People depend on jobs to earn a living for themselves and their families, but these jobs come with hazards, whether you are a construction worker, plumber, DOT worker, police officer, architect, farmhand, or teacher. Not all jobs pose the same dangers as others, but every workplace must be governed according to established safety procedures and protocols in order to ensure each worker’s safety. In addition, should a workplace injury accident occur, the employer is obligated to offer workers’ compensation to financially support the injured worker during their recovery?
Causes of Workplace Injuries
Because each workplace is different, the causes of an on the job illness or injury are varied and numerous. Some basic causes, which may overlap between industries and job sites include:
- Misconduct;
- Negligence;
- Carelessness;
- Human error;
- Product defects;
- Lack of safety protocols;
- Improper training;
- Poor quality/incorrect tools;
- Lack of supervision;
- Improper maintenance; and
- Equipment/machinery malfunction.
Regardless of the cause and even if the injury was accidentally caused by the injured employee himself, employers must provide benefits when employee injuries occur in the course and scope and arise out of the employment. Depending on the cause of a job site injury, there may be a number of parties that may be held liable, including another employee, equipment manufacturers, contractors and sub-contractors, outside individuals, and even employers. However, in most states, including Tennessee, an injured employee may not sue their employer for negligence. Workers’ compensation is their only remedy. But it is possible for an employee to file a lawsuit against third parties.
Tennessee Occupational Illness and Injury Statistics
According to the 2009 Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries & the Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Survey compiled by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 105 fatal occupational injuries in Tennessee in 2009. In addition:
- Fatal occupational injuries decreased 15 percent from the 135 in 2008;
- Men accounted for 98 fatal work injuries, women, seven;
- 23 percent of fatal work injuries were the result of contact with objects or equipment;
- 17 percent of fatal work injuries were the result of violent acts or assaults;
- 11 percent of fatal work injuries were the result of falls;
- 22 percent of fatal work injuries were sustained by workers in construction; and
- There was a 3.9 nonfatal injury and illness incidence rate per 100 full-time workers.
Consequences of On the Job Injuries
Oftentimes, when a worker is injured or becomes ill on the job, they must take time off from work to recover. This recovery can be as little as one or two weeks or as much as several years. Some workers may not ever return to their job, depending on the severity of the illness or injury. Although the workers’ compensation system was established to help workers manage their medical bills and other costs without falling into extreme financial hardship, many workers and their families still suffer from both financial and emotional burdens. Making sure that they receive the compensation they need to make a quick recovery is essential to minimize the impact such an injury can have on their lifestyle, relationships and state of mind.
Getting Back to Work
Many people can’t afford to be out of work, even to recover from a work-related illness or injury and workers’ compensation claims are often disputed or denied, making the recovery process even more complicated. At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C., our committed Chattanooga on-the-job injury lawyers consider it a duty to help our clients get the compensation they need, through workers’ compensation or third-party lawsuits, so that they can recover and continue to earn a living and support their family. If you or a loved one have suffered a workplace illness or injury in Tennessee, our Chattanooga injury attorneys can provide the support and resources you need to financially and emotionally survive the recovery process.
