Most employers in North Carolina carry workers’ compensation insurance to help cover injuries to employees on the job. While some industries are inherently more dangerous than others, employees in any career field can suffer debilitating injuries at work. Here are some of the most common injuries reported in workers’ compensation claims.
- Strains – Accounting for more than 30% of all injuries, strains happen when muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched or torn. Repetitive tasks and heavy lifting can lead to strain injuries.
- Contusions – A contusion is a bruise, and while many bruises are not that serious, others can be deep and cause severe pain and swelling. They can also indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires prompt medical treatment.
- Lacerations – Neary 12% of workers’ compensation claims involve lacerations. Simply known as cuts, lactations can come from a variety of sources, and they can be very deep, requiring immediate medical treatment.
- Sprains – Similar to strains, sprains occur with when muscles are overstretched, and they typically occur with repetitive motion and overexertion. They are included in nearly 9% of workers’ compensation claims.
- Punctures – Along with being cut, workers can also experience puncture wounds. As with cuts, puncture wounds can happen from a variety of causes, and they can go deep and damage internal organs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that more than 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries occurred in 2019. Furthermore, the National Safety Council estimates that preventable workplace accidents cost more than $171 billion in 2019 in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, and other areas. Anyone in North Carolina injured on the job should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney for help obtaining all rightful benefits.