Which type of workplace injuries qualify for workers’ comp?
When someone gets injured at the workplace, they should immediately report the injury to the supervisor or the employer and seek medical treatment for the injuries. Under workers’ comp law, it is the responsibility of the employer to choose the doctor and get proper medical treatment for the injured employee. The employer or the insurance company will pay all the medical bills resulting from the injury.
If the workplace injury has rendered the worker unable to attend work for a certain period of time, or if the worker has become permanently disabled, they may be entitled to disability benefits under the Missouri workers’ comp system. The benefits that the injured worker receives would depend on the severity of the injuries and the time for which they will have to be off work.
Most workplace injuries can be classified into one of these categories. However, this list is far from comprehensive, and there are several other types of injuries that are reported by workers.
Sprains, Strains, and Other Injuries Caused by Overexertion
These workplace injuries are caused by repeated stressful physical activity at work. When someone does the same tasks again and again or overexerts their body, they become prone to sprains and strains.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Slips, falls, and vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of brain injuries. They can range from a minor concussion to a coma and deadly hemorrhage. It can cause symptoms such as mood changes, seizures, memory problems, fatigue, and numbness.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repeated and prolonged motion of a particular body part can cause these injuries. Repetitive stress injuries can affect knees, shoulders, back, and other joints.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Falls and vehicle accidents are the common causes of spinal injuries that occur at work. A spinal injury can cause complications ranging from severe pain to partial or complete paralysis.
Fractures
Falls, striking objects, or vehicle accidents can cause broken bones.
Hearing Loss
Physical damage to one or both ears or exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss.
Vision Loss
Physical damage to the eye or exposure to harmful chemicals can cause vision problems that can cause vision impairment or total blindness.
Amputations
Getting caught in a machine or crushed under something can cause the worker to lose a limb.
Occupational Illnesses
Exposure to allergens or toxins at the workplace can lead to occupational illnesses such as lung problems, asbestosis, cancer, and respiratory diseases.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
There was a time when PTSD was associated only with army personnel operating in combat zones. Today, workers can claim workers’ comp for PTSD if they can prove that their mental illness is a result of something that happened at the workplace.
Workplace Injuries & Workers’ Comp
If you have suffered any of the aforementioned workplace injuries, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 to schedule a free consultation.