Most Common Workers' Comp Lawsuits

Workers’ compensation allows employees to recover medical costs and lost wages after sustaining a work-related injury. It also protects employers from lawsuits, provided that the employer promptly file a claim after an accident. However, many workplace injuries lead to lawsuits due to delays or denials.

Here are some of the most common workplace injuries that lead to this type of claim:

• Slip and fall injuries. When floors are wet or objects are strewn across them, workers can easily trip, slip, or fall, causing injuries. A fast-paced work environment can increase the chances that a slip and fall hazard will go unnoticed, because people will be moving quickly and may not watch where they’re going.
• Machinery accidents. A common source of injuries in factories, machinery can injure workers if it’s malfunctioning, or if the worker lacks the necessary training to use it properly. Machinery accidents are often among the most serious workplace accidents.
• Falling objects. These are common in many different work environments. Objects can fall on workers who are reaching above eye level, such as in a store room or warehouse.
• Repetitive motion injuries. These are some of the most common workplace injuries, but are the hardest to prove, because they tend to come on gradually. They may result from using a computer mouse, lifting heavy objects, or even sitting for too long in the same position. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
• Overexertion. These are similar to repetitive motion injuries, except that they can be caused by a single motion. A worker may throw their back out or pull a muscle simply by moving too fast in one direction. This is the most common type of workplace injury.

Not every workplace injury will result in a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit. However, knowing the most common types of workplace injuries and claims can help both employers and employees minimize the risks associated with work.

If you have a workers’ compensation claim, or have recently had one denied, Katherine may be able to help you. Contact our office by phone, email, or text message for a free consultation!