Different Types of Accidents at Work in Owings Mills
On-the-job injuries can be painful and costly, resulting in expensive medical bills and lost wages. It can also be stressful to deal with a workers’ compensation claim when you are trying to recover from a workplace accident.
At Cohen & Dwin, P.A., we believe that injured workers are entitled to compensation for their losses stemming from workplace injuries. We are prepared to fight to pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Our seasoned attorneys are ready to take immediate steps to protect your rights and advise you during this challenging time. Our goal is to make sure that you are treated fairly after sustaining an on-the-job injury.
Outlined below are some of the most common types of work-related accidents in Owings Mills and surrounding areas of Maryland. If you were hurt in any of these accidents or any other work-related accident, contact our worker’s compensation lawyers for a free consultation so we can discuss your situation in more detail.
Common Types of Accidents at Work in Owings Mills
About 4.4 million workplace injuries requiring a medical consultation occurred during a single recent year, according to a report by the National Safety Council. This equates to more than 12,000 workplace injuries every day. Of the over 4 million injuries, 1,157,410 resulted in missed days from work. Tragically, 4,190 workers died while simply doing their jobs.
What are the most common types of work-related accidents? Here is a brief list of some of the most common accidents that lead to worker injuries in Owings Mills:
Slip and Fall Accidents
While there are many different types of accidents at work, the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. Furthermore, the NFSI reports that falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.
Falls can happen in any type of work environment, from an industrial to an office setting. Falls are often caused by issues such as:
- Uneven flooring
- Torn carpeting or loose tiles
- Exposed wires
- Missing steps
- Broken concrete or sidewalks
- Missing handrails or stairs not built to code
- Unsecured scaffolding
Construction Accidents
Construction is one of the deadliest industries in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports. Approximately 20 percent of all workplace fatalities in the private sector occur in the construction industry. In particular, OSHA cited construction violations for scaffolding, ladders, and lack of fall protection more often than most other types of violations.
Some of the most common causes of injuries in construction accidents include:
- Falls
- Scaffolding accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Crane accidents
- Falling objects
- Crushing accidents
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Toxic exposure
- Building collapses
While you may have a workers’ compensation claim against your employer for a construction accident, if a third party was responsible for your injuries, you may also have a personal injury claim against them. Our knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury and advise you of all viable claims you may have.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you have to drive during the course of your workday, you are more likely to be injured on the job because of your exposure to negligent drivers. While you generally cannot make a workers’ compensation claim for an accident that occurred while you were commuting to or from work, you may be able to make a claim that occurred when, for example:
- You were picking up supplies for your boss
- You drive as part of your regular job duties
- You were running a work-related errand
- You were traveling to another job site
- You were meeting a client at another location
If your motor vehicle accident was caused by your own error, you may still be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. If the crash was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be able to make a third-party claim against them through their insurance provider.
Falls from Heights
Many Maryland workers work from heights, including construction workers, tree service workers, painters, window washers, wind turbine technicians, and firefighters, for example. These workers are at an increased risk of being injured on the job by falling from heights.
These accidents may be caused by falling from:
- Scaffolding
- Platforms
- Ladders
- Roofs
- Stairways
- Other elevated surfaces
Falls from heights can often result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures. If you fell at work, reach out to our lawyers to learn more about your rights.
Struck by Objects
Another common type of workplace accident is a “struck-by” object accident. These accidents occur when you are hit by a falling or swinging object, such as construction materials, tools, or a crane. Head injuries often occur when items fall from above onto an unsuspecting worker.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Not all work injuries are caused by an accident. Instead, they may be caused by continued exposure to factors that adversely affect a worker’s health. These injuries are often referred to as occupational illnesses or diseases. These injuries develop over time due to the cumulative effect of work.
One example is a repetitive-motion injury like carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by repeated small-range movements, like typing or working on an assembly line. Over time, the nerves become damaged due to repetitive motions. The condition does not arise because of a one-time event. Instead, it develops because the worker is performing the same task over and over again while causing slight damage to their body each time.
How to Seek Compensation for Your Workplace Accident
To seek compensation for a Maryland workplace accident, follow these steps:
- Report the accident. You must generally notify your employer of your injuries within 10 days of the accident.
- Seek medical treatment. You can choose your own doctor, but you must get your employer to pre-approve them first.
- Complete the necessary forms. You will also need to give written notice of your injuries to your employer. You can find the necessary forms to file your claim on the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission website.
- Hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help you file your claim and fight any denials or adverse decisions in your case. An attorney can also review your benefits to make sure you are receiving the full amount you deserve under the law.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Owings Mills
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Owings Mills or surrounding areas of Maryland, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced legal team at Cohen & Dwin, P.A. Our lawyers are ready to fight for the benefits you are entitled to and guide you through the workers’ compensation process.
Contact us online or give us a call today. The consultation is free, and we charge no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.