We now have some clear numbers for work injuries from 2017 and the results are mixed. The good news is that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of fatal work injuries dropped from 5,190 in 2016 to 5,147 in 2017.
On the other hand, fatal falls reached a 26-year high. Transportation incidents are still the most common fatal event, killing 2,077 people.
Fatal injuries are one thing, but we also know that around 2.8 million people suffer from nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. When they are hurt, they should be able to depend on workers’ compensation insurance to cover their expenses, especially if an employer or co-worker was responsible for the injury. Unfortunately, there are times when a work injury victim does not receive the compensation they deserve. If you need a San Diego work injury attorney, you can count on Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP to be by your side.
What Kind Of Injuries
The most reliable source for compiling workplace injury data is the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics. They tell us that nearly three million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported last year. While we recognize that many of those incidents were minor, there are times when people are seriously hurt at work due to the negligence of other people or their employer.
If may help you to see the top ten ways that people get hurt at work:
- Overexertion
- Falls on the same level
- Falls to a lower level
- Struck by an object
- Other exertions
- Roadway incidents
- Slip or trip without a fall
- Caught in or compressed by equipment
- Struck against object
- Repetitive motion of microtasks
When we look at this list, we see some things that we expect to be there. Certainly, many workplace injuries are readily seen and understood because they have obvious causes. These are not likely to be challenged by insurance companies or employers. Unfortunately, there are times when injuries do not have clear workplace causes, even though we know that they were indeed caused by the workplace. This can include repetitive stress injuries as well as workplace mental illnesses.
While these injuries are supposed to be covered by workers compensation, their origin can be disputed.
If You Are Hurt At Work
It is good news that the number of fatal work incidents dropped, but we need to keep in mind that fatalities are just the tip of total workplace incidents. There are many more who are injured at work and struggle to deal with the aftermath.
Have you been denied workers’ compensation coverage for an injury?
Have you been fired for reporting an injury?
At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we want to make sure you are compensated for a workplace injury or illness. If you are being treated unfairly, or feel that you have not gotten what you deserve, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office. When you need a San Diego work injury attorney, we are here for you.