Car crashes, falls, common causes of workplace injuries

A recent survey on the most common causes of workers’ compensation claims revealed that over 85 percent of all serious and catastrophic claims, that is, those likely to result in payouts of hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars because of a one-time incident, can be attributed to one of five causes.

The most common types of seriously workplace, each contributing to 24 percent of all catastrophic claims, are motor vehicle accidents and falls.

While one might not think of a car accident as a work-related injury, the reality is that many people are expected to drive from one place to another in connection with their job. Aside from those who literally drive for their living, salespeople, managers and even Floridians in relatively safe positions like accounting or auditing have to travel by car often. The frequency of people driving to work may be what makes vehicle accidents common work-related injuries.

Likewise, falls at work don’t just have to be from scaffolding or high places, as is common in the construction industry. Under the right circumstances, even a fall from a modest height can cause a traumatic brain injury or an injury to one’s spine. These can leave even an office worker paralyzed or otherwise debilitated for life.

If anything, these statistics illustrate that serious work-related injuries can happen to anyone, even people who are working at jobs West Palm Beach residents would consider safe. Fortunately, Florida’s no fault workers’ compensation system can offer relief to these victims by helping with medical bills and lost wages. Victims who need this financial help may consider contacting West Palm Beach, Florida, workers’ compensation attorneys for legal assistance.