Workplace injuries in the United States cost over $190 billion per year. This comes from lost earnings, medical expenses, and disability payments. Employers’ direct costs for workers’ compensation claims are about $100 billion per year.
Furthermore, Workplace injuries are the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 3 million injuries and 50,000 deaths each year.
Workplace injuries are one of the most common in the U.S. today. In 2014, 5,190,000 non-fatal work injuries were reported, and 4,693,000 of those were treated and released from a hospital emergency room. The most common source of these injuries is overexertion, which encompasses lifting and moving heavy objects.
The most common work injuries in the United States are sprains and strains, back injuries, cuts and lacerations, and fractures or broken bones. The most common workplace injuries occur in the manufacturing, health care, construction, and retail sectors.
Taking specific measures can prevent workplace injuries. For example, workers should clean up spills and spills immediately once they happen. They should also use safety equipment like gloves and safety guards when needed to prevent unnecessary harm. This includes staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks to move around and stretch, and using tools to lift heavy objects instead of doing it by hand.
Common Workplace Injuries and their average settlement
Hand Injuries:
Hand injuries are among the most common work-related injuries reported in the workplace. These can be minor and straightforward injuries or acute, severe, and debilitating injuries that cost the worker a hand or fingers. Hand injuries are excruciating. If you’ve ever experienced one, then you know how painful they are. Injuries to the hand can result in time off work and lost wages, not to mention the cost of medical treatment.
According to a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (in 2012), over 6 million workers in the U.S. suffer from hand-related injuries and occupational illnesses Annually.
Hand injuries can be devastating financially. The average workers’ compensation settlement for a broken hand is $21,000; with lower extremity injury claims averaging $30,000.
Neck and Back Injuries:
Neck and back injuries are a problem, especially in the USA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 11 million people suffer a non-fatal work injury each year. Of these non-fatal injuries, over 1 million are back injuries. These are all preventable.
In the U.S., a neck and back injury settlement is usually reached, on average, between $60,000-$80,000. The amount of money will vary depending on the victim’s specific injuries and the extent of their pain and suffering.
A person who has suffered a severe spine injury may be entitled to a far more significant sum than the average settlement for a back injury. This could be due to permanent damages or ongoing medical expenses, including continuing therapy or rehabilitation.
You can also receive Social Security Disability benefits due to your injuries if your condition worsens over time.
Head and Brain Injuries:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 300,000 U.S. workers are injured annually from a head injury. That’s about one-tenth of work-related injuries each year.
While most head injuries from falls or slips and trips are minor, the more severe brain injuries can be life-altering for workers who sustain them. In addition to physical trauma, there can also be financial repercussions that extend long after an accident occurs.
It is estimated that an average settlement of $30,000 is awarded to victims of head injuries every year in the USA. At the same time, insurers pay another $10 million as compensation for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
If you have been injured while working and are unsure what to do next, contact us today at Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law. Our experts will guide you through every step of the process, making it easy to get the compensation you deserve.
