According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 32,600 non-fatal work injuries and illnesses reported in the State of Alabama in 2021 alone. Tragically, 111 workers were killed on the job during the same time period. A work accident can happen in a wide range of different ways.
Though, most job-related accidents share a commonality: They could have been prevented if the proper safety precautions had been taken. In this article, our Mobile work injury lawyer highlights some of the most common types of workplace accidents in Alabama.
An Overview of the Most Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Alabama
Workplace accidents are unfortunate events that can occur in any type of work environment. All work-related accidents should be carefully investigated. An injured employee needs the right medical care. A work accident can lead to physical or psychological harm to employees. Here is a list of various types of workplace accidents that occur in the Gulf Coast region of Alabama:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are some of the most common workplace accidents. Slip and falls and trip and falls can occur due to wet floors, cluttered workspaces, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. These incidents can lead to minor injuries like sprains and bruises or more severe injuries such as fractures and head trauma.
- Falls from Height: Working at height always carries risks. These accidents occur when employees fall from an elevated surface, such as ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. Falls from height can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and even fatalities.
- Struck By (Object or Equipment): Employees can be struck by falling objects, moving equipment, or flying debris. This type of accident can cause severe injuries or even fatalities, particularly in construction sites and manufacturing facilities where heavy machinery is used as part of the job.
- Caught In/Caught Between: Employees can become caught in or between equipment, machinery, or objects, leading to crushing injuries, amputations, or even death.
- Overexertion: Overexertion is a term for a type of injury that can happen when a person pushes their body beyond its physical limits. Some examples include excessive lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling. Overexertion injuries are often sprains and strains.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Also called repetitive stress injuries, these physical traumas happen when employees perform the same motion repeatedly, leading to wear and tear on their muscles, joints, and nerves. It is a gradual onset injury.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive for work purposes are at risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. Of course, a car crash could occur at any time. The risk of a motor vehicle collision is a consistent risk on our state’s roads.
- Workplace Violence: Workplace violence can involve physical altercations between employees or incidents where an employee is physically harmed by an outside individual. These situations can lead to both physical and psychological injuries.
- Toxic Exposure: Employees who work with hazardous chemicals, toxic materials, or biological agents may suffer from exposure-related injuries. These injuries can range from skin irritation to severe respiratory issues or even cancer, depending on the substance and level of exposure.
Workplace Accidents in Alabama: Know Your Right to Pursue Compensation
Workplace accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships for employees in Alabama. It’s essential to understand your rights to pursue compensation if you’ve been injured on the job. In Alabama, employees are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If you are hurt on the job in Mobile, you have the right to pursue benefits through a no-fault workers’ comp claim.
Be sure to seek immediate medical care for your injuries, notify your employer of the accident promptly, and file for workers’ comp benefits without delay. An experienced Mobile, AL workplace accident attorney can help. Workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, as well as wage replacement. Other benefits may also be available.
In some limited cases, an injured worker in Alabama could also have a third liability claim. These are fault-based personal injury lawsuits that can be filed after a workplace accident against any negligent party other than the worker’s own employer. For example, if you were hurt because of an equipment manufacturer’s negligence, you may have a third party liability claim.
Contact Our Mobile, AL Workplace Accident Attorney Today
At Roger Varner Injury Law, our Mobile workplace accident lawyer represents injured victims with excellence, integrity, and high quality professional service. If you or your loved one was hurt in any type of job-related accident, we are more than ready to help. Reach out to us by phone at (833) 482-7637 or contact us online to set up your free, no obligation legal consultation. From our law office in Mobile, we handle workplace accident claims throughout the wider region.