Workers are the lifeblood of the American economy. Every employee deserves safe and fair conditions on the job. Unfortunately, work-related injuries and illnesses remain a very serious public safety concern. According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1.17 million workers were forced to miss time on the job for an injury or illness in 2020 alone.
The median worker who filed a workers’ comp claim in California missed working 12 days in order to recover from their injury, illness, or impairment. Of course, the time a worker will miss depends on many factors, including their specific medical condition. Below, our Fresno, CA workers’ comp lawyer provides an overview of the five most common types of job-related injuries in 2020.
- Sprains, Strains, and Tears (22%)
Sprains, strains, and tears are the most common impairments cited in workers’ compensation claims. The BLS reports that there were 266,530 sprain/strain/tear cases filed in 2020 alone. Notably, many more workers suffer relatively minor or modest sprain/strain injuries without filing for workers’ comp benefits. In California, the average sprain, strain, or tear claim requires $17,000 in medical and a worker misses 57 days.
- Cuts/Lacerations (15%)
Cuts/lacerations are another one of the leading injuries cited in workers’ compensation claims. The BLS estimates that these injuries make up approximately 15% of all workers’ comp claims filed nationwide. In many cases, deep cuts/lacerations require emergency medical care. An injured worker may need stitches or even more intensive emergency care.
- Back Injuries (11%)
Most often, a type of sprain/strain, back injuries account for more than 10% of all workers’ compensation claims filed in the United States. The BLS reports that more than 100,000 people nationwide sought workers’ comp benefits for a job-related back injury in 2020. If you or a loved one sustained a significant back injury on the job, an experienced Fresno, CA workers’ comp lawyer can help.
- Fractures (5%)
Fractured and broken bones make up a significant percentage of overall workers’ compensation claims. Each year, more than 50,000 people nationwide get workers’ comp benefits for a fracture. All fractured bones require immediate medical attention. Broken bones/fractured bones are medical emergencies. In California, the average worker who files a workers’ comp claim for a broken bone miss 78 days on the job. Of course, the nature and severity of each broken bone injury depends on a wide range of different factors.
Call Our Fresno, CA Workers’ Comp Attorney TodayA shareholder and partner at the well-respected workers’ comp law firm Yrulegui & Roberts, Joseph C. Yrulegui is a top-rated workers’ comp lawyer. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job, we are more than ready to help. Give us a call or contact our legal team online to arrange your fully private case evaluation. With an office in Fresno, we represent injured workers throughout the area, including in Fresno, Firebaugh, Clovis, Coalinga, Kettleman City, Three Rivers, and Reedley.