(Newswire.net — October 6, 2020) — Work-related injuries claimed the lives of 5,250 people in the United States in 2018. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were 2.8 million nonfatal illnesses and injuries in workplaces across the country in the same year. Work-related illnesses and injuries affect people in all employment fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, retail, and food services.
A workplace injury’s physical impact may be evident, but workplace injuries affect more than a person’s physical health. Job-related injuries can significantly impact your finances, future, mental health, family dynamics, and social life.
Finances
Workplace accidents can significantly impact your finances. You may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation after your accident, but it can take up to a month for a claim to be investigated and approved or denied. Workers’ compensation is typically capped at two-thirds of your regular salary or the state maximum.
If two-thirds of your salary exceeds the state maximum, you will only receive the maximum payment allowed by your state. You will not receive your full salary from workers’ compensation while you recover, which could impact your ability to pay your bills and pay deductible costs for medical expenses.
Future
Your immediate future may focus on medical tests and treatment for your injuries. Once you have a prognosis, you may have to make long-term decisions. Some injuries may prevent you from returning to your job. Workplace injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), hearing loss, and repetitive stress injuries could result in your inability to perform your current role safely. You may be eligible for short-term or permanent disability or may need to change careers.
You may also need to focus on legal matters during your recovery. You should consult NC workers compensation lawyers to discuss your situation. Attorneys who focus on workers’ compensation cases know and understand the laws applicable to workers who have been injured on the job.
These attorneys are familiar with the grounds for a lawsuit against your employer and the maximum amount of compensation you may be eligible to receive. You can receive a free consultation, and you pay no fees unless you win your case, which means there is no financial risk from pursuing legal action.
Mental Health
Workplace injuries can significantly impact your mental health. It is common for people who have been injured to become depressed, stressed, or anxious. You may feel guilt about your accident, particularly if it has harmed others. Severe psychological distress can also lead to substance abuse, eating disorders, and passive suicidal ideation.
You may feel worthless if you are unable to perform routine tasks or care for yourself, leading to thoughts about committing suicide. If your injury leads to substance abuse, you may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Meeting with a therapist can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies for the psychological effects you’re experiencing.
Family Dynamics
Injuries can have a significant impact on your family. You may be physically unable to perform routine tasks and may need to rely on others to care for you. This can be frustrating if you are independent, and it can also take a physical and emotional toll on the members of your family who are helping you.
Workplace injuries can also have an emotional impact on your family. Young children may be upset if you are unable to play with them or engage in typical activities. Your spouse may also be worried about finances and your future.
Social Life
Workplace injuries can affect your ability to socialize. You may be unable to engage in regular activities. For example, if you participated in workplace sports leagues, you may not be able to play while recovering.
You may also have difficulty accessing venues where friends gather for social activities if you need to use a wheelchair or walker after your accident. You may be unable to communicate over the phone or face to face. You may even need to learn sign language or find other ways to communicate if your injury involves permanent hearing loss.