If you are unable to work due to an injury or illness that took place on the job in Troy, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. When a workplace injury occurs, you may find yourself missing out on paychecks, accumulating medical bills, and being overwhelmed with paperwork. This can be an extremely difficult and uncertain time. Fortunately, Michigan law protects workers from negative fallout related to job injuries by requiring companies to carry workers' compensation insurance.‍

What Is Workers’ Compensation & How Does It Work?

‍Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that is purchased by an employer to protect their employees from job-related injuries and illness. It provides a safety net for injured employees to ensure they have not left with no job and no money while trying to recover from an injury. Some jobs can be hazardous, and it should not be the responsibility of the worker to handle all the consequences that come with an injury. Under the Michigan Workers' Compensation Act, individuals who are hurt on the job can get various types of financial support to cover their injury-related expenses. This includes:

• missed wages from time off work
• medical bills
• job training if you need to change careers
• death benefits if a worker dies in a work-related accident

Unlike a personal injury case, workers can receive benefits regardless of being at fault for a job-related accident. However, injured employees can not recover compensation for damages normally granted in a personal injury lawsuit.

‍Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

‍The top three leading causes of work-related injuries account for more than 84% of all nonfatal injuries at work. This includes:

• overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
• slip and fall injuries
• injuries from contact with equipment and objects

Overexertion & Repetitive Motion Injuries

‍Overexertion injuries can occur when a worker uses excessive physical effort to do a job and gets hurt. This includes lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing.The repetitive motion caused by stress or strain on some part of the body is due to the repetitive nature of the task. Common repetitive tasks include lifting boxes, typing on a computer, using a ten-key machine, sitting for long hours, and working on an assembly line.

‍Slip and Fall Injuries

‍Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent on-the-job injuries. They represent 25% of annual injury claims, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Falls at work involve falling from slippery floors, from tripping, and from heights like ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or other structures.

‍Injuries from Contact with Equipment and Objects

‍Contact with equipment and objects refers to injuries that happen when a worker is struck by something or runs into something. This can include a worker being struck by a moving object, running into or being pushed in front of an object, being crushed in equipment, or being caught in wire or rope. It might also include accidents like an employee being struck or crushed by collapsing structures, equipment, or materials.

‍Workers' Compensation May Also Cover Occupational Illnesses

‍In addition to being injured, employees can also get sick with an illness due to their job. When this occurs, workers compensation insurance is designed to help cover some of the expenses.Occupational illnesses include diseases that develop from hazardous work environments or workplace exposures. Some typical illnesses that happen on the job include:

• Hearing loss
• Respiratory diseases
• Skin conditions
• Toxic chemical poisoning

Cases involving work-related illnesses are complex for a few different factors. One of the main reasons is that you will need to prove that your illness was caused by your job, and not by any other factor like genetics or something that happened during your personal time. This is even more complicated by the fact that many illnesses develop over time, which makes them harder to notice and to identify the origin.

‍What Should I Do If I Am Hurt at Work?

‍If you become injured in the course of your employment, you should always report the accident, injury, or condition as soon as possible to your employer. This is essential even if an injury seems minor. This, is because injuries that seem minor in the beginning can end up being much more severe in the coming days or weeks. For example, an injury that might seem like just a strained muscle can end up being a symptom of permanent nerve damage. Or a sore low back from lifting a heavy object could be a disc herniation that requires surgery. Furthermore, you should always have a work-related injury examined by a medical professional. This is the only way to learn the extent of your injury, and what can be done to recuperate. This is particularly important for stress or repetitive motion injuries. Here, making changes in the ergonomic environment might not only cure the injury but help to prevent injuries to others. Further, to preserve the long-term ability of an employee to maintain and carry on in his or her job. Lastly, waiting too long to report an injury on the job may seize your right to claim any workers' compensation benefits.

‍Should You Get In Touch with a Troy Workplace Accident Lawyer?

‍If you have suffered from an on-the-job injury in Troy, contact the Troy personal injury lawyers at Marko Law. Don't think you need to go through these tough times on your own. We are here to assist you with your claim. We know the causes and effects of work accidents and injuries. Also, we know the laws and regulations associated with workers' compensation in Michigan and will work to make the most of the compensation you receive.