According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States, strains and sprains are the most common workplace injury accounting for more than 40% of the on-job injuries and occupational illnesses. The other common workplace injuries are bruises and contusions, followed by lacerations.
The workers’ compensation law in Orlando, Florida does not only cover the medical expenses incurred by an employee due to any workplace injury, it even provides for the disability and loss wages caused by the particular injury. However, in order to successfully file your claim it is important to know about the common workplace injuries and whether they are covered under the workers’ compensation law. The more you know about your legal rights, the more you would be in a position to claim them successfully.
While a worker’ compensation attorney is the right person to tell you all about your rights, following is a brief guide about some of the most common workplace injuries in Orlando Florida.
Joint Injuries, Sprains and Dislocations
Workers especially those belonging to the labor industry are required to be physically very flexible. This makes their joints highly susceptible to injuries. Joint injuries are often very agonizing and debilitating. They mostly require orthopedic surgery or intensive medical treatments. Some of the common injuries include sprains in ankle and elbow, tears in the knee and wrist and dislocations of hip, knee and shoulder. All such injuries including others that require surgery or extended recuperation are covered under the workers’ compensation law.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an illness where the nerves of your wrist are compressed. CTS is the top most common reason for lost time at work in the United States. The symptoms of CTS includes numbness in hands and arms, tingling sensation in fingers, trouble in holding and gripping objects, difficulty in making a fist, burning sensation in palms and fingers and weakness in hands and wrists. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor. Don’t worry about the cost of treatment. It is covered under the workers’ compensation law.
Back Injuries – Bend, Slip and Fall
Back injuries in the workplace are mostly caused by slip and fall or lifting of heavy objects. Jobs that require bending or lifting frequently are the most common cause of back injuries. Back injuries are often not realized then and there. As time passes and you continue stressing out your back, pain occurs and gradually becomes excruciating if not treated properly. Even if your back injury is in the initial stage, it is covered under the workers’ compensation law in Orlando Florida.
Other Common Workplace Diseases
Apart from the above explained injuries, the following listed injuries are also provided coverage by the workers’ compensation law in Orlando, Florida.
- Stress Fractures are caused when the muscles are overused and bear excessively hard work and heavy lifting. The fatigued muscles transfer the stress to the bones which in turn weaken the bones and causes cracks and fractures.
- Tendonitis happens when a worker is constantly or frequently involved in a repetitive motion.
- Brain injury occurs from a blow to the head. Traumatic brain injuries often affect the physical, cognitive and psychological abilities of the injured. At times these injuries require lifelong medical treatment.
These are just a few. Almost all the workplace injuries and occupational diseases are provided insurance coverage in Orlando Florida. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to know your rights as an employee.
