Most Common Occupations in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workplace injuries can occur in any occupation and in any industry, but certain types of jobs come with more work-related injury risks than others. In particular, delivery and truck drivers, construction workers, grocery and retail workers, and employees in certain health care fields tend to get hurt at work and to file successful workers’ compensation claims at higher rates than employees in many other types of jobs. Why is it important to know about some of the most commonly cited occupations in workers’ compensation claims and payouts? Many injured workers can be assured that their injuries are compensable by learning about others in similar situations. At the same time, we want to emphasize that injuries occurring in less commonly cited occupations can also be compensable. The best way to determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits is to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you can.
Top Ten Occupations for Workers’ Compensation Claims
Some types of jobs or occupations show up more frequently in workers’ compensation claims data than others. According to an article in Forbes, the following 10 jobs account for about one-third, or 33 percent, of all work types cited in workers’ compensation claims nationwide:
- Nursing assistants;
- Tractor-trailer or 18-wheel truck drivers;
- Freight, stock, and material movers;
- Laborers;
- Delivery truck drivers;
- Construction workers;
- Maintenance workers;
- Stockers or stock workers;
- Custodians;
- Registered nurses (RNs); and
- Retail sales workers.
As you can see, these jobs in general often involve driving, caregiving, and working in various capacities in retail stores and warehouses. Common injuries in these jobs result from motor vehicle collisions, slips and falls, falls from heights, and lacerations. Injuries can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back and neck injuries, sprains and strains, broken bones, amputations, and organ damage.
Most Dangerous Jobs
Are the types of occupations with the most workers’ compensation claims also the most dangerous? In some cases, the answer is yes, and in others, the answer is no — this is due in part to the size of a particular industry and the number of workers employed. While delivery drivers, construction workers, and retail and grocery store workers make up a large percentage of jobs in general, some occupations with fewer workers may be more dangerous. A report from Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN) cites the following as the most dangerous jobs in America:
- Logging;
- Aircraft work;
- Oil derrick operators;
- Miners;
- Roofers; and
- Garbage collectors.
Delivery drivers are also in the top-10 most dangerous jobs, according to ISHN.
Contact a Sunrise Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
When you have been injured at work, it is important to seek advice from a lawyer who can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. While aspects of the workers’ compensation process are clear and straightforward, cases can have various complexities, and claimants can be denied benefits due to minor errors. The good news is that a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you with your case and can ensure that you take all required steps in order to be eligible for compensation. As such, it is always important to work with one of the experienced Sunrise workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. after a workplace injury. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you.
Sources:
forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/largest-workers-compensation-insurance-companies/
ishn.com/articles/112748-top-25-most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-united-states
