Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Comprehensive Guide to Injuries Covered By Workers Comp
Injuries can happen at any time, and they can be minor or severe, temporary or permanent. Injuries sustained at the workplace can be costly, and can also lead to lost wages and mounting medical bills. This is why every state has enacted workers’ compensation laws that protect employees who have suffered an injury or work-related illness. In Cleveland and throughout Ohio, every business is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, if you’ve been injured during the performance of your job, call me right away. I have more than 40 years of experience navigating the workers compensation system and will guide you step by step through the process.
The Bureau of Workers Compensation recognizes the following injuries:
Hearing Loss
One of the most common type of workers’ compensation injury is hearing loss. This is caused by exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time. Employees who work in construction, manufacturing, or the music industry are at a higher risk of suffering hearing loss. Companies in these industries must carry workers compensation insurance, so if exposure to load noise has adversely impacted your ability to hear, let’s discuss your case!
Vision Loss
Vision loss is another type of work-related injury that qualifies for workers comp benefits. Eye injuries can occur from exposure to hazardous chemicals, trauma, or prolonged exposure to bright lights. Workers’ comp insurance is there to support the injured employee, so it is imperative to contact me by phone or email to discuss your claim.
Loss of Limb Use
Loss of limb use is a severe injury that can be caused by workplace accidents, such as falls or machinery accidents. This type of injury can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and ability to work. It can also result in significant medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. You have enough to worry about, and you can depend on me to help you with your workers compensation claim and obtain the benefits to which you are entitled!
Back, Neck Strains, and Sprains
Back, neck strains, and sprains are common work-related injuries that can be caused by lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion, or standing for extended periods. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, lost wages, and high medical expenses. If you’ve suffered a back or neck injury while at work, you are entitled to Workers’ compensation benefits which can cover the cost of treatment and lost wages resulting from your injuries.
Degenerative Disc Disease and Herniated Discs
Degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs can result from repetitive motion tasks or heavy lifting. These conditions can cause intense pain in the back, neck, and other areas of the body. Treatment for these conditions can include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery. Your employer’s workers comp insurance should cover your lost wages, medical and surgical bills, therapy and more. Don’t risk your benefits, call me to help you with your workers’ comp claim. I’ll make sure your receive everything you are entitled to.
Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Injuries
Arm, shoulder, and hand injuries are common among individuals who perform repetitive motions, such as those who work in assembly lines or on a computer for extended periods. These injuries can cause significant pain, and may even prevent an individual from being able to perform their job. Injured workers deserve to have their medical care covered by workers comp insurance.
Hip, Knee, Leg, Ankle, and Foot Injuries
Injuries to the hip, knee, leg, ankle, and foot can occur in a variety of work environments, including construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. These injuries can result from falls, slips, or even repetitive motions. If you suffered a hip, knee, ankle of foot injury, during the course of your workday, Workers’ compensation benefits will likely cover your medical treatment costs and lost wages.
Burns and Scarring
Burns and scarring can occur in workplaces where there is exposure to hot surfaces, flames, or chemicals. These injuries can be severe and may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and rehabilitation. If you were severely burned while working, you employer’s Workers’ compensation insurance policy will cover your medical, surgical, rehabilitation and lost wages as required by Ohio law. I will help you recover the benefits you are entitled to. I’ve been helping injured workers in Ohio for more than 40 years!
Torn Ligaments
Torn ligaments are another type of work-related injury that can occur due to falls or or workplace accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain and may require surgery to repair and weeks of physical rehabilitation. Most torn ligament injuries hamper a person’s ability to work, and therefore lost workdays means considerable lost wages. Your chances of recovering worker’s comp benefits is significantly higher when working with a workers comp attorney like myself. The sooner you call me, the sooner you can receive compensation for your injuries.
Repetitive Trauma Injury Claims
Repetitive trauma injury claims refer to injuries that result from performing repetitive motions over an extended period. These injuries can include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to repetitive motions at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You don’t have to suffer in pain!
Heart Attacks and Amputations
Heart attacks can be caused by various factors such as exposure to chemicals, stress, and physical exertion. In some cases, an individual’s occupation may increase the risk of heart attack due to prolonged exposure to certain work environments or activities. If the heart attack is fatal, workers comp provides death benefits to the decedent’s family. Amputations refer to the loss of a limb, finger, or other body part. This type of injury can be caused by equipment accidents, equipment malfunction, falls, and more. An amputation is a significant and life-altering injury that can require intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. You need to begin the claims process, as soon as possible. Let me handle your work injury claim with your employer’s workers compensation insurance company. I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Brain Injury
Work-related brain injuries can occur in a variety of settings, including construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and healthcare settings. They can be caused by falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, vehicle accidents or accidents involving heavy machinery. Workplace violence can also result a brain injury. If you suffered a brain injury while performing your job, you can collect workers comp benefits.
