When people consider jobs with a high risk of injury, they tend to think of jobs that involve demanding physical labor or working in dangerous environments, such as construction or industrial work. While it is certainly true that people who hold these kinds of jobs often do sustain serious work-related injury, there is the potential to get hurt in any type of position – including office jobs. Here are some of the ways in which office workers can get injured on the job.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. While most of these incidents result in little more than a bump or a bruise, they can also result in much more serious injuries, including broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, or even traumatic brain injuries.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are those which are the result of movements that are performed again and again over a period of time. Specific types of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). These kinds of injuries can be the result of various tasks that are common to the office environment, including typing or filing and can also be related to poorly designed office furniture.
Back Injuries
While office work generally does not involve physical labor, there are times in which people who work in an office environment need to lift things up in order to move them from place to place. For example, people who work in an office may need to lift boxes of paperwork up to file them away or rearrange office furniture for a meeting, both of which could easily result in a serious, painful, and potentially debilitating back injury.
Protect Your Rights after a Workplace Injury
Connecticut’s workers’ compensation law entitles people who are injured in workplace accidents to certain benefits, regardless of whose fault an accident was. These benefits kick in automatically, however, and there are certain steps that injured workers need to take in order to protect their legal rights and obtain the benefits to which they are entitled. These include the following:
- Get first aid or medical treatment immediately
- Notify your employer about the accident or your injury
- Fill out any required paperwork
- Follow your doctor’s advice
- Attend any follow up medical appointments
Remember, you are entitled to speak to an attorney at any time during the workers’ compensation claim process, but not every claim requires the assistance of a lawyer. An attorney will be able to advise you as to whether he or she believes that legal representation will be necessary or helpful in your case.
Injured at Work? Call a Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Workplace injuries generally entitle victims to significant benefits under Connecticut law. Unfortunately, these benefits can sometimes be difficult to obtain, as many insurance companies do everything they can to minimize or even completely deny claims. Fortunately, the assistance of an attorney can ensure that you get the benefits you deserve as quickly as possible. To schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team, call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau at 860-875-7000 or send us an email through our online contact form.
