COMMON WORKPLACE INJURIES

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Workplace Injury Attorney in Portland

Common Workplace Injuries

Common Workplace Injuries in Portland, Oregon

Workplace injuries can occur in any occupation and can affect any age group. While some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, work-related accidents can happen just easily in an office building or a store as they can on a construction site or in a factory.

There are certain types of injuries workers routinely suffer, and when they do occur, they can have significant impacts on every area of your life. You may be unable to work or even engage in hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed, all while requiring extensive, ongoing medical care. In these situations, you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side, to help you get the benefits you need to recover.

At the Law Office of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., we have been defending the rights of injured workers since 2003. As a former member of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board, we have the knowledge and skill to handle even the most complex cases. Our workers’ compensation team takes an educational approach, offering you the legal guidance you need to get your claim on the right track.

The following are just a few of the most common injuries we see in these types of claims.

Work Injury Lawyer in Portland: Common Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Claims

When injuries occur on the job or during the course of performing work-related duties, workers’ compensation benefits act as a safety net to help you recover. The program acts as a form of insurance, providing medical benefits, wage replacement, compensation for temporary or permanent disabilities, and job retraining.

Administered through the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division, to obtain these benefits you must file a claim through your employer and their insurance company. Anytime you suffer even seemingly minor accidents or injuries on the job, you need to report it immediately to protect yourself and your rights to compensation.

Some of the most common types of workplace injuries we see include the following:

  • Acute Soft Tissue Injuries – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises that these common injuries occur as the result of a sudden, traumatic event, such as when lifting or pulling heavy objects, or when bending or stretching to reach items. They may involve sprains, which result from stretching or tearing the ligaments that attach and connect the bones to each other, or strains, which involve stretched or torn muscles and tendons. They often take months or years to completely recover from and are subject to re-injury, resulting in chronic conditions. In many cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage.
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries – Another common type of soft tissue injury, occur due to overuse and performing the same tasks repeatedly, such as typing, ticketing merchandise, or repeatedly bending and stretching muscle groups. They often result in painful inflammation of the joints and tendons, causing conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment often requires rest and restraining from using the affected area along with splints, steroid injections, and inflammatory medications.
  • Knee Injuries – The AAOS reports that as complex joints, the knees are particularly vulnerable to injury as the result of overuse or trauma. Common types of knee injuries include fractures, dislocations, sprains, and ligament or tendon tears, otherwise known as ACL and PCL injuries. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and may require the use of splints, medications, and surgery. Due to the location, knee injuries can impair your mobility and may result in permanent disabilities.
  • Broken Bones – While broken bones or fractures may seem like relatively simple injuries to fix, much depends on the type and the location of the break and the skill of the doctor in setting the injury. The AAOS states that if there is only a partial break or a stable fracture, in which the bones line up with one another, recovery may require a cast and an extended period of rest. In more severe cases, such as where there are multiple broken or shattered bones and when the pieces do not fit easily together, metal pins and plates may be needed to repair the damage.
  • Back and Neck Injuries – Back and neck injuries are complex and potentially debilitating. They often involve pulled muscles, slipped or ruptured discs, or fractures to the vertebrae, which are the bones comprising the spine. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), these are among the most common type of work-related injuries, and a leading cause of permanent disability. Back and neck injuries can occur due to improper bending, stretching, or lifting, as well as due to poor workplace ergonomics, such as not having your desk or computer screen at the right height.
  • Head and Brain Injuries – Healthline reports that head and brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and can be caused by any type of blow, bump, or jolt to the head. These can occur as the result of a fall, due to being struck by objects, such as falling debris or overhead fixtures, and due to a lack of safety precautions. As a result, injuries may include concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), skull fracture, and open head wounds, all of which can result in permanent physical and cognitive impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – According to MedlinePlus, the spinal cord is comprised of nerves that run down the center of your back, carrying messages between your brain and other parts of your body. Even a minor blow or another injury to any part of the spinal cord or column can cause permanent impairments, generally experienced in the area below the injury site. In more severe cases where the spinal cord suffers a complete tear, partial or complete paralysis can result.
  • Burn Injuries – Burn injuries in the workplace can be particularly severe, encompassing injuries from thermal, electrical, and chemical sources. Prevention of burn injuries includes proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate training on handling dangerous substances, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Injured at Work in Portland? Let Our Work Injury Attorney Help You Today

Whenever any type of on-the-job injury occurs, it is important to consult with an experienced Oregon workers’ compensation lawyer to help ensure your rights are protected. Reach out and contact the Law Office of Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C. to discuss your case now.

You can trust us to provide legal guidance on the benefits you may be entitled to while being honest regarding whether you need a lawyer to help you through the process. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at 503-654-1388 or contacting us online.