What Is Considered a Work-Related Injury?

Workplace injuries are far too common. One of the most common worries that injured employees often have is “How do I know if my injury is work-related?” A work-related injury or illness occurs during the course of employment or, in other words, when an employee is doing something on behalf of their company or employer. Most workplace injuries happen in a work setting, such as an office or factory, but they can also occur in other locations, as long as the employee was furthering their employer’s interest. Most workplace injuries and illnesses qualify for workers comp benefits, which cover things like medical bills, time spent out of work, disability benefits, and funeral costs in case of a fatality. Consider speaking with a work injury lawyer in Savannah to determine if the damages you’ve suffered are work-related and the next steps you should take.

Physical Injuries

Physical injuries are the most common at the workplace, especially in industrial and construction sites. They can occur in many ways, such as when an employee falls from a height, slipping and falling, machine injuries, an employee assaults another, and so on. Damages arising from a car or other vehicle accident that occurred in the course of employment might also be considered. After an accident, ensure that you seek medical evaluation because a doctor’s report will be important in determining your total compensation amount.

Occupational Illness

Certain work environments, such as hospitals and industrial centers, can be hazardous if the responsible parties are negligent. For instance, if a supervisor or factory owner does not provide protective equipment to workers, they can inhale toxic fumes that’ll result in occupational illnesses. Discuss your case with a work injury attorney to understand whether your employer’s negligence qualifies for a lawsuit, as well.

Conditions That Have Worsened Due to Work-Related Activities

Some work-related activities, such as lifting heavy objects or repetitive tasks, can aggravate a pre-existing condition. Does this qualify for workers comp, as well? According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), a pre-existing condition has been exacerbated if it resulted in hospitalization, time out of work, loss of consciousness, or death, all of which would not have occurred were it not for the occupational hazard.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

A significant majority of jobs, both in the office and blue-collar sector, involve repetitive motions. Employees with these kinds of jobs, such as typists and assembly line workers, are at a high risk of developing repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Because these injuries develop over time, it can be quite challenging to prove that you qualify for workers compensation benefits. Having the support of a work injury lawyer who understands work comp laws in your state can come in handy to ensure that your rights are protected.

Things That Might Disqualify Your Work-Related Injury

Your work-related injury might be disqualified from receiving work comp benefits if:

• The injuries involved horseplay between employees.
• The employee was intoxicated from alcohol or other substances during the time of injury.
• A worker was committing a crime when the injury happened.
• Injuries were sustained from an off-duty recreational activity regardless of the location and participants.
• The injuries were self-inflicted.
• Other factors were at play. Speak to a lawyer for details.

Speak with a Workplace Injury Lawyer

As you can see, a work-related injury can occur in several different ways. If you were injured at the workplace and wonder whether you qualify for state workers compensation, consider discussing your case with a work injury lawyer. Your case might be eligible for a lawsuit, as well, if it involved negligence. Get a free case review from Nye Law Group attorneys by calling 912-200-5230 or filling out our contact form below.