Common Workplace Injuries

Many individuals spend more than one-third of their adult lives on the job. For this reason, injuries are bound to happen at the workplace. Fortunately, most employees are covered under their employer's workers' compensation insurance in the event that they are injured during the course of their work.

The workers' compensation system is a no-fault system, meaning that the employee is covered regardless of who is at fault. The workplace can be a very dangerous environment, especially in certain hazardous occupations. Because certain occupations are more hazardous than others, there are common injuries that arise that are associated with their corresponding jobs.

Some of the most common events that result in a workplace injury for both men and women combined include: falling from a lower level, being struck by an object, falling and overexertion. Because men are more likely to be involved in the more hazardous occupations, they are more susceptible to the above situations whereas women are more likely to suffer from a repetitive motion injury, an assault by a violent individual, overexertion and falling.

One of the most common worksite injuries involves an injury to the back. Nearly one-third of all workplace injuries result in musculoskeletal disorders which are often the result of lifting. The U.S. Department of Labor defines MSD as an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. These types of injuries result in longer absences than any other type of on-the-job injuries. Back injuries can result in substantial pain and they can make every day, simple movements excruciatingly painful. Anybody can suffer from a lifting injury; however, people in the nursing, manufacturing, transportation and shipping industries are at a higher risk for these types of injuries.

Often times back injuries can be treated with conservative methods such as medication and physical therapy; however, surgery is sometimes required when these types of treatments are unsuccessful. Other common worksite injuries include: tendonitis, stress fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury (from falls, being struck by an object or auto accidents), toxic mold, shoulder and knee injuries and many more.

If you are injured on the job, make sure that you get help immediately. If the injury appears very serious, insist on an ambulance and immediate medical care. Inform the medical provider that your injury was sustained at work - they will need this information for billing.

Be sure to identify any witnesses to the accident. Get their names, addresses and phone numbers. Report the accident as soon as possible to your supervisor or manager in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Obtain all the information on your employer's workers' compensation insurer. Then contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney right away. Your lawyer should be well versed in Missouri workers' compensation laws. They will be able to protect your legal rights throughout the entire process and make sure that you receive the level of benefits that are owed to you. If you were injured at work, contact a workers' compensation attorney without delay!

The Floyd Law Firm, P.C. has been fighting for workers rights in St. Louis, Missouri since 1959. Their St. Louis workers' compensation attorneys have successfully assisted families who were afflicted with worksite injuries for more than half a decade. Their successful track record has earned them the highest level of respect in the legal community. If you are looking for outstanding representation, they are the ones to provide you with the highest standard of care and representation when handling your workers' compensation claim. Let them take the hassle and worry out of the claims process for you; contact a St. Louis comp attorney from the firm by calling (888) 883-7906.