Types of Work Injuries Where You Can Claim Workers’ Compensation

Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employees across various industries. Whether you work in construction, healthcare, or an office setting, accidents can happen, leading to serious injuries. In such cases, workers’ compensation is a crucial benefit that helps injured workers cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

At Boesen Law, we have extensive experience in handling workers’ compensation claims. We understand the complexities involved in navigating the legal process and are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we’ll explore different types of work injuries where you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, with a focus on common yet serious injuries such as back injuries, loss of limbs, loss of vision, and more.

Common Types of Work Injuries Eligible for Workers’ Compensation

Injuries at work can vary in severity, but some of the most common workplace injuries involve:

• Back injuries
• Loss of an arm or leg
• Loss of vision or an eye
• Loss of hearing

Let’s break down each type of injury and how workers’ compensation can cover them.

1. Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most frequent workplace injuries, especially for individuals who perform physical labor. These injuries can range from mild strains to severe spinal cord damage, leading to long-term disability or chronic pain.

Causes of Back Injuries:

• Heavy lifting: Jobs that involve lifting heavy objects, such as in construction or warehouses, put significant strain on the back.
• Slips and falls: A sudden slip and fall accident injury can lead to herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis.
• Repetitive motions: Workers who consistently bend, twist, or lift without proper ergonomic support can suffer from cumulative back injuries.

Types of Back Injuries:

• Herniated disc: This occurs when the cushioning between vertebrae bulges out, pressing on nerves and causing severe pain.
• Fractures: A broken vertebra can result from a severe fall or accident.
• Sprains and strains: Overstretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments can cause chronic back pain.

Workers’ Compensation for Back Injuries:

Workers’ compensation benefits can cover the medical costs of treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery. Additionally, workers who are unable to return to their job due to the severity of the injury may receive compensation for lost wages or permanent disability benefits.

2. Loss of an Arm or Leg

Losing a limb is a catastrophic injury that often occurs in high-risk jobs such as manufacturing, construction, or jobs involving heavy machinery. The loss of an arm or leg can have a life-altering impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job, as well as everyday tasks.

Causes of Limb Loss:

• Machinery accidents: Industrial jobs involving heavy equipment pose a significant risk of accidents that can lead to limb loss.
• Vehicle accidents: Workers who operate large vehicles, such as trucks or forklifts, are at risk of losing a limb in accidents.
• Construction accidents: Falling debris, scaffolding collapses, or power tool accidents can result in severe limb injuries.

Workers’ Compensation for Loss of a Limb:

Losing an arm or leg often qualifies for maximum workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can cover:

• Medical costs: Surgery, prosthetics, and ongoing medical treatment.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and occupational therapy to help the worker regain function.
• Permanent disability: Compensation for permanent loss of function.
• Lost wages: Payments for wages lost during recovery and, in cases where the worker cannot return to their previous role, compensation for a loss in earning capacity.

3. Loss of Vision

Loss of vision, whether partial or complete, is a serious injury that can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. Vision loss in the workplace can occur due to trauma or exposure to harmful substances.

Causes of Vision Loss:

• Chemical exposure: Workers in industries dealing with hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning agents or industrial solvents, are at risk of chemical burns or exposure that can cause permanent eye damage.
• Flying debris: In construction or manufacturing jobs, workers can suffer eye injuries from particles, dust, or debris hitting the eye.
• Accidents: Falls, collisions, or heavy equipment malfunctions can result in traumatic injuries to the eyes.

Workers’ Compensation for Vision Loss:

Workers’ compensation benefits for loss of vision will depend on the severity and permanence of the injury. Employees who lose their sight due to a work-related incident are entitled to benefits covering:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, and treatments like corrective lenses or surgeries.
• Lost wages: Payments for the time missed from work during recovery.
• Permanent disability benefits: In the case of partial or complete blindness, compensation for permanent disability is available.

4. Loss of an Eye

While similar to vision loss, the complete loss of an eye has its own set of complications. Losing an eye in a workplace accident can result in disfigurement and significantly reduced depth perception and field of view, affecting a person’s ability to work.

Causes of Eye Loss:

• Workplace trauma: A blow to the head or direct impact to the eye can result in loss of an eye.
• Injuries from tools or machinery: Power tools, sharp objects, or industrial accidents can cause irreparable damage to the eye.
• Explosions: In certain industrial jobs, the risk of explosion or exposure to high-pressure environments can lead to the loss of an eye.

Workers’ Compensation for Eye Loss:

Workers who lose an eye as a result of a work-related injury are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits covering:

• Medical costs: Including surgery, reconstructive treatments, and prosthetic eyes.
• Rehabilitation: Therapy to help adjust to life with one eye.
• Disability payments: For permanent impairment, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity.

5. Loss of Hearing

Hearing loss is a common occupational injury, especially in industries that involve prolonged exposure to loud noises. Construction, manufacturing, and mining are just a few industries where workers are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss:

• Prolonged exposure to loud noises: Continuous exposure to high decibel levels, such as in factories or construction sites, can lead to permanent hearing damage.
• Explosions or blasts: Sudden loud noises, such as explosions, can cause immediate and irreversible damage to the eardrum.
• Head trauma: Injuries that involve a blow to the head can damage the auditory system.

Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss:

Workers’ compensation can cover the costs of hearing aids, medical treatments, and therapy for those who experience hearing loss. In cases of total hearing loss, workers may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. These benefits can include:

• Medical treatment: Including hearing aids, surgeries, and regular check-ups.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to hearing loss.
• Permanent disability benefits: In cases of permanent hearing impairment, compensation for loss of earning capacity and quality of life.

Conclusion

Workplace injuries can have devastating effects on your health, career, and quality of life. Workers’ compensation exists to help injured workers recover from their injuries and regain some financial stability during their recovery. Whether you’ve suffered a workplace neck injury, back injury, the loss of a limb, vision, or hearing, you are entitled to receive the medical care and financial support you need to move forward.

If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace injury, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure your rights are protected. At Boesen Law, we specialize in advocating for personal injured victims and securing the compensation they deserve. Don’t navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation on your own. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on your feet.