No matter what industry or sector you work in, the possibility of suffering a work injury is always present in New York. Fortunately, injured workers have quick recourse — workers’ comp benefits cover the losses caused by their injuries, which can sometimes be catastrophic or fatal.

Detailed below are five of the most common workplace injuries in New York state. Contact an experienced work injury lawyer if you suffer any type of injury while on the clock.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents lead to all manner of injuries in the workplace. Depending on how one occurs, a slip and fall accident can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death, especially if the fall occurs from a high place. Such injuries may include:

• Traumatic injuries to the brain (TBIs)
• Injury to the spinal cord
• Bone injuries
• Internal injuries
• Lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds

When slip and fall injuries occur at work, the victim typically has a workers’ comp claim but may also have a third-party claim against the property owner.

Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries

Overexertion injuries occur when workers attempt to complete tasks beyond their strength level. These injuries also occur when a worker is too tired or fatigued to safely handle a task. For example, a worker may be on a tight deadline to load cargo onto a truck and may potentially push themselves too far to get the cargo loaded.

Repetitive stress injuries can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome over time. Workers who are at risk of suffering a repetitive stress injury include:

• Office workers
• Musicians
• Drivers
• Cosmetologists and beauticians
• Construction workers
• Welders

Essentially, any worker who engages in repetitive tasks as a part of their job description can eventually develop an injury of this sort.

Motor Vehicle Injuries

Motor vehicle injuries on the job are among the most common types of injuries due to the wide use of motor vehicles for work. Truck drivers in particular are at a high risk of suffering a motor vehicle injury on the job. Given the nature of big rigs, the injuries drivers face can often be debilitating or fatal.

Motor vehicle injuries are also more common now in the food service industry, thanks to the explosion of food delivery services. Postmates, Uber Eats, and other companies have thousands of drivers on the road, which translates into higher risks of accidents.

Keep in mind that delivery drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, which means they cannot see workers’ comp benefits. However, they do have the right to seek damages for accidents caused by others.

Injuries Caused by Equipment, Tools, or Machinery

Although work injuries can occur almost anywhere, they often take place where workers use equipment and tools to get the job done.

For example, construction workers regularly use powerful tools and machines and are, therefore, at a higher risk of suffering a work injury when this equipment is in use. Other industries and sectors that use high-powered equipment include mining, agriculture, demolition, and manufacturing.

Although workers’ comp typically covers most accidents on the job, workers who have been injured by a tool or piece of equipment may also have a compensation claim against the tool or equipment maker. If so, they may pursue full compensation in addition to the limited amount provided by workers’ compensation.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are often horrific, painful, and life-altering. They can and do occur in practically every work context given the fact that fire and heat are ever present throughout society.

For example, most worksites have heaters or furnaces. If these are not maintained or operated correctly, the risk of injury and death rises. The same holds true for any equipment or appliance that uses heat or produces heat, such as ovens, stoves, and even coffee makers.

Consider fast-food and other types of restaurant workers. They are constantly preparing or delivering hot food, which puts them at risk of suffering an injury.

However, burn injuries can be caused by many things that are not associated with heat or heat production, such as electrical wires and hazardous chemicals or substances. Scalding water can also cause serious burns.

Get the Help You Need From a New York Work Injury Lawyer

The work injury lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos understand the impact that work injuries have on workers’ lives and livelihoods. Our team fights aggressively to ensure that our clients receive the funds they need to address their work injuries and make it through this tough time.

Call our office today and set up a free consultation with an experienced New York work injury lawyer.