Common On-the-Job Injuries in West Virginia (2024)

Getting hurt at work can be a frustrating experience, especially if your injury is severe and will require you to take significant time off work in recovery. There may also be times when your workplace injury is so severe that it keeps you out of the workforce for good. At these times, a workers’ compensation lawyer can provide crucial help. Knowing some of the more common on-the-job injuries in West Virginia can also help make certain situations easier to avoid.

Workers’ Compensation in West Virginia

At work, you shouldn’t have to worry about workplace accidents or being severely injured. However, when accidents do happen, you should be protected by workers’ compensation. West Virginia’s workers’ comp laws are protective of employees and can help them stay afloat during their recovery.

Workers’ comp should also provide employees with compensation for medical treatments, as well as lost wages if they needed to stay home from work to recover from their injuries. Firing an employee because of their injury, illness, or newfound disability is prohibited. Employers also cannot retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Disability benefits should be paid to any employee who qualifies for them. In addition, wrongful death benefits should be paid to the worker’s family in the worst-case scenario of a workplace accident.

Common On-the-Job Injuries in West Virginia

Workplace injuries are fairly common. Every workplace has the potential for injuries, though some may have more potential than others. For example, construction sites may have more opportunities for injuries than the typical office. Still, some workplace injuries are more common than others. Here are some of the more common workplace injuries that often affect workers in West Virginia:

• Repetitive Stress Injuries: You can be injured by simply typing on your computer or writing something down. Engaging in repetitive behavior day after day with very few breaks or alternative motion can cause repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle strains. It is important that your employer provides you with sufficient breaks. Otherwise, the repetitive motions could wear you down.
• Vehicular Accidents: Many jobs require employees to drive vehicles as part of their daily workload. Some employees have to drive a company car, van, or truck, while others may have to operate heavy machinery like forklifts or bulldozers. You could be involved in a vehicular accident while driving a company vehicle.
• Slip-and-Fall: It is relatively common to suffer a bad fall at work. If floors at work are not properly maintained or cleaned, the resulting hazard could cause employees to slip and hurt themselves quite severely. A bad head injury or a broken bone could put you out of commission for quite some time, maybe even permanently, depending on the severity of your injury.
• Overexertion: An injury from overexertion can occur when you exercise too much physical effort in the workplace. This can happen by lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying something heavy without any assistance. Your body may not be able to handle it, which could result in an injury. There’s no shame in asking for help from a coworker or taking your time to avoid tiring yourself out.
• Harmful Exposure: Certain workplaces require constant interaction with harmful substances, such as chemicals, electricity, and even radiation. You may breathe in toxic fumes or get harmful material on your clothes or skin. This can result in severe medical conditions that could cause permanent health struggles or even death.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Employee Injury?

A: Overexertion injuries are the most common cause of employee injury across the country. Every workplace on the planet has the potential for an employee to overexert themselves. Depending on how hard they lift something or what part of their body twists the hardest, these injuries can result in severe injuries, such as back injuries, muscle strains, and even hernias.

Q: What Is the Most Commonly Injured Body Part at Work?

A: The most commonly injured body parts in workplace injuries are the back and neck. These body parts tend to suffer the hardest from overexertion injuries. When employees who are out of shape or not as strong as they think try to lift something heavy without assistance, they could severely injure their back, neck, or even their limbs. Using the proper equipment or asking for assistance is the easiest way to prevent such injuries.

Q: What Job Has the Highest Injury Rate?

A: The job in the United States with the highest rate of injury is a logger. Logging sites can be considerably dangerous, chaotic, and unpredictable. Machinery is being used, trees are being chopped down, and workers may be working at great heights. There are constant opportunities for injury, from vehicular accidents to crushing accidents. It is vital that you stay vigilant whenever you are on or near a logging site.

Q: Who Is Most Likely to Be Injured at Work?

A: Generally, the demographic that is most likely to be injured at work is younger people, particularly workers between the ages of 15 and 24. This is due largely to a lack of experience, ongoing development in their brains and their bodies, and ill-fitting safety equipment, among other factors. Younger people may feel somewhat invincible thanks to their youth, which can drive them to be far more reckless in the workplace than older employees.

Reach Out to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

A workplace accident can be a frustrating situation to deal with. When you file for workers’ comp, you may want to retain the services of an experienced workers’ comp lawyer who can help you make sure you aren’t taken advantage of by your employer or their insurance carrier.

In the event that you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a workplace accident, you should reach out to the legal team at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC. We can help you build your case, gather the right evidence, and keep you from being harassed or guilted by your employer. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member today.