Types of Workplace Accidents in Connecticut

Between 2019 and 2020, 53,652 work-related illnesses and injuries were reported in Connecticut. The following workplace accidents were among the most common.

Slip-and-fall accidents

When employees slip or trip, sometimes they regain their balance. Yet, they might end up with serious injuries. Some injuries result when people twist and turn to catch themselves. In other cases, they fall when they cannot find their footing. Slips, trips, and falls are the second most common type of occupational accident in the US.
We can help you get the compensation you need from your workers’ compensation claim. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers investigates the issues behind slip-and-fall accidents to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve both fairly and fast.

Falling object injuries

In other accidents, objects fall on workers. Even a small item, such as a tool, drops from a high height or at a great speed, it can cause serious harm, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Muscle strains, sprains, and tears

Perhaps a careless coworker failed to secure an overhead object properly or placed an item where it should not be. The property owner might have neglected to post adequate warning signs to advise workers of potential danger. Faulty equipment or machinery can malfunction and result in objects being propelled through the air as well.

Victims could be entitled to additional compensation if third parties, including product designers, manufacturers, and distributors, are found liable for workplace accidents. Find out whether you qualify by calling 888-WIN-FAST for a free legal consultation.

Repetitive strain injuries

Does your job require you to repeat the same motions? Over time, some people develop repetitive strain injury (RSI) from repetitive movement, poor posture, or muscle overuse. This condition, also called work-related upper limb disorder, affects the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Symptoms of RSI include:

• Aches, pains, and tenderness
• Stiffness
• Throbbing, tingling, or numbness of the upper body
• Weakness
• Cramps

Assembly lines, supermarket checkouts, computers, and similar work environments could have put you at greater risk for RSI. Cold temperatures, vibrations, and stress can make symptoms worse.
To prevent RSI, some responsible employers provide ergonomic accommodations, such as comfortable seating and properly adjusted desks and keyboards, to support good posture. They offer regular breaks after extensive work sessions or from repetitive tasks. These employers might also train employees to manage stress and work efficiently.

The fast-working, aggressive lawyers of Gould Injury Law can determine whether your RSI qualifies you to receive personal injury compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitative treatment
• Disability adaptations

Occupational illnesses, diseases, and conditions

Certain workplace events can lead to medical conditions or make preexisting conditions worse. For instance, exposure to chemicals could cause chronic skin issues, such as contact dermatitis.
Examples of occupational disorders include:

• Asthma
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis

Hearing loss

Working in a noisy environment can take a toll on your hearing. About 24 percent of hearing difficulties reported by US workers stem from occupational exposure. According to the CDC, the following factors contribute to occupational hearing loss.
Loud noise that reaches 85 decibels or higher is considered hazardous. Certain drugs for cancer, infections, and other illnesses combined with noise exposure (ototoxic chemicals) can also cause hearing loss or noise sensitivity.

Crashes and collisions

If you have to drive as part of your job, there is always the potential for a crash. The risk is very real. In 2020, more than 189,000 people were involved in Connecticut motor vehicle accidents.
Even if you were at fault for the accident, an approved workers’ compensation insurance claim can provide compensation to help cover your medical bills and lost wages.

If you were in any sort of car accident in Connecticut, it is imperative to get reliable legal advice. You might meet requirements for third-party compensation for your losses, such as pain and suffering, and an experienced attorney can help you determine whether this is a viable option.

To learn whether or not you have a personal injury case, complete our online contact form. A representative will contact you shortly. Or, if you have a moment now, start chatting with an online agent by clicking the circle at the bottom of your screen.

Connecticut law requires your employer to keep workplaces as free of health and safety hazards as possible.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) details these worker rights:

• Training in a language you understand
• Safe machinery (regularly inspected, maintained, and functioning properly)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, helmets, and harnesses
• Protection from toxic chemicals
• Ability to request OSHA inspections, speak with the inspector, and view workplace hazard test results
• Ability to report injuries and illnesses and to view copies of your medical records
• Ability to review injury and illness reports

If you are injured at work, workers’ compensation benefits provided by the State of Connecticut can cover some of your expenses. Workers’ compensation covers full- and part-time employees for specific costs, such as:

• Wage replacement: You should receive your full day’s wages for the date of the injury. What if you were unable to return to work after the accident or if your work duties had to change? A work accident lawyer can fight fast and hard for your disability benefits.

• Medical treatment: Workers’ compensation insurance carriers should cover compensable medical bills. Yet, when employees unwittingly break the rules, they might be stuck with paying for medical care expenses out of pocket. Others do not realize they can claim their prescription, travel, or treatment time reimbursements. A workplace accident attorney can help you get every penny you deserve.

• Vocational rehabilitation: Severe physical impairments could prevent you from performing your job in the same capacity. Workers’ compensation will pay for rehabilitation services to help you regain skills or learn new ones.

• Survivor benefits: If you lost a loved one due to a work-related illness or injury, you might be entitled to burial expenses and weekly wage replacement benefits.

We hope Connecticut workplaces become safer as safety research advances technology and training for workers. Yet, as long as accidents happen, the workplace accident lawyers of Gould Injury Law will be here to ensure you get the compensation you need as fast as possible.
Tell us about your injuries in our convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation. You can also call 888-WIN-FAST to learn what “The Fast Firm” can do for you.