Keep On-The-Job Injuries From Threatening Your Financial Security
On-the-job injuries can happen at any time, and in any occupation. When they do, you could find yourself facing heavy expenses, lost wages, and potentially permanent disabilities. Workplace accidents and injuries can drain your savings, derail your plans for retirement, and delay your plans to buy a home or pay off your mortgage. No matter what your professional, it is important to be aware of the types of work related injuries that can occur, and what you can do to get the compensation you need to continue to provide for your loved ones.
Impacts of On the Job Accidents and Injuries
According to that latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than three million people were injured on the job in 2014. In over half of these cases, the injuries sustained were serious enough to require multiple days off work and general job duty restrictions before workers had recovered enough to be able to return to their former duties. The BLS reports the following as being among the most common types of workplace accidents and injuries:
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries;
- Being struck by or against an object;
- Overuse injuries;
- Repetitive motion injuries; and
- Ergonomic injuries due to poor work environment.
Among the most common injuries are muscle and tendon strains, sprains, and tears, broken bones, back and disc injuries, and head injuries. In addition to injuries, the BLS reports that approximately five percent of all reported workplace injuries fall under the classification of occupational illnesses. Exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, and general job stress can leave workers suffering illnesses and health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and anxiety disorders.
Getting The Compensation You Deserve
If you have suffered a workplace injury or been diagnosed with an occupation illness, you may be entitled to benefits through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. By law, virtually all employees in the state are covered under this program, which provides the following types of benefits to workers injured on the job:
- Medical benefits;
- Payment for lost wages;
- Compensation for temporary or permanent disabilities; and
- Death benefits in the event a worker dies as the result of work-related injuries or illnesses.
If you are injured on the job, it is important to let your employer or supervisor know immediately and to seek medical attention for your injuries. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions, and provide written notice of your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible, but within 30 days. Your employer will report your injury or illness to their insurer, and you will be required to file a claim form with the Workers’ Compensation Board. You have up to two years to file your claim and still receive benefits. If your employer does not report your injury or if workers’ compensation denies your claim, contact our workers’ compensation attorneys immediately.
Let Us Help You
If you or a loved one is injured on the job, contact our experienced New York workers’ compensation attorneys today. At Cavallo & Cavallo, we know how important your ability to make a living is to supporting your family, as well as for building your assets for the future. We can advise you on the best course of action for your particular case, and assist you in getting the benefits you deserve. With offices in the Bronx as well as Westchester, we are available ot help; call or contact us online today for a free consultation.
