An average 2.8 workers out of every 100 in the U.S are injured every year. If a worker’s injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, it is extremely important for them to make a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. A spokesperson for High Rise Financial, a Pre-Settlement Legal Funding Company says, “Not only can workplace accidents directly impact workers’ health and safety, but also the workforce as a whole, losing team members and potentially incurring financial losses if cases are taken to court.
“Slips, trips and falls are the top cause of all workers’ compensation claims, incurring injuries such as broken bones, sprains, cuts, pulled muscles, and damage to the back, head and neck. Whilst these types of injuries are described as ‘nonfatal’, they can result in hospitalization and missed workdays, often resulting in financial losses. Accidents in a workplace can pose many complications in injury cases, due to the number of parties that are often involved as well as the time they can take to be resolved. Therefore, opting for pre-settlement funding can help a claimant access money prior to their settlement, to avoid a buildup of debt without applying for a loan.”
Below, High Rise Financial highlight the five most common causes of workplace injuries that would be eligible for pre-settlement funding:
Slip and fall accidents
If someone failed to place warning signs around slippery areas or left debris in a walkway, you could easily fall because of their carelessness. Slip and fall accidents can result in a back injury, broken bones, or a concussion.
Many jobs involve machinery that could be faulty or worn down. Manufacturers and maintenance personnel are obligated to ensure that the work equipment you use will not cause injuries like accidental amputation or burns.
Inadequate training
Your employer is responsible for training you on all the processes necessary to do your job safely. If you are injured because this training was not provided or was inadequate, they may be liable for your losses.
Exposure to harmful substances
Contact with dangerous chemicals, excessive radiation levels, or scalding liquid can lead to severe burns or even long-term illnesses such as cancer. Your employer, supervisor, and co-workers must all follow proper safety procedures to ensure you are not injured at work by these substances.
A consistently loud environment like a factory or construction site can impact your short-term and long-term hearing. Employers must provide workers with training and proper protective equipment to guard against hearing damage that could affect your quality of life.
Research conducted by experts at High Rise Financial also analyzes the most recent data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics to reveal the rate of nonfatal work injuries and illnesses across each U.S state.
The study reveals that Maine is the state with the most accidents in the workplace, with the highest rate being 4.7 out of every 100 full-time workers.
Oregon and Vermont placed next in the rankings, with an accident rate of 3.8 out of 100 full-time workers.
Washington ranks fourth for the highest number of workplace accidents, while Montana follows in fifth place. The top ten is rounded out by Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota and Nevada, all coming out with a total of 3.3 out of 100 recordable cases per 100 workers.