Hire a Lawyer
In some cases, workers with head injuries can rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills if they are denied workers’ compensation. For that reason, it is imperative to contact an experienced workers compensation lawyer. No matter the injury, it is still best to consult with a good attorney.