Workplace Injury Lawyer
Have you suffered from a work-related injury?
Employers are required by law to create a safe workplace environment for workers that minimize the possibility of accidents and injuries. This is also to ensure that should an accident occur that the severity of damages is minimized as possible. These measures include:
- Training workers in compliance with safety standards;
- Using high-quality, well-maintained equipment and machinery;
- Having procedures to correct any dangerous practices; and
- Maintaining effective emergency response measures to reduce risks of injury to workers in the event of an accident
Workplace injury commonly involves injuries to the eyes, head, hands and neck. In spite of laws that govern safety in the workplace, accidents and injuries are more common than they should be, and are almost always entirely preventable. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
Amputation / Severed Limb
Workers in industries like meatpacking, logging, mill work, woodworking, poultry and food processing, paper mills, and steel mills are exposed to more risk of broken or severed limbs than many other workers. When pieces of equipment that have the potential to cause amputation injuries are present in the workplace, the employer is required to place these appropriately, taking into account the potential exposure of employees to sharp edges, cutting blades and shears. Employees must also receive adequate training not only in the operation, but also in the safe cleaning, maintenance, setup, changeover, and take down of the machinery. Read more about amputations.
Blunt Force Trauma Injury
A blunt force trauma injury is one inflicted on a specific body part as a result of a large force or impact. These could occur in connection with a fall in the workplace or when a worker is struck by a falling object or moving machinery. Blunt force trauma injuries, although they are classified as separate injuries, often involve other complications, like major contusions. Read more about blunt force trauma.
Brain Injury
A head injury in the workplace can occur as a result of a fall from an elevated position or as a result of being struck by falling equipment or debris. Sufficient and high quality head protection equipment makes these accidents preventable and employers are required to not only provide such gear to employees, but also to train them in their use, and in the reasons for and importance of their use. Brain injury that can occur as a result of a severe head injury can vary in severity, from milder forms that cause memory problems and speech difficulties, to more severe injuries that require an injured worker to have round the clock professional care. Read more about brain injuries.
Crushing Injury
A crushing injury involves the crushing of a body part or parts between two solid objects, like the components of a piece of machinery. These injuries can either be restricted to a single small part of the body like a finger, but most often in the workplace, crushing injuries involve large parts of the body, damaging multiple organs and extensive tissues, including the nerves, muscles, and bones. A serious crushing injury can be life-threatening or even fatal, may include heavy blood loss, and may require extensive surgery and physical therapy. Read more about crushing injuries.
Eye Injury
It's estimated that at least 2,000 eye injuries occur each day in the American workplace. Most of these take place when small particles of cement, wood splinters or metal enter the eye. They can also result from blunt force trauma that damages the eyeball and because of hazardous chemical splashes or laser burns. Eye injuries, like so many workplace injuries, are preventable if protective eye wear is worn at all times when working in potentially hazardous conditions; helmets, hard hats and face shields can also help protect the eyes from injuries. Read more about eye injuries.
Head Injury
An injury to the head is uniquely difficult in that it occurs to an area of the body that is host to the most organ of our body – our brain. Regardless of whether this injury is from a fall, blunt force trauma or a collapsing structure, these injuries are severe and can be life-threatening and even fatal. From skull fractures to concussions, these can forever alter the future of the victim. Read more about head injuries.
Neck or Back Injury
Musculoskeletal injuries can occur when there is substantial or repetitive strain on certain areas of the body like the lower back, neck and shoulder muscles. Certain activities like lifting and carrying heavy loads, lifting of people as in nursing homes, cause strain on the back muscles that result in injuries with a long term impact. Read more about neck and back injuries.
Consult with a workplace injury lawyer from our firm!
When dealing with the aftermath of a work-related injury, it is in your best interests to get the involvement of an industrial accident lawyer on your side that you can trust. At Arnold & Itkin, LLP, we have proven over the years that we have the mettle to handle even the most complex of cases. You can rest assured knowing that should you choose to work with our firm that we will investigate your case, gather evidence and build the strongest claim possible to fight for fair financial compensation.
Contact a workplace injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for help in filing a claim!