Paralysis (spinal injury)
A workplace spinal cord injury may result in permanent paralysis. Paralysis of any kind is significant and life-altering. Injury to the spinal cord and resulting paralysis is covered by workers comp. In such a dire situation, I implore you or your family to let me help you. Let me handle your claim, and use my experience to Make Them Pay!®.
While the physical injuries are more obvious, many Ohio workers experience workplace illnesses. The following illnesses may be covered in a workers’ compensation claim:
Cardiovascular, pulmonary, or respiratory illness (police and firefighters)
Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and respiratory illnesses are often covered by workers compensation, and cover a broad range of conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and associated systems.
Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. These conditions can include heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Pulmonary disease affects the lungs and breathing. This can include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension.
Respiratory illness involves conditions that affect the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs.
Asbestos/Silicosis
Asbestosis and silicosis are both respiratory diseases that can result from exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. Your employer’s workers compensation insurance will cover medical expenses an lost income due to an occupational illness.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in insulation, building materials, and other products. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs. Over time, scarring and inflammation may occur.
Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, which is a common component of sand, stone, rock, and other materials. This issue is most common in construction and mining industries.
Dust exposure causing respiratory tract diseases
Studies have shown that workers exposed to dust are at risk for acute and chronic respiratory disorders, including chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma. These risks are higher in workplaces such as the textile and jute industries. Prolonged exposure on the job may cause lung disease, and should be categorized as a workers compensation injury.
Skin conditions/infections
Workers compensation coverage is used for skin conditions and infections caused by various work related factors. Some work-induced skin conditions are caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Infections can range from mild conditions such as impetigo, to more severe conditions such as cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Infectious skin conditions are more common in certain industries, such as healthcare, food service, and agriculture.
Lead/phosphorus/arsenic poisoning
Lead, phosphorus, and arsenic poisoning are all occupational health hazards that can cause serious health problems. Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body over time, often through exposure to lead-based paints, contaminated water or air, or through occupational exposure such as working in battery manufacturing, construction or plumbing. Arsenic poisoning can happen through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with arsenic-containing compounds, which can occur in industries like mining, smelting, and pesticides. Phosphorus poisoning can occur through exposure to elemental phosphorus in the workplace, such as in the production of fertilizers or other chemicals.
Chemical poisoning (i.e. carbon dioxide, benzene, gasoline, potassium cyanide)
Chemical poisoning can occur in various industries due to exposure to different chemicals and toxins. Some examples of work-related chemical poisoning are as follows:
Chromium Poisoning: Chromium is commonly found in steel manufacturing, textile pigments, and the chrome plating industry. Over time exposure to chromium can cause health problems such as lung cancer or skin irritation.
Benzene Poisoning: Benzene is used in the manufacture of plastic, explosives, and rubber. Leukemia and other blood disorders can be caused by over exposure to benzene.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is emitted from fuel-burning engines, such as those found in vehicles, generators, and furnaces. Dizziness, headache, weakness, and even death may be the result of too much exposure to carbon monoxide.
Mercury Poisoning: Mercury exposure can occur in industries such as dentistry, mining, and chemical manufacturing. Mercury exposure can cause problems such as neurological damage or kidney damage, not to mention other health issues.
Hydrofluoric Acid Poisoning: Hydrofluoric acid is used in industries such as glass etching, aluminum production, and electronics manufacturing. If you have severe burns, lung damage, and other health problems, it may be because of exposure to hydrofluoric acid.
Radiation
Work-related radiation illness occurs when an individual is exposed to ionizing radiation while performing their job duties. This type of radiation can damage cells and genetic material, causing serious health effects, including radiation sickness (acute radiation syndrome) and an increased risk of cancer. Symptoms of radiation sickness may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin burns, and damage to the central nervous system
I’ll Make Them Pay!®
If you have suffered a workplace injury or a workplace illness and you aren’t sure if your employer’s workers comp insurance will cover your injuries, I urge you to contact my office today a free consultation to discuss your injury claim.
Workers’ Compensation claims can be a long, drawn out process, and often end poorly for the injured victim without the assistance of an experience attorney.
Don’t wait for your claim to be denied! Contact me today for your free consultation at 800-556-4769. As your Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
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