Types of Workplace Accidents
Obtaining Full Recoveries for Work Injury Victims Throughout Delaware
There are hazards and risks associated with all types of workplaces. Most workers in Delaware who suffer a workplace accident or contract an occupational illness are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Delaware Workers’ Compensation lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC are dedicated to helping workers in all industries obtain the benefits to which they are entitled, including medical, lost wages, disability, specific loss and death benefits.
We have represented workers who suffered all types of work-related accidents and injuries. Common workplace accidents include the following:
Caught in/between accidents: This type of accident occurs when a worker becomes caught in/between objects such as rotating equipment parts. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that this type of accident is one of the “fatal four” types of construction industry accidents, accounting for seven percent of construction worker deaths.
Construction accidents: Construction workers are more likely to sustain fatal injuries than workers in other industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 150,000 construction workers are injured each year in scaffolding, electrical, struck by object, and other types of accidents.
Electrical accidents: Electrical accidents can occur due to faulty wiring connections, power lines, improper lockout/tagout procedures, and other hazards. Electricians, as well as other types of workers, are at risk of sustaining this potentially fatal type of injury.
Heavy equipment/machinery accidents: Workers in the industrial, manufacturing, and construction industries face unique risks associated with heavy equipment and machinery. They may be involved in machine entanglement accidents that can cause broken bones, degloving injuries, and other serious injuries that may require amputation of a limb.
Needlestick injuries: Workers in the health care industry are at high risk for needlestick injuries. A fast-paced work environment – coupled with dangerous equipment, improper procedures or inadequate training – can lead to needlestick injuries, which can expose workers to bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
Overexertion injuries: Any job that requires manual labor can cause an overexertion injury. Many factors can contribute to an overexertion accident including working too long without taking a break, improper training or carrying out a job that one is not physically equipped to handle. Common workplace overexertion injuries include back injuries, neck injuries, muscle strains, joint injuries, and heart attacks.
Repetitive stress injuries: Workers in certain industries such as retail, office, and manufacturing often perform the same tasks over and over again. Over time, this can lead to repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders.
Scaffolding accidents: According to OSHA, nearly 65 percent of construction workers regularly work on scaffolds. Falls from scaffolds is one of the leading causes of death amongst construction workers, usually due to the scaffold support giving way or being struck by a falling object.
Slip and falls: Slip and fall accidents can happen in any workplace due to spills, loose carpet, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and other hazardous conditions. This type of accident can cause back, neck and shoulder injuries, sprains and strains, broken bones, or even more severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Toxic chemical exposure: Workers may be exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals and substances in the workplace, such as asbestos, lead, pesticides, and radiation. In Delaware, workers have two years from discovery of their occupational illness to file a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Vehicle accidents: Many workers across various industries need to drive a vehicle as part of their job responsibilities. This includes construction workers, salespeople, truck drivers, and warehouse employees. Workers who suffer injuries in a vehicle accident while on the job are entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Some Types of Accidents Become Fatal accidents
Sadly, many workers are killed in workplace accidents each year. If you lost a loved one in a fatal work accident, the Delaware workplace injury lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence, and help families to collect maximum compensation, including Workers’ Compensation death benefits.
Delaware Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Seek Compensation for Workers Injured in All Types of Workplace Accidents
If you were injured in a workplace accident, contact a Delaware Workers’ Compensation lawyer at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. We will fight to get you the benefits you need and deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-888-1221.
From our offices in Wilmington, our skilled and experienced lawyers represent clients throughout Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Delaware County and Chester County.