Workers’ compensation is designed to help employees who have been injured on the job. No matter the injury or how it occurred, the law states that the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance is supposed to help. It can cover medical bills and even lost wages. However, many employees still wonder what types of injuries fall under a workers’ compensation claim
Workplace Accidents
If an accident occurs in the workplace, or while performing work for the employer outside of the workplace, it is covered by workers’ compensation. For example, a delivery truck driver swerves to avoid hitting a deer in the road and is hurt in a resulting accident. The accident was caused by the avoidance maneuver, and this same maneuver resulted in the injuries to the driver. These injuries fall under workers’ compensation benefit law because the accident/injuries occurred while the driver was performing his/her job.
Other workplace accidents fall under a workers’ comp claim as well. For example, if an employee trips and falls while carrying a box to a loading dock, stumbles on a floor rug in between cubicles, or gets hurt while repairing a company vehicle, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The injury occurred while the employee was performing his/her job. Work-related injuries happen very frequently, and most, if not all fall under the regulations put forth by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are often covered by workers’ compensation plans as well. The injury must stem from a repetitive motion that is necessary to properly perform the job. Examples of repetitive motion injury include; reaching to move items on and off an assembly line can result in arm, back and neck injury. Looking up and reaching to replace light bulbs in a series of buildings can result in neck, back and arm injury. Climbing in and out of a truck cab can result in back, leg, or hip injury. Typing on a computer 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, can result in carpal tunnel injury. These injuries occur because the repetitive movements cause degradation and inflammation to cartilage, muscle, ligaments and joints in the affected body part(s).
Often times, employees are unaware that a repetitive motion injury is covered by workers’ compensation, and as such claims are not filed. Employees have to miss work due to the pain or necessary medical treatment caused by the injury. Missing work, mean lost wages. If the employer gives the employee a hard time or refuses the claim, then it’s time to reach out to an experienced workers’ comp attorney. We know the law and will help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to receive.
If you have been injured at work and believe you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, please call our experienced team of Workers’ Compensation attorneys at NRS today!
