Every year, thousands of American workers suffer serious injuries while at work. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 5,190 American workers lost their lives in on-the-job accidents in 2016 alone. The vast majority of workplace injuries are non-fatal, but they can come with monumental financial implications, including chronic pain or disabilities that impact one’s ability to continue working and earning an income.
Fortunately, with the help of a quality legal team, people that suffer injuries or contract illnesses while at work can receive benefits in the form of workers’ compensation. Below, we discuss some common workplace injuries, some of the nation’s most dangerous fields, and facts about workers’ compensation in the state of Illinois.
The Most Common Workplace Injuries
According to research compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, the vast majority of workplace injuries fall under a small number of categories. Most notably, on the job injuries often occur from vehicular collisions, falls, and exposure to harmful substances. These three types of injuries are also some of the most common forms of workplace fatalities. In fact, 40% of all 2016 workplace fatalities occurred in vehicular collisions. An additional 849 workers died from falls in 2016, as well as another 579 that were fatally injured through contact with harmful substances.
America’s Most Dangerous Fields
While it is possible for workers to suffer fatal injuries in any work environment, there are a number of industries that are known for their increased dangers. In 2015, the logging industry witnessed the most worker deaths. Other industries that have staggering numbers of worker fatalities include aircraft pilots, fishing industry workers, and roofers.
Workers’ Compensation in Illinois
Here in Illinois, work injuries are covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, which allows a worker to receive benefits to cover the costs of medical care resulting from their injuries, as well as temporary and permanent disability benefits.
Due to increased safety measures, workplace injuries have decreased statewide over the past decade. Today, the most common form of workplace injury in Illinois is overexertion, which accounted for 37% of all workplace injuries. Common injuries related to overexertion include cardiac issues (such as heart attacks) and physical injuries (such as herniated discs).
Contact a Plainfield Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Flaherty Law, LLC, we have years of experience helping our clients receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve after suffering a workplace injury. If you or a loved one have been injured while at work, it is critically important to contact a legal representative. To set up a free consultation with a Will County workers’ comp lawyer, call our office today at 815-860-5702.
Sources:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2430&ChapterID=68 https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-workplace-safety-workers-comp