Evansville, IN Work Injury Lawyer

Work injuries are an unfortunate but common occurrence in Evansville. Workers face numerous dangers on the job and deserve compensation if they are injured while working. In many instances, recovery may be limited to what is available under the Worker’s Compensation system. However, when injuries are the result of the negligence of someone other than your employer or a co-employee, additional options for legal recovery may be available in addition to Worker’s Compensation benefits.

Fortunately, our work injury attorneys can help you determine what options are available to help you cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages stemming from your accident. No matter what type of accident you were involved in, you have the right to file a claim against the party responsible for your injuries. The fact that you were clocked in at work does not mean that you cannot exercise these rights. You should not be required to cover expenses caused through no fault of your own.

For a free review of your case with our experienced work injury lawyers, call Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166.

Common Types of Work Injuries that Happen in Evansville, IN

Workplace injuries are a frequent occurrence that can endanger employees' safety in Evansville. Thus, it is crucial for workers to be aware of the various reasons that can lead to such injuries. However, our work injury lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve regardless of the harm you have suffered on the job. The following are some of the most common ways that workers get hurt in Evansville:

Vehicle Accident Injuries

In Evansville, vehicle accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries, particularly for employees who need to operate motor vehicles as part of their job responsibilities. Such workers are at risk of getting injured if they are involved in a car accident. The most common injuries resulting from vehicle accidents are back strains, neck strains, and lower back sprains. These injuries usually occur when a worker is hit by a moving vehicle while standing or walking outside the car. Other injuries include cuts, bruises, and broken bones. While some injuries may not require hospitalization or surgery, others can be life-changing.

Slipping and Tripping Injuries

Slipping and tripping are common causes of workplace injuries, and they can result from various factors such as slick surfaces, wet floors, poorly maintained walkways, or inadequate lighting. Even falling from a standing height can cause significant harm to the victim. Slip and trip injuries often involve stretched and torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons that may require surgery to repair. Victims may also need to undergo several months of physical therapy to recover fully. Failure to promptly address potentially hazardous conditions or to display proper signage not only endangers customers but also puts employees at risk of injury.

Falling Object Injuries

In some workplaces, such as warehouses and construction sites, employees face inherent danger. These workers often risk being hit by falling objects, which can cause injury. However, implementing appropriate safety procedures and providing safety gear can help mitigate these risks. Falling objects in the workplace can lead to significant injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and damage to the spinal cord. Even if the object falls from a relatively low height, it can still cause severe harm to a person's face, teeth, or eyes.

Falling from Heights Injuries

In certain occupations, employees are required to climb ladders to perform basic tasks. However, an employee can fall and sustain serious injuries if the necessary precautions are not taken. In Evansville, falling from a height greater than 6 feet (1 meter) onto a flat surface is considered a significant fall, even if no injuries occur. Unsafe working conditions, such as missing or inadequate handrails, faulty scaffolding, and defective ladders, often cause workplace falls. Falling from a height can result in serious injuries, such as spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. In severe cases, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis in one or more parts of their body. Depending on the victim's landing position, falls can also result in death or paralysis.

Repetitive Motion and Overexertion Injuries

One of the most common workplace injuries results from lifting, pulling, pushing, holding, or carrying. These injuries often occur when employees are required to perform repetitive motions for extended periods without adequate rest breaks or proper equipment. Surgery is typically necessary to repair these types of injuries, which can also result in permanent nerve damage. Since these injuries develop gradually, you might not realize you have them until a doctor diagnoses you.

Damages You Could Recover for Workplace Injuries in Evansville, IN

Employers are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to maintain safe workplaces. This entails taking measures to minimize potential hazards, even in high-risk work environments. Unfortunately, not all employers prioritize safety. When an employee is injured on the job, they have the right to seek compensation for their damages. The following are examples of damages that a worker might be entitled to recover in Evansville:

Medical Expenses

Your compensation for medical expenses will cover most out-of-pocket costs related to your treatment after the accident, such as hospital bills and prescription medications. If you sustained long-term injuries at work that require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation, these expenses should be factored into the compensation you receive. If you were in the course and scope of your employment, medical care is typically provided through the Worker’s Compensation system, although you may have additional claims for recovery of medical costs if a third-party was also at fault for causing your injuries.

Lost Wages

If you suffer from a temporary disability due to an injury, or if the injury is serious enough to prevent you from returning to work indefinitely, you can recover compensation for your lost earnings. Wage loss claims for injured workers in Indiana are paid under a set schedule under the Worker’s Compensation insurance of the employer. However, additional recovery may be made beyond what is available under Workers’ Compensation if a third-party is also at fault.

This includes lost wages, which are determined by comparing what you would have earned if you were able to work with what you actually earned due to your disability. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from performing the same type of work you did before the incident, you may be entitled to claim lost future earnings.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to the financial losses already discussed, you can also pursue non-economic damages in a lawsuit if you are able to file one in your situation. While such recovery is generally not allowed directly against your employer due to Workers’ Compensation limitations, such damages are available against negligent third-parties in addition to such benefits. These damages, which include "pain and suffering," provide payment for the physical pain that your injuries have caused. For many victims, the pain can linger long after their injuries have healed, affecting various aspects of their lives, such as work and personal relationships.

Furthermore, you may receive compensation for the emotional stress that your injuries have caused. Emotional distress can manifest in various ways, such as depression and anxiety, which victims of workplace injuries often experience. Some victims may also feel angry, resulting in stress in all areas of their lives. Emotional stress can also lead to physical symptoms such as insomnia. The impact of your injuries can also cause