While just about anything can happen at work, some accidents are more common in the workplace. That said, any type of injury that happens while you are working should be covered by Arkansas workers’ compensation. The majority of workplace injuries happen in the construction and healthcare industries.
Since workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, it means injured employees do not need to prove negligence to be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to note that a worker can still receive benefits even if the accident was the result of their actions or negligence. Workers under 25 have higher rates of occupational injuries than other age groups.
Common Workplace Injuries in Arkansas
Some of the most common injuries that our workers’ compensation attorneys deal with at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield include:
• Crush injuries
• Knee injuries
• Foot injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Lower back injuries
• Brain injuries
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Shoulder injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries (RSI)
• Lower leg injuries
• Ankle injuries
• Wrist injuries
• Hand injuries
• Finger injuries
• Multiple body parts and systems
• Deaths
Any injuries that happened as a result of a worker intentionally causing harm to themselves or were inebriated at the time of their mishap may not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Other types of traumas not typically covered include mental injuries and heart disease. Each case and situation are different and it is a good decision to discuss your injuries with an experienced Rogers workers’ compensation attorney. As of July 2018, 725 workers’ compensation claims were filed in Arkansas.
Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries also referred to as repetitive strain injuries (RSI) describe the pain and/or inflammation in tendons, muscles, and nerves. The pain and inflammation are the results of overuse or repetitive motion.
In most cases, RSI affects the neck, hands, elbows, wrists, and shoulders of workers who constantly do the same tasks, day in and day out. Some examples of RSI include:
• Tendinitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
• Diffuse RSI
• Nerve Entrapment Disorders
• Trigger Finger
• Rotator Cuff Syndrome
• Bursitis
• Tennis Elbow
It is worth mentioning that workers’ compensation insurance carriers are usually incredulous when it comes to repetitive motion injuries. In Arkansas, workers need to meet a higher standard of proof that their injury is the result of rapid and repetitive motion. This is what your workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield does to ensure you get the benefits you are eligible for – demonstrates that work conditions directly caused your repetitive injury syndrome.
Illnesses Caused by Your Occupation
Illnesses in the workplace are typically caused by exposure to toxins, carcinogens, and pathogens. It is often difficult to prove that workplace conditions led to a worker contracting an occupational illness, a disease that runs in the family, or the worker was exposed to something outside of work.
In situations such as this, your workers’ compensation attorney works to prove there is a direct link between your illness and conditions in the workplace.
The most common occupational sicknesses covered by workers’ compensation include:
• Cancer – due to exposure to cancer-causing substances
• Tuberculosis – acquired by a health care worker
• Hearing Loss – the result of working in construction
• Hepatitis – acquired by a health professional
• Dermatitis – the result of handling caustic substances
• Mesothelioma – acquired by miners
• Silicosis – caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust
• Asbestosis – caused by mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos
The manufacturer of a toxic substance, and the makers of any applicable safety equipment, can be held accountable for ineffective handling and manufacturing.
Arkansas Industries with the Highest Rate of Workplace Injuries and Deaths
Arkansas industries that log the highest number of workplace injuries and deaths include:
• Construction – workers face danger every day they work. They are subject to the usually fatal four accidents: falling, being hit by an object, being electrocuted, and being caught between or in objects.
• Healthcare – danger from patients, little time for rest and self-care, overexertion, and RSI.
• Manufacturing – high risk of coming into contact with dangerous equipment, long hours on their feet, numerous sprains and strains.
• Insurance and Finance – mostly related to RSI, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Wholesale and Retail Sector – high incidents of slips and falls, back pain, and RSI from daily repetitive tasks.
There are situations where an injured worker can sue a third party for their injuries. Your workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield can explain that to you if you were injured by another party, and not your employer while working.
If you were injured by a defective product, you may be able to hold the manufacturer accountable for negligence.
Contact a Rogers Personal Injury Attorney for Your Workers’ Compensation Consultation Today
Call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. (479) 361-3575 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. Let us handle the legal side of things while you focus on getting well.
Contact our experts today and get started on the road to recovery. The consultation is free. You pay nothing until you settle your case.
The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. represents injured workers seeking workers’ compensation all over Northwest Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Springdale, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Berryville, Rogers, and Harrison. Call us today for your free consultation at (479) 361-3575.