The workplace is somewhere you should feel safe and free of potential dangers. However, many industries present significant risks that can cause workers to experience an accident and severe harm. As a worker, you should recognize some of the most common workplace accidents that can arise so that you can stay safe.
Common workplace accidents include:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Overexertion and stress injuries
- Slips, falls, and objects falling
- Struck by accidents
- Defects and errors
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Many employees have to drive for their job responsibilities. They’re considered “on the job” if they must drive as part of their duties. A car accident can occur during this time, and you might suffer a severe injury because of it. When this happens, it’s vital to recognize your rights to compensation.
If you’re working when a car accident occurs, you might be able to pursue benefits through workers’ compensation. However, there are often limits involved. You might be able to file an additional lawsuit to seek maximum compensation for injuries you might sustain in a crash.
Overexertion and Stress Injuries
Physical and mental health problems can arise quickly because of overexertion and repetitive motion stress. Workers who continuously repeat the same motions can experience long-term pain because of strains, sprains, and more.
These types of injuries often arise because job duties call for specific actions. For instance, workers may experience ongoing back pain because they have to turn and twist their bodies awkwardly.
Slips, Falls, and Objects Falling
In the workplace, slips, falls, and falling objects are often the result of someone else’s negligence. Slip and falls can occur because of someone leaving liquid or another obstacle on the floor that causes you to trip. Unfortunately, this type of incident can cause the worst harm to your back, neck, or head.
Falling objects are more common in the construction industry. When tools are not safely secured, they can fall from scaffolding and other high areas, hitting workers on the ground below.
Struck By Accidents
Several employees work in industries with vehicles and other machinery within the workplace. Unfortunately, some workers may be negligent in how they operate these machines, and they can cause severe damage because of being struck by or caught in-between accidents.
For instance, a person driving a forklift in a warehouse may back up into an employee. This type of incident can result in some of the most severe damage, including internal organ injuries.
Defects and Errors
In specific industries, workers must use machines that are manufactured by third parties. However, those machines might be defective or experience errors. In these cases, you would not go through workers’ compensation for your damages. Instead, you would need to file a third-party liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Working with a lawyer can help you understand your rights. It’s crucial to recognize when you need to file a workers’ comp claim and when to file a third-party lawsuit. Having a lawyer on your side is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your rights. Workers deserve to protect their rights with the help of a skilled legal professional who can guide them through the process.
Our North Dakota work injury attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. care about providing you with excellence in everything we do. You can trust that we put your needs first and work to safeguard you from insurance companies who might try to take advantage of your rights. We will explain your options in a free case evaluation and help you pursue the maximum compensation for your claim.
