While workers’ compensation and injury laws vary from state to state, many injured workers are eligible to receive compensation for their injuries. In addition to lost wages, this includes any costs that are associated with their treatment and recovery.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety (BLS) and Health Administration’s (OSHA) yearly reported data states that there are certain industries and professions that are acknowledged for being exceptionally more dangerous than others.
The most serious cases of workplace-related injuries or fatalities occur in occupations that require large amounts of manual labor – construction workers, loggers, roofers, etc.
Some of these high risk occupations include (but are not limited to):
Approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported to have occurred by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2016. BLS also reports that cases of workplace injuries are showing a slight decline over the past ten years. Despite this improvement, work-related accidents still occur frequently, some of which as serious enough to be life-altering for the victim and their dependents.
Some of the most common workplace-related injuries include (but are not limited to):
These types of injuries could be the result of mechanical failure, lax safety regulations or the negligence of management or other coworkers. By staying alert and well-trained, workers can help minimize the chances of incurring a work-related injury.
A compensation system has been developed to help accommodate the specific needs of injured workers and help encourage their return to the workplace.
Each of the benefits listed below has been created to address the specific financial need of the injured individual depending on how severe and debilitating their sustained injuries were.
Some of the worker’s compensation benefits include (but are not limited to):
Every state has different laws regarding workers’ compensation. Refer to your employer’s benefits for details on the types of workers’ compensation benefits you are eligible to receive.
