What Types Of Work Injuries Qualify For A Workers' Compensation Claim?
Worker's compensation is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from an injury sustained at the workplace. It is designed to help with the costs associated with medical care, rehabilitation, and disability benefits for workers injured or ill from their work duties.
Below are some of the most common injuries that qualify for workers' compensation claims.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries are among the most common workplace injuries that qualify for workers' compensation claims.
These injuries occur when employees perform the same task or activity over a long period, leading to strain on specific body parts, such as hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. Over time this repetitive motion can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain that eventually becomes debilitating if left untreated.
Repetitive stress injuries can affect anyone who performs tasks requiring continuous hand movements, like typing at a computer or assembly line work. Even though these jobs may seem straightforward, they can be physically demanding and lead to serious health issues if an employee is not given adequate breaks or rest periods throughout the day.
In addition to physical pain caused by these conditions, it can also lead to mental fatigue and diminished productivity. For instance, if a worker is unable to perform their job duties because of chronic pain, they may begin to experience anxiety as they worry about how their job performance may be affected.
The good news is that workers' compensation can help cover medical care costs and possibly provide additional income replacement for lost wages due to the need for time off work.
Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases are another type of work-related injury that qualify for workers' compensation claims. These illnesses can be caused by exposure to hazardous material, such as chemicals, fumes, asbestos, and other harmful substances.
The most common types of occupational diseases include respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, as well as skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema that can be caused by contact with certain chemicals.
Occupational diseases can also include hearing loss, vision damage, and cancer. These conditions often develop over a long period, so you need to be aware of the potential health risks when working in hazardous environments.
If you have developed an occupational disease as a result of your job, you can file a workers' compensation claim by contacting a workers' compensation attorney. And if you can no longer work due to the condition, you can even receive disability benefits that will help cover your lost wages.
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