What are the Most Common Claims for Workers’ Compensation?

Injuries at work aren't limited to physically demanding jobs. Workers' compensation claims encompass a wide range of common workplace injuries. Strains and sprains from improper lifting techniques, overuse injuries, slips, trips, and falls, severe cuts, and lacerations, injuries from being struck by or against objects, workplace violence, machinery accidents, and burns are all potential claims. Understanding the nuances of these claims and the workers' compensation process is crucial for both employers and employees. Learn more about these common claims and how Workers Comp Care and Management from Work Health Solutions can provide clarity in navigating the process.
xray of shoulder area

Usually, when people think of workers’ compensation, they think of severe injuries in physically demanding jobs. On the contrary, people in all fields and industries can incur injuries on the job that qualifies for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance is coverage designed to help employees recover from injuries sustained in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private industry reported 2.7 million nonfatal workplace-related injuries and illnesses in 2020. Both employers and employees need to know the most common claims for workers’ compensation.

8 Most Common Claims for Workers’ Compensation

Strains and Sprains

Strain injuries occur when a tendon or muscle is torn or stretched. This can happen when using improper lifting techniques or lifting awkwardly shaped objects. Strain injuries account for 30% of workers’ compensation claims in the United States.

Repetitive strain injuries can also occur from making the same motion over and over again. These types of injuries can be more challenging regarding workers’ compensation because the symptoms are more gradual. If you can connect symptoms, like pain and swelling, to a required workplace task, be sure to report symptoms.

Sprains occur when a ligament is torn or stretched. It is particularly common on wrists and ankles. Sprains account for over 8% of workers’ compensation claims.

Overuse

This is the most common claim for workers’ compensation. Overuse or overexertion happens when a person strains or pulls a muscle or joint or slips a disk from overextending to lift, pull, push, or turn an item. It is most common in physically demanding jobs like construction and medicine, but it can happen in any occupation. Here are some common overuse injuries:

  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Nerve damage
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Runner’s knee
  •  Tennis Elbow

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Incidents caused by slips, trips, and falls can lead to various injuries like sprains, contusions, and lacerations. Slips, trips, and falls account for 27.5% of workplace injuries. These types of injuries generally occur when the floor is wet or when the floor is uneven. It can also cause reaction injuries. Reaction injuries happen when you prevent yourself from falling but injure another part of your body in the process, like when you trip and use your arm to prevent your body from hitting the ground but scrape your arm in the process.

Severe Cuts and Lacerations

Lacerations, or cuts, account for over 11% of workers’ compensation claims. These often occur in the food service industry and other industries that frequently use sharp objects. Severe cuts and lacerations happen when a worker uses a tool that is kept in poor condition or misuses the tool. Employees should be advised to keep areas tidy and never leave equipment unattended to decrease the risk of severe cuts and lacerations. Additionally, employers should proactively replace or sharpen dull blades and machinery parts.

Struck by or Against an Object

These types of injuries occur when something falls on an employee or when an employee falls into something. These injuries can happen in any occupational setting. In offices and retail stores, things can fall off high shelves and hit an employee. Machines or tools in factories or construction sites can fall and strike an employee. An array of injuries can occur by being struck by or against an object.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a more recent and devastating addition to this list. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 375 workers were killed in shootings on the job in 2012 in the US. This number represents all industries in the US.

Machinery Accidents

Machinery accidents are one of workers’ compensation’s most dangerous and common claims. These types of accidents occur due to misuse of equipment or faulty machinery. These injuries can be hazardous and lead to serious health complications and medical costs. To prevent machinery accidents, employers should provide proper training for using equipment and frequently check on the operation of the machine.

Burns

Burns are tissue injuries caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, steam, sunlight, or radiation. These injuries are particularly common in the food services industry but also in industries that frequently use chemicals. Burns can also happen internally with smoke inhalation. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling chemicals or hot materials to prevent burn injuries.

One of the most significant issues with workers’ compensation claims is a lack of understanding surrounding the process. Work Health Solutions provides Workers Comp Care and Management, which can help employers and employees better understand the workers’ compensation claims process!

How Can We Help?

Work Health Solutions offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for your medical needs. Our qualified team treats patients and employers alike and always provides top-quality service. Our quality service is backed by years of experience working with academic and research institutions, corporate healthcare, Fortune 25 companies, small governments, and local businesses. Reach out today with any questions about how we can assist you!

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Work Health Solutions

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Work Health Solutions is dedicated to preserving a safe work environment and improving existing programs and care for local, regional and national organizations.

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Dr. Glen Cheng

A physician-attorney with a dedication to healthcare innovation, informatics, and digital health.

  • Currently spearheads employee health protection and promotion within the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
  • Trained in residency at Harvard, achieving board certification as a physician; also a licensed patent attorney with experience as FDA regulatory counsel.
  • Co-founded Acceleromics, a consulting firm providing clinical and regulatory guidance to digital health startups.

Erin Davis

 Chief Clinical Officer at Work Health Solutions, certified in Adult-Gerontology (AGNP-C) and Athletic Training (ATC).

  • Oversees clinical operations and ensures high clinical standards across the company’s national field staff.
  • Former Manager of Clinic Operations and Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner at Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC).
  • Specialized in treating occupational injuries and illnesses, and provided medical surveillance and travel medicine consults at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
  • Dedicated to sports and occupational injury treatment and prevention.
  • Assistant Clinical Faculty at UCSF, mentoring students in clinical rotations within the Adult Gerontology and Occupational and Environmental Health Program.
  • Holds leadership roles as Treasurer and President Elect of the California El Camino Real Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CECRAOHN), affiliated with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).

Dr. Robert Goldsmith

Founder and President of NBS Healthcare Group, with a focus on innovation in healthcare consulting.

  • Previous role as Executive Director for Employee Health at Novartis Services, Inc., leading health services and clinical support.
  • Instrumental in creating an integrated healthcare system at Novartis.
  • Former private practice in internal medicine in Stamford, Connecticut, and Medical Director consultant for GTE Corporation.
  • Transitioned to GE as a Global Medical Director in 2000.
  • Holds a medical degree from Albert Einstein College, an MPH from the University of Connecticut, and completed training at Greenwich Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center.
  • Assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos School of Medicine, Columbia University.
  • Serves as a team physician for high school athletes in Stamford.
  • Published works on occupational health risks, primary prevention, and exercise-induced asthma.