Common Oxford Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents differ in severity based on the nature of the job involved and the circumstances that caused the accident. Past studies have suggested that slips, falls, overexertion, and contact with machinery are the leading types of on-the-job accidents, making up over 80% of all workplace-related injuries.
The most common Oxford workplace accidents include:
Overexertion
Overexertion can lead to injuries either over a period of time or in an isolated incident. Workers who most often sustain injuries caused by overexertion are those whose daily tasks include carrying, pulling, or lifting. For example, lifting heavy materials without the right equipment could cause tendon and muscle injuries or, in serious cases, joint dislocation. While the effects of a workplace injury will vary depending on the severity of the damage, the hospital stay and recovery time could be costly.
Trip-and-Fall/Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Trips or slips and falls commonly lead to serious injuries. Malfunctioning elevators, slick floors, uneven walkways, and dimly-lit stairwells are some known dangers that predispose employees to slip and trip and fall injuries. Whether you injure your back or knee, sprain your wrist, or endure a soft tissue injury, workers’ compensation should be available to you to cover your medical bills and income loss.
Falling Objects
Moving equipment and falling objects cause more than their fair share of workplace injuries. Whether you received minor scrapes and bruises, deep lacerations, or a serious compound fracture, Mississippi workers’ compensation should provide financial compensation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Any type of motor vehicle accident, either while on the road or at the job site, is covered under workers’ compensation insurance as long as the employee involved was on the clock at the time of the incident. For example, a worker who is injured by a bulldozer on a construction site would be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Explosions and Fires
While certainly not as prevalent as the preceding types of accidents, explosions and fires are included in reports regarding Oxford workplace accidents. Defective gas lines, misuse or mishandling of combustible materials, and a number of other scenarios leave workers vulnerable to fires. Accidents involving fire are often life-threatening, particularly if employees are caught in an explosion or trapped inside a building. Regardless of the extent of the injuries, workers’ comp programs offer coverage.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other job-related accidents and injuries that are covered under Mississippi law. If you were injured in a workplace accident that has not been mentioned, contact an Oxford workers’ compensation lawyer for guidance.
Most Common Types of Injuries Covered by Mississippi Workers’ Comp
The statute for injured workers covers multiple kinds of injuries. These vary from neck and back injuries to soft tissue, joint, and knee injuries. Any occupational disease that is aggravated or caused by working conditions, like asthma, is also eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Some of the most common qualifying illnesses and work-related injuries are:
- Amputations
- Trauma
- Back injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Contusions and lacerations
- Burns
- Strains and sprains
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Head injuries
- Hand injuries
- Pneumoconiosis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Tendonitis
- Asthma
Although this list is not complete, keep in mind that injuries sustained while traveling to and from work and self-inflicted injuries most likely won’t be covered. Also, workers’ comp does not cover emotional damages, such as pain and suffering, or any resulting mental distress. For that, you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you want to confirm that you are receiving every benefit to which you are entitled in your Mississippi workers’ comp claim, reach out to an experienced Oxford workers’ compensation attorney.
