First, we want to point out that, regardless of who was at fault, any injury you sustain at work should be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. As long as you were not impaired by drugs or alcohol, or in serious violation of company policy, all claims should be considered.
A quick look at OSHA’s list of common workplace violations gives us a picture of how workplace accidents happen:
- Inadequate fall protection
- Scaffolding problems
- Inadequate respiratory protection
- Ladder problems
- Machinery issues
- Electrical and wiring issues
These are just a few things that can cause serious workplace problems, particularly in the construction industry, but any job has the potential to cause you harm, from office work to restaurant industry jobs.
Repetitive-Stress Injuries
Any time employees have to perform the same motion again and again in the course of their daily activities, muscle and bone problems can occur. We’ve all heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but that is only one type of RSI. Making a workers’ compensation claim for an RSI can be more difficult because they can be harder to prove. Since the symptoms show up slowly and over a longer period of time, an employer or the insurance company may claim the injury is not work related.
Mental Health Claims
Yes, mental health problems caused by work can be covered by workers’ compensation, but again, these are harder to prove. We know that many high-stress jobs can cause employees to develop depression and anxiety. Work-related mental health problems can severely impact your life and should be taken seriously. If you are denied a workers’ compensation claim for a mental health issue, it can be devastating.
What Do I Do Next?
Getting hurt at work should not mean that you are ruined financially. In fact, your employer should work with you to ensure all of your needs are met. If you are fired or your claim was denied after you reported an injury, you need to contact a North Miami workers’ compensation attorney. The Dante Law Firm has a team standing by to investigate your claim. We will work to ensure you are treated fairly, which means receiving the compensation you deserve to cover all of your expenses. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 305-949-2526 for a free consultation.