As employees, we trust that our workplaces will be safe environments that prioritize our well-being. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen, and leave workers with injuries that may require significant medical attention and time off work to heal. This is where Workers’ Compensation comes into play. If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s important to know your rights and options for compensation and to get help from an experienced workplace injury attorney.
At Wood Injury Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a workplace accident can take on an individual and their family. Our workplace injury lawyers in Arizona and New Mexico are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for legal assistance.
Types of Accidents Workers Can Experience
Workplace accidents can happen to anyone at any time, but some types of work are significantly more dangerous than others. These types of work are most prone to workplace accidents, and workers may claim compensation when injured at work.
Construction Workers
Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions, with a higher risk of serious injuries and fatalities than other industries. Some of the most common construction accidents that could result in Workers’ Compensation claims include:
- Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs
- Being struck by falling objects, such as tools or building materials
- Electrocutions
- Being caught in or between objects, such as heavy machinery or collapsing structures
- Burns and explosions from welding or chemical exposure
Healthcare Workers
While healthcare work may not seem inherently dangerous, healthcare workers face a wide range of risks that can lead to injuries, particularly those who work in hospitals and emergency rooms. Some common healthcare accidents that could result in Workers’ Compensation claims include:
- Lifting and moving patients can cause back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders
- Needle sticks and other sharps injuries, which can lead to infections or exposure to bloodborne diseases
- Workplace violence from patients or their families
- Slips, trips, and falls from wet or slippery floors or cluttered workspaces
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation
- Overexertion due to excessive scheduling and understaffing
- Car accidents – Home healthcare workers can be injured in car accidents when driving between patients’ homes, picking up groceries for the patient or even driving the patient to medical appointments
Auto Mechanic
Auto mechanics face various risks while working on vehicles, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, burns, and physical injuries. Some common auto mechanic accidents that could result in Workers’ Compensation claims include:
- Burns from hot engines or welding equipment
- Cuts and lacerations from sharp tools or metal
- Strains and sprains from lifting heavy parts or awkward positions
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as brake fluid or battery acid
- Being struck by a vehicle while testing or repairing it
These auto mechanic accidents can lead to serious injuries, such as:
- Eye injuries. High-speed equipment often used by mechanics can send sparks and metal pieces flying and cause eye injuries.
- Hand injuries. Mechanics’ hands are at risk of getting caught in machinery, and exposure to high heat and chemicals which can cause severe damage or even loss of fingers.
- Back, knee, and joint injuries. These can develop from lifting heavy objects and spending a lot of time bent over cars.
- Occupational illnesses due to exposure to lead dust, chemicals, and asbestos in the repair shop.
- Serious spinal injuries. Lifting heavy objects and equipment on the job can cause intense long-term pain and require significant treatment, including spinal surgery.
Arizona Workers’ Compensation Laws
In Arizona, employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees. If you’re injured on the job, you may be eligible for medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits under Workers’ Compensation. However, the claims process can be complicated, and it’s not uncommon for injured workers to face denials or lowball offers from insurance companies.
Let Our Workplace Injury Lawyer Help You
That’s where work injury lawyers can be invaluable. At Wood Injury Law, our work accident lawyer can help you navigate the Workers’ Compensation claims process, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, we can also represent you in appeals or hearings to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, and they can leave you with serious injuries and financial burdens. If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to contact Wood Injury Law for legal assistance. We’re ready to listen, fight for your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
