Legal 101: Work Injuries

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(Newswire.net — October 6, 2021) — Imagine this: you are halfway with work on a Friday, and you have plans to spend the rest of the day with the boys at your local bar. You head back to your workspace to finish a couple of spreadsheets when you suddenly slip on the floor, knocking you out cold. There go your late afternoon plans. Anyway, that is an example of a work injury. These occurrences happen in the most random of times, and we do not have total control over them. When such an incident happens to you, you have to take action. Let’s find out more.

Defining A Work Injury

A work injury is any condition, injury, or illness that you suffer while you are working in a workspace, field, or any setting. Such a circumstance can happen anytime in the duration of your employment. There are three primary types of work injury:

  • Physical injuries

Physical injuries are the most common ones that happen to work individuals. These can be the result of your own work or from someone else’s actions. Physical injuries can also be other work scenarios, such as tripping or falling down the stairs.

  • Occupational injuries

These injuries are the result of your job responsibilities. They can also be medical conditions or illnesses you contract as you work. 

  • Repetitive stress injuries

Repetitive stress injuries are the result of doing the same type of work over a long period. These injuries can vary from one kind of work to another. 

How About Getting Injured As You Head To Or From Work?

A lot of people ask this question. These kinds of accidents include public area injuries and vehicular incidents. Generally, these do not fall under worker compensation. But there might be an exception or two. Plus, it will depend on the work terms you have agreed to. Here are some scenarios that will allow you to get compensation:

  • You are running an errand for your boss 
  • You get into a car accident while driving
  • You pace quickly for a meeting, then you suddenly trip

Some Examples Of Work Injuries

Some workplaces are harmless. Then there are work environments that are quite dangerous. Numerous factors cause these incidents. Here are some of them:

  • Getting hit by an item

There are times that you can get hit by a random item. The injury you will suffer will depend on some factors. The worst-case scenario is that you get hit on the head, which causes critical or life-threatening conditions.

  • Overexertion 

They say that too much of something does no good to the mind and body. We agree with that. Overexertion causes mental and physical fatigue, rendering you unable to work for hours or days.

  • Slips and trips

Slips and trips are common workplace injuries. They are usually non-fatal, but they can happen anytime. They are the result of clumsiness or incompetence from your end. You cannot blame your employer for this kind of injury.

  • Defective materials and equipment

Sometimes, work tools and equipment cause injuries as well. This aspect happens frequently. Even more so for construction sites and industrial facilities. Workers might operate pieces of equipment that might be missing some parts or have loose electrical wirings. These can lead to grave accidents.

  • Auto accidents

Some jobs require you to go running around for errands or trips to a client’s office. These seemingly harmless scenarios can lead to injuries as well. You can get hit by a car or truck as you cross a street.

What Can I Do If I Become The Victim Of A Workplace Injury?

There are some steps you can take:

  1. Seek medical attention first
  2. Report the injury to your employer
  3. Get legal assistance

Who Can Provide Legal Assistance?

That responsibility falls to a work injury attorney. Such a legal worker will perform several tasks so you can receive compensation. Compensation is a must for any worker, and the law mandates your employer to give it to you. You can visit a local firm to ask about work injuries and other related matters. While there, you can request legal assistance from attorneys. There is also the option of looking for a work injury attorney online. Doing so is a walk in the park, and you will not have any difficulties doing so. The internet will provide you with enough websites for the best work injury attorney houston has to showcase.

The Takeaway

Getting hurt while being on the job is something any worker should take seriously. But once you become the victim of such, you have to seek medical attention immediately. You have to get back on your feet first before you can move on to getting some help from professional legal workers. Once you hire one, they will do the rest of the legal work, so you can focus on recovering completely.