Archive for August, 2020

The most dangerous jobs of 2020

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorney

No matter where you work, there is always the likelihood of sustaining a serious injury on the job. Some industries are generally more dangerous than others, however.

EHS Today has once again released its yearly top 10 ranking of the most dangerous jobs in America. The ranking was based on 2018 workplace injury and fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same occupations on this list were also listed in previous years.

COVID-19 can change this ranking significantly in the coming years, however. For example, in 2022, we could see healthcare occupations listed within the top 10 most dangerous jobs. In the meantime, the list has stayed consistent for several years.

What are the most dangerous jobs?

According to the BLS data, 2018 saw a two percent increase in workplace fatalities from the previous year (5,147 to 5,250). The ranking was based on workplace fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers across the United States.

The most dangerous jobs based on that data include:

  • Logging workers — 56 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal worker injury rate of 97.6
  • Fishers and fishing workers — 30 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 77.4
  • Aircraft pilots and flight engineers — 70 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 58.9
  • Roofers — 96 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 51.5
  • Refuse and recyclable material collectors — 37 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 44.3
  • Truck drivers — 966 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 26
  • Farmers, ranchers and agricultural managers — 257 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 24.7
  • Iron and steel workers — 15 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 23.6
  • Construction first-line supervisor — 144 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 21
  • Landscaping first-line supervisors — 48 worker fatalities in 2018/fatal work injury rate of 20.2

What injuries do workplace accident survivors sustain?

Those who work in these industries and survive devastating accidents often suffer from severe injuries and disabilities. These include:

  • Severe traumatic brain injuries
  • Bone fractures
  • Spinal injuries
  • Crushed limbs
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Amputations
  • Lacerations
  • Paralysis

If you were hurt on the job, you may be wondering how you will afford to pay for your medical bills. You may also be wondering how you will afford to make ends meet if you can’t return to work or perform the same job functions.

The good news is that you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost wages while you’re unable to work. Getting the compensation you need won’t be easy. Any errors on your paperwork or other glitches during the claims process can lead to the insurance companies denying your compensation.

That’s why you need a strong legal advocate on your side who can ensure that the process goes smoothly and you are treated fairly. To learn more, contact The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl and schedule your free case evaluation.

What should I do if I need surgery after a workplace accident?

Massachusetts workers' compensation attorney

If you were injured on the job, you must first promptly notify your employer so the incident is documented. Failure to notify your employer of an injury can hurt your chances of getting workers’ compensation benefits.

Once you have notified your employer, you must then see a doctor as soon as possible. During your medical evaluation, your doctor can find out what injuries you have sustained, provide a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.

When do workplace injuries require surgery?

In many cases, you can recover from a workplace injury with the proper rest, therapy and use of pain medication. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend surgery for a severe or potentially long-term injury.

We often see this with:

  • Bone fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal injuries, such herniated discs or damage to the vertebrae and/or spinal cord
  • Amputations
  • Crushed limbs
  • Damage to nerves or organs
  • Paralysis
  • Severe lacerations
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Soft tissue tears

Injuries like this can happen in any workplace. We usually see them in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and other occupations with high injury rates. Surgery may also be required if a less severe injury doesn’t show any signs of improvement.

How can I afford the cost of surgery?

Surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the nature of your injury. If your claim gets denied, you may find yourself paying a lot of money out of your own pocket, even if you have health insurance.

Some reasons why your claim may be denied include:

  • You didn’t report your injury on time. You have 7 calendar days (excluding Sundays and certain holidays) to report your injury to your employer.
  • You didn’t fill out the paperwork correctly. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s critical that all paperwork is properly filled out. Any errors can lead to your claim being denied.
  • You waited too long to get medical treatment. It’s important that you seek prompt medical treatment after a workplace accident. Never delay seeing a doctor, even if you think you can wait or recover on your own. Insurance companies can argue that your injuries aren’t legitimate.

To maximize your chances of getting the compensation you need, it is best that you speak to an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney who can help you through this complex process.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are dedicated to helping injured workers get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. To learn more about how we can help, contact us online. Our case evaluations are free and confidential.