Dangerous accidents are all too common in workplaces across America, including Tennessee. Although it may seem like a minor incident, slip-and-fall accidents are some of the most common incidents and can lead to serious injuries, keeping you from work or in some cases, in addition to damaging your physical abilities moving forward. These types of incidents may seem minor when they occur at home on plush carpeting, but the external factors of a workplace can put you further at risk. Maybe you were carrying something heavy and the load landed on you when you hit the ground.
Perhaps a slick floor caused you to fall and break a limb, leaving you unable to perform your job. There are a number of ways these types of accidents can occur, and depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Contributing Factors
When thinking about someone falling at work, you may be imagining a construction worker losing his or her balance from an extreme height. While this is a possibility, statistics show that almost 67 percent of falls happen on ground level as a result of slips and trips. The following are common conditions that you may see in your workplace, but never expected to cause severe injuries:
- Unmarked wet or oily surfaces: This can be a result of spilled liquids that were never cleaned up or dangerous working conditions that are not monitored by management.
- Weather hazards: No one can control the weather; however, your employer should be making an effort to salt and shovel any public walkways to keep employees safe.
- Loose mats: If your workplace has old carpeting or mats that have not been replaced or are in a high traffic area, management should be aware of the danger this poses to workers.
- Poor lighting: It is an employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes installing proper lighting, especially if heavy loads are being moved, and replacing any dead bulbs as soon as they go out.
- Uncovered cables: Many workplaces have a number of extension cords running along the floor, especially if power tools are in use. These cords should always be taped flat to the ground so that employees’ shoes never get caught underneath.
Can I Really Get Hurt?
Depending on your age, you may be more at risk of sustaining injuries from a slip and fall accident. Those nearing the age of retirement have a higher chance of fracturing a hip or other area of the body, even just from falling while standing or walking. Twisted ankles and wrists are a common injury for those who attempt to break their fall while coming down. Although some of these injuries may seem minor and do not last a lifetime, they can keep you from work for weeks, or even months, on end. This can leave you struggling to support yourself and your family in the meantime. No matter how minor your injuries may seem, you should seek legal counsel to explore your options for workers’ compensation. This financial assistance can help pay for any medical bills and time off work that resulted from the injuries and dangerous work conditions.
Call a Chattanooga Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Finding yourself bedridden and unable to go to work can do a number on your physical, financial, and mental health. All workplaces have a duty to their employees to provide them with a safe working environment, no matter the kind of job. At Warren & Griffin, P.C., we have helped numerous clients throughout Tennessee who have fallen and been injured at work. Applying for workers’ compensation may be intimidating, but our experienced attorneys will help you complete the process. Contact our Tennessee workplace injury attorneys at 423-265-4878 to discuss your case and determine your best course of action.
Sources:
https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html
https://www.tn.gov/workforce/injuries-at-work.html