Being injured or falling ill on the job is something that can cause you to lose valuable time and money. However, workers’ compensation can help ease the burden of lost wages. Workers’ comp is a type of insurance that grants employees most of the wages they would have earned as well as covering medical expenses. Sometimes when people think of workers’ comp, though, they only think of major injuries. However, you can still use your coverage for minor injuries that make it difficult to work.
Sprains
A sprain is when the tissue of a ligament is stretched too far or torn completely. Sprains can occur in your arms, knees, ankles, wrists, and fingers. They’re mostly common in occupations such as the medical field, construction, and transportation, like driving a taxi or bus. Overextending your limbs is far too common in these jobs, whether it’s jerking the steering wheel or accidentally hurting yourself during construction.
Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are among the most common injuries and can range from mild to severe. These are actually an employer’s worst nightmare because slip and falls usually lead to lawsuits. In fact, workers compensation law was practically created because of this injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may even need to have a surgical operation to treat it.
Fractures
A fracture is a different way of saying you have a broken bone. There are several different kinds of fractures, and some are more serious than others. Although the training you receive on the job is aimed to prevent something like this from happening, accidents can still occur when you least expect it. Fractures usually take about a month and a half to heal, but this depends on what bone was affected and the severity of the fracture.
Burns
Burn injuries are common in the construction and restaurant industries. There are four main degrees of burns. First-degree burns are very mild and don’t really impact you too much, but they can be uncomfortable at times. Second-degree burns sink into the deeper parts of your skin’s tissue. It can cause the skin to become red and swollen, and blisters may start to form.
Third-degree burns destroy the first two layers of your skin’s tissue and can go into the deepest layer, which is the subcutaneous tissue. These burns will also affect your nerves. And lastly, fourth-degree burns are among the most dangerous as they destroy the nerve endings entirely. This burn is so severe that it can affect your bones. Fortunately, these last two are rarer.
If you’ve been injured at work, you should be covered by workers’ comp. Most employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer isn’t giving you the compensation they’re supposed to, talk to a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation law. They can help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Injuries on the job can be inconvenient, but workers compensation helps to make up for lost time and work, even for seemingly minor injuries. Remember to stay diligent and alert while you work to avoid being injured.