Common Workplace Accidents

If you’re like most people, you spend a major part of your day at work. By virtue of that fact alone, it stands to reason that a significant number of accidents will occur at work. Indeed, in 2021 alone, there were over 2.6 million workplace accidents, over 5,100 of which were fatal. These incidents take a tremendous toll on the victims, their families, and society as a whole.

At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyers have decades of experience working with injured employees, connecting them with the benefits they need and deserve. We are familiar with all the most common workplace accidents and how to maximize your benefits so you can focus on your physical recovery.

The Workers’ Compensation System is a legally mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It is designed to ensure that workers receive medical care, lost wage replacement, and additional support if they are hurt while performing their job duties. North Carolina has its own workers’ compensation laws, and the federal government has a separate system for federal employees.

The system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning employees can receive benefits regardless of who is responsible for the accident or injury. In return for these guaranteed benefits, employees generally relinquish their right to sue their employer for negligence related to the injury. Workers' compensation covers various expenses, including medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and a portion of the employee's lost wages.

Accidents can happen at any job, at any time; however, certain jobs and certain tasks raise additional risks. It’s often during these dangerous tasks that injuries occur. Some of the most common work accidents involve the following:

Many occupations require employees to at least occasionally drive a vehicle, and accidents can often occur in the course of this duty. Regardless of who is at fault for an accident, employees involved in motor vehicle accidents while performing their job duties may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Falls are among the most common workplace accidents. They can occur on the same level or from a height, such as falling from a ladder or a raised work platform. Proper safety training and equipment, such as harnesses and helmets, can help reduce the risk of falls.

Employees who handle hazardous products are also at risk. Exposure to dangerous products can lead to severe health complications, including burns, respiratory issues, poisoning and cancer. Employers are obligated to provide appropriate training and personal protective equipment to employees working with hazardous products to mitigate the risks.

Factory workers, construction workers, and others who are frequently operating or working around heavy equipment and machinery face a significantly increased risk of injury. Often, These incidents involve workers’ body parts getting caught in machinery, which can cause very serious crush injuries.

While the North Carolina workers’ compensation system is the default means of recovery for an employee who is injured on the job, there may be another option in certain cases. When someone other than your employer is responsible for causing an accident, you can bring a third-party personal injury claim against that party. For example, if a piece of dangerous equipment malfunctions, causing serious injury to a worker, the worker may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the equipment. Third-party injury lawsuits are often preferable, when appropriate because they allow for greater recovery amounts in most cases.

If you or a loved one was recently injured while at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. And, if you tragically lost a loved one in a workplace accident, workers' compensation death benefits may be available for your family. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our compassionate Charlotte workers’ comp lawyers have handled countless claims on behalf of workers, helping to connect them with meaningful compensation that allows them to move on with their lives after a workplace accident. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with one of our Charlotte work injury lawyers, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County workers’ compensation attorneys at 704-918-4747. We proudly represent clients in Charlotte, Concord and Kannapolis, as well as throughout Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.