There are a variety of workplace injuries and illnesses that can happen to any employee. Some of these injuries and illnesses are more common than others. Employees who are disabled due to a workplace injury or illness may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that benefits employees injured or who become ill due to their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.
This blog will discuss some of the most common workplace injuries and illnesses and the workers’ compensation benefits that may be available to employees who suffer from them.
Defining a Workplace Disability
A workplace disability is a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities or a record of such an impairment. This definition includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as deafness, blindness, cancer, chronic physical or mental health conditions, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Workplace disabilities can make it difficult for employees to perform their job duties. Employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with workplace disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the employer. Reasonable accommodations may include but are not limited to making the workplace accessible for employees with physical disabilities, providing flexible work schedules, and creating materials and information accessible in alternative formats.
Physical Disabilities in the Workplace
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 2 million American workers have a physical disability that prevents them from performing their job duties. Of these workers, almost 60% report that their disability results from a work-related injury.
Physical disabilities can profoundly impact an individual’s ability to work. These disabilities can lead to long-term or even permanent job loss in many cases. These workers may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and may never be able to return to their previous level of function.
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you have suffered a physical disability due to a work-related injury. These benefits can help you cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages. You should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
Mental Health Disabilities in the Workplace
One in four adults in the United States is estimated to suffer from a diagnosable mental health disability. This means that mental health disabilities are one of the most common types of disabilities among adults in the United States.
Various factors can cause mental health disabilities, but workplace stress is one of the most common triggers. Workplace stress can come from multiple sources, such as long hours, heavy workloads, job insecurity, etc.
If you suffer from a mental health disability caused by workplace stress, you may be entitled to certain protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against employees with disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.
How to File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured at work. These benefits can help you with your medical expenses and lost wages while you cannot work. Filing for workers’ compensation can be daunting, but we’re here to help. Here are five steps on how to file for workers’ compensation benefits:
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Your employer will provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form.
- Fill out the form and return it to your employer.
- Your employer will submit the form to the workers’ compensation insurance company.
- Once your claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits.
There are a variety of workplace disabilities that can result in workers’ compensation benefits. Most common include back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive stress injuries. If you have been injured at work, contact us at Gaylord and Nantais Attorneys at Law or Call us at (562) 561-2669 to learn more about your rights and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
