If you’ve been hurt on the job or made ill as a result of your working conditions, you may understandably be feeling overwhelmed and isolated. It’s important to understand that you’re not alone. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that approximately 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses affect the American workforce on an annual basis.
Work-related harm occurs far too frequently. Perhaps the only “silver lining” of this reality is that the workers’ compensation systems and work-related personal injury claims process designed to protect the rights of injured and ill workers are so frequently utilized that accessing these opportunities for compensation doesn’t tend to be an overly complex process under most circumstances. With that said, every case is different. It is, therefore, important to avoid making assumptions about the relative strengths, weaknesses, and compensation value of your unique case before you’ve spoken with an experienced attorney.
Why Workers File Claims for Workers’ Comp Benefits
Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, like workers’ compensation attorneys in Queens NY from Polsky, Shouldice, & Rosen, P.C., will be happy to advocate for the rights of ill and injured workers. They will have had experience representing workers who have been harmed as a result of the most common reasons that workers’ compensation claims are filed. Regardless of exactly why you’ve sustained work-related injury or illness, know that a lawyer is there to help.
Knowing that you’re not alone as you recover from your work-related trauma can serve as a comfort to some workers. As an ill or injured worker, you certainly aren’t alone. Is your case “rare” in its causation or manifestation? Maybe, but maybe not. Of the 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses that occur in the U.S. every year, the primary reasons that workers’ compensation claims are filed – according to a recent review of over 1.5 million claims filed between 2010 and 2014 – are:
- Strains and sprains
- Cuts or punctures
- Contusions
- Inflammation
- Fractures
These categorizations may or may not apply to your unique situation. After all, these are common reasons why workers’ compensation claims are filed but no two work-related injury and illness scenarios are exactly the same. Once a lawyer learns more about the unique circumstances affecting your experience, they will be able to provide you with personalized guidance concerning your legal options. The choice to exercise one or more of those options will always rest with you.
Legal Assistance Is Available
When workers are hurt or made ill on the job, a good law firm provides knowledgeable representation designed to protect workers’ rights and secure any compensation to which they may be entitled. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. A dedicated, experienced team is there to help. Schedule a confidential consultation at a workers’ compensation law firm today to learn more.