Anyone who’s ever held a job knows that it’s all too easy to get injured while at work. Whether it’s a bad burn, a slip or fall, or even stress, workers’ compensation (more commonly referred to as “workman’s comp”) is insurance that will cover the cost of lost wages and medical expenses should an accident occur. If you are ever injured at work and decide to make a worker’s comp claim, it’s essential that you understand that you then automatically give up your rights to sue the employer.
Of all the accidents that occur in the workplace, a few that crop up time and time again. The top five job injuries that lead to New York City workers’ comp claims are:
- Overexertion. The most common types of exertion stated in workers’ comp claims are due to excessive lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing. However, you can overexert yourself in other ways, too, including bending, crawling, twisting, climbing, standing, or walking, to name just a few.
- Same-level falls. When you think of falling, you probably think of falling down, but surprisingly, the second most common workers’ comp claims are those that are a result of a fall on the same level, such as falling on ice or snow.
- Being hit with an object or equipment. Common in workplaces that include construction sites and other areas where large objects are regularly being moved around.
- Lower-level falls. That type of fall – the one that goes all the way down – does make the top five list of the top job injuries to lead to workers’ comp claims. These claims accounted for $5.12 billion in 2012 alone.
- Bodily reactions. These workplace accidents can include anything from chemical burn to allergic reactions, and they’re more common than you might think.
Sometimes you get hurt at work and aren’t sure whether or not you’re eligible for workers’ compensation. If that’s the case, or you know you’re entitled to benefits but aren’t sure how to get them, contact us at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP.
We have the experience in worker’s compensation law to make sure your rights are protected and that you get the benefits that you’re entitled to. Injuries aren’t part of any job. Call us today and start recouping any losses you’ve suffered as part of an injury received on the job. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP can be reached at (212) 986-7353.