Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for an Injury Caused by a Falling Object in Vermont?
Falling object injuries can be devastating for workers and their families. In Vermont, falling objects are a significant cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, especially within the construction industry. So, if you have suffered an injury due to a falling object at work in Vermont, you are not alone.
If you have been injured due to a falling object at work in Vermont, you might be wondering if you can seek workers’ compensation benefits. Fortunately, in Vermont, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who suffer injuries due to falling objects while on the job. If you’ve suffered a work-related falling object injury, you may be eligible to recover medical costs, lost income, and other benefits. Below is what you need to know about how these injuries occur, where they commonly occur, and the steps to take after an injury.
Common Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
A falling object injury happens when you are injured due to being struck by a falling object. These injuries are pretty common in many different workplaces. When a falling object hits you, you could suffer several injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Here are some of the most common injuries caused by falling objects;
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Facial injuries and eye damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Hand injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
Even if your injury seems minor, it is vital that you seek prompt medical treatment, as even seemingly minor falling object injuries can have lasting consequences, especially if treatment is delayed.
Where Can Falling Object Injuries Happen?
Everyone, regardless of occupation, is at risk of falling object injuries, since falling object hazards can exist in almost all jobs. However, some workers are at an increased risk of these injuries. They include the following;
- Construction workers
- Manufacturing and warehouse workers
- Forestry workers
- Retail store workers
- Dockworkers
- Roofers
How Do Falling Object Injuries Happen?
Falling object injuries at work can occur for a variety of reasons. Often, these injuries occur because of human error, a lack of safety precautions, or equipment failure. However, these accidents can happen even at the most safety-prepared job sites.
The following are some of the common causes of falling object injuries;
- Improper storage
- Improperly secured objects
- Faulty or damaged equipment
- Inadequate training
- Unsafe working conditions or work practices
- Overhead work
- Lack of safety gear
- Piled or stacked items
In any case, if your injury happened during the course of your employment, you should be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits.
What To Do After a Falling Object Injury
If you’ve suffered an injury at work due to a falling object, it is crucial to act fast to protect your health and legal rights. Here are the steps to take;
- Report the injury immediately to your employer
- Get prompt medical attention
- Document everything
- File a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company
- Consult a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer
An attorney can help ensure your claim is not undervalued. They can help ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve suffered a job-related falling object injury, contact our qualified Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law Firm at 802-457-1000 or online. We can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and recover the benefits you deserve.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/workers_compensation
