injured workers lower back pain

Job injuries can happen no matter where you work. More than 46,200 Kentucky employees suffered nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in a recent year, according to the most current data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of that number, more than 20,000 private-industry employees suffered work-related injuries severe enough to require days off work, job transfers, or restricted duties. While these statistics represent an improvement overall, Kentucky’s workplace injury rate still exceeds the national average.

Certainly, some jobs are more dangerous than others. Construction injuries are most likely to occur for people in that industry than people who work desk jobs. But any workplace accident or injury is unacceptable. If you suffered a work injury in Lexington, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help.

Kentucky law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial compensation and benefits to support qualifying employees as they recover from workplace injuries. However, accessing these benefits is not always easy. An attorney from Morgan Collins Yeast Salyer can guide you through the workers’ compensation process to avoid obstacles and pursue the benefits you deserve.

Since our firm’s founding, our attorneys and staff have dedicated themselves to fighting for the rights of Kentuckians just like you. When you contact us after a workplace accident, you will speak directly with a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer who can review your case and discuss your legal options.

Our knowledgeable injury lawyers will investigate every potential avenue to pursue maximum compensation for you beyond your workers’ comp benefits. You could be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability or file a personal injury claim against a negligent third party.

We know it takes Kentucky courage to stand up for the compensation you need. If you’re recovering from workplace injuries in Lexington, get Morgan Collins Yeast Salyer on your side. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Types of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries typically fall into one of several broad categories of physical injury. These include:

  • Musculoskeletal injuries – A musculoskeletal injury refers to any trauma to the body’s soft tissue or bones, including fractures, sprain/strains, ligament, tendon, and nerve injuries.
  • Internal injuries – These injuries involve damage to the internal organs, either through blunt force trauma, perforation wounds (e.g., after being accidentally stabbed or penetrated by an object, such as a bullet), or from a concussive event such as a fall or explosion.
  • Nervous system injuries – Damage to individual nerves and nerve bundles can leave workers with chronic pain and catastrophic injuries.
  • Skin injuries – Abrasions, avulsions, thermal and chemical burns, and skin damage from exposure to the elements are common work injuries affecting the skin.
  • Exposure injuries – Toxic exposure can cause immediate harm and long-term occupational injuries. For example, asbestos exposure has caused some workers to develop mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, decades after their job exposure. Viruses and bacteria can also put first responders and healthcare workers at risk of occupational illnesses.

Most Common Work Injuries

The top workplace injuries in Lexington include:

Businessman in blue jacket giving form for compensation claim to worker with broken arm at table in the office.

Types of Workplace Accidents

Unfortunately, there are many ways to get hurt on the job. Common types of workplace accidents include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Falls from heights
  • Motor vehicle crashes
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Ladder accidents
  • Forklift accidents
  • Tool and equipment accidents
  • Entanglement (e.g., getting caught in equipment or machinery)
  • Crush accidents
  • Struck by/against objects
  • Building/trench collapses
  • Electrocution
  • Fires and explosions
  • Workplace violence
  • Exposure to hazardous materials

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Some workplace accidents are inevitable. But proper precautions can prevent the vast majority of job injuries.

Common causes of work-related injuries include:

  • Overexertion and fatigue
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Lack of employee training
  • Insufficient safety policies
  • Disregarding safety protocols
  • Poor supervision
  • Inadequate safety equipment or personal protective equipment
  • Failure to install safety mechanisms on machinery or equipment, such as guards, lock-out tags, or emergency stop switches
  • Lack of proper posture or ergonomic tools to reduce the risk of wear and tear injuries
  • Not enough workspace
  • Poor workplace maintenance
  • Failure to inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles, power tools, equipment, and machinery
  • Defective tools, equipment, or machinery
  • Negligent security
  • Lack of co-worker dispute resolution procedures
  • Careless or reckless operation of motor vehicles or motorized equipment
  • Failure to safely store toxic or hazardous materials
  • Unsecured objects or loads
  • Drug and/or alcohol intoxication

How to Avoid Work Injuries

Employers and workers can do their part to prevent work-related injuries. Here are some tips:

  • Workers should not be asked to work excessive hours in a workday or workweek. Overworked employees are at a greater risk of fatigue-related accidents.
  • Employees should also be afforded regular breaks. Extra breaks may be necessary for inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
  • Employers should provide safety training demonstrating how to perform physical tasks without overexertion. Proper lifting techniques and stretching can prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Employees should be reminded to regularly change positions to reduce the risk of a wear and tear injury.
  • Ergonomic tools and workstations can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a common injury among workers who frequently type, perform data entry, or use cash registers.
  • Employers should ensure that workspaces are kept clean and uncluttered. Tripping hazards or slippery floor surfaces should have signage to warn workers of the danger.
  • Workers should receive all necessary safety and personal protective equipment based on the work they are performing. This may include hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, masks or respirators, or disposable gowns or overalls.
  • Employees who work on roofs, scaffolding, or other high places should be provided with fall protection equipment. Falls are a leading cause of fatal occupational injury.
  • Employers should ensure that all tools, equipment, and machinery have reasonable safety devices. Guards, emergency shut-offs, and lock-out mechanisms can prevent deadly workplace accidents.
  • All workers should be trained to use any tools, equipment, and machinery safely. No one should not operate equipment or machinery without training or certification.
  • Dangerous or toxic materials should be safely stored when not in use. This includes flammable/explosive materials.

Most Common Injury Claim on Workers’ Comp in Lexington

The Kentucky Labor Department reports there were nearly 34,000 reports of workplace injuries in a recent year. The top three injuries involved:

An injured worker at work.

In addition, the most current national statistics show that the work-related injuries resulting in days missed from work in a recent year include:

  • Toxic or disease-causing exposure – Exposure to toxic substances, bacteria, and viruses skyrocketed to the most common workers’ comp injury claim. The year before, exposure-related workers’ comp claims only ranked as the sixth most common claim.
  • Overexertion – Claims arising from overexertion most commonly involve back injuries. Workers affected by these injuries were between the ages of 45 and 64 and worked in the transportation and warehousing industries.
  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents – These accidents most frequently led to soft-tissue injuries. Workers most likely to suffer work-related slip, trip, and fall accidents were 55-years-old or older and were most likely to work in the transportation, warehousing, and agricultural industries.

On average, workers missed an average of two weeks from work from these injuries. Other common workers’ comp claims involved injuries arising from equipment/machinery accidents, transportation-related accidents, and violence or attacks inflicted by other persons or animals.

Job-Related Injuries Typically Covered under Workers’ Compensation

Work injuries that are typically eligible for benefits under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation system include:

  • Hand and wrist injuries, such as ligament sprains and tears or muscle/tendon strains and tears, as well as broken bones
  • Neck and back injuries, including whiplash from work-related motor vehicle accidents or herniated discs
  • Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury and skull fractures
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Wear and tear injuries, including rotator cuff syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis/golfer’s elbow, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis
  • Chemical exposure, including lead or asbestos exposure

Get a Free Consultation with a Lexington Workers’ Comp Lawyer

If you were hurt on the job in Lexington, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help you stay financially afloat while you heal. Contact Morgan Collins Yeast Salyer today for a free case review with an experienced Kentucky workers’ compensation lawyer.