Injuries sustained in the workplace are common; unfortunately, many employees do not realize they may be eligible for compensation. While some injuries are obvious, such as a fall or a cut, others can be surprising and may not present themselves immediately.
This article will explore six daily work-related personal injuries that may be grounds for a lawsuit. From repetitive motion injuries to workplace stress, it will also examine how employees can be injured on the job. But first, you must know your rights and understand the potential legal avenues available if you have been injured at work.
1. Pressure Cooker Explosion
Pressure cookers are commonly used in restaurants and commercial kitchens to cook large quantities of food quickly. However, if not properly maintained or used, they can be a serious hazard. A pressure cooker explosion can result in severe burns, cuts, and other injuries to employees.
If you have been injured in a pressure cooker explosion at work, seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. They can help determine if you have a pressure cooker lawsuit and guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries.
TorHoerman Law LLC states that the design of pressure cookers can sometimes have flaws, particularly in the release of built-up steam pressure. It is the most frequently observed defect in pressure cookers. In a pressure cooker lawsuit, the injured employee can hold the manufacturer or employer liable for their injuries.
The lawsuit can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the explosion. In addition, pressure cookers usually reach temperatures of 200 degrees or higher, and a defective or inadequately designed unit can lead to severe burns ranging from first to third degree.
2. Repetitive Strain Injury
It typically affects the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders and can result in pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. RSI can occur in many jobs, including office work, manufacturing, and healthcare. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees are not at risk of developing RSI and should provide ergonomically designed equipment and adequate breaks to prevent injuries.
Employees who have developed RSI due to their work may be eligible for compensation. If an individual is suffering from repetitive strain injury due to their work, they can consult a personal injury attorney to determine if they have a strong case. The attorney can provide support throughout the legal proceedings to pursue compensation for their injuries.
3. Slip and Fall Injuries
They are very common and can happen anywhere. They can occur in any workplace but are more common in areas where floors are wet or slippery, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 800,000 individuals are admitted to hospitals each year due to injuries sustained from falling.
Slip and fall injuries can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. Therefore, employers are responsible for ensuring that the work environment is free from slip and fall hazards by taking measures like keeping floors free of obstacles and dry.
Suppose an employee sustains injuries due to a slip and fall incident that occurred while at work. It’s possible that they could qualify for compensation. A personal injury attorney can help determine if they have a viable slip and fall lawsuit and guide them through the legal process to seek compensation for their injuries.
4. Workplace Stress
One surprising but increasingly common daily work-related personal injury is workplace stress which can have critical consequences for employees. The American Institute of Stress reports that work-related stress affects approximately 83% of workers in the United States. Therefore, employers must create an environment where employees can work with minimal stress.
Workplace stress can result from various factors, including long work hours, excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and poor communication from management. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
In the case that an employee experiences a health condition as a result of job-related stress, there is a possibility that they may be qualified for compensation. With the assistance of a personal injury attorney, they can navigate through the legal proceedings to pursue compensation for their damages.
5. Back Injuries
These injuries can vary in severity, from mild strains and sprains to more serious conditions like herniated discs or damage to the spinal cord. Back injuries can occur in various occupations, including construction, healthcare, and transportation.
Therefore, employers must ensure employees are trained on proper lifting techniques, provided with the appropriate equipment, and given adequate breaks to prevent back injuries.
Employees who have been injured in the back due to work may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury attorney can offer assistance in identifying if they have a strong case and provide guidance during the legal process to pursue compensation for their injuries.
6. Occupational Asthma
It is a type of asthma caused by breathing in irritants, which can trigger an immune response and inflammation of the airways. According to the Department of Health, Minnesota, around 17% of asthma cases that develop in adulthood are connected to exposure to hazards in the workplace.
Therefore, employers must ensure employees are not exposed to harmful irritants that can cause occupational asthma.
They should provide adequate ventilation, protective equipment, and training on how to handle hazardous substances. It’s important to take action immediately if you or a loved one has developed occupational asthma due to work-related exposure to irritants. Contact a personal injury attorney today to learn more about your legal options.
Health and Well-being Should Always Come First
Many surprising but common daily work-related personal injuries can result from workplace conditions, and employees should not have to suffer in silence. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and preventing these injuries from occurring. Employees who have suffered a work-related injury may be eligible for compensation.
It’s necessary to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney to determine if they have a viable lawsuit and to guide them through the legal process. By taking legal action, employees can seek compensation for their injuries and hold their employers accountable for providing a safe and healthy work environment.
Remember, your health and well-being should always come first, and you have the right to seek legal recourse if you have suffered a work-related personal injury. learn more
