Are more injury claims filed when unemployment is low?
As the unemployment rate continues to drop in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, more people are working now than in recent memory. Insurance Journal reports that the number of workplace injury claims has declined over recent years as a result of improved safety, among other reasons.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that unemployment in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is at historic lows (less than 4 percent).
It’s a double-dose of good news, but researchers at the National Council of Compensation Insurance have found that injury claims could rise during times of low unemployment.
The reason? Companies are hiring less-experienced workers and people who may be physically out of shape to do the job, according to Insurance Journal.
What are the common types of workplace injuries?
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds. While an accident can happen to any worker, workplace injuries tend to happen to people whose jobs require physical labor. The top five occupations with the most workplace injuries are:
- Firefighters and police officers
- Transportation and shipping (drivers who deliver packages)
- Manufacturing and production
- Installation, maintenance, and repair
- Construction
The top three events that result in on-the-job injuries are:
- Overexertion
- Contact with objects and equipment, such as being struck by equipment or crushed by a collapsing structure
- Slips, trips, and falls
Report the incident and seek medical attention
If you’re injured on the job, your No. 1 priority is your health. Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. Once you are stabilized, contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl to speak with an experienced workplace accident attorney. You will also need to report the incident to your supervisor.
Your next step is to request workers’ compensation forms and other paperwork. Our attorneys can help ensure the paperwork is completed properly. Our law office can protect your rights every step of the way.
Be sure to continue following up with medical treatment and following your doctor’s orders. You may need to stay home from work. If your employer is pressuring you to return to work, talk to your attorney to determine the best course of action.
Why is an attorney necessary for a workplace injury claim?
An injury on the job can lead to a dispute between employee and employer. Employers and their insurance companies may fight a claim. They might argue the injured worker was hurt outside of work, or the worker filed the claim too late or improperly. They may even reject a legitimate claim for reasons that are a mystery to the injured worker.
That’s why it’s wise to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the injury. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl puts experience and resources to work for clients who have been injured on the job. Your attorney will be your advocate when the employer and insurance company are giving you a hard time about the claim. Injured at work? Contact us today for a free consultation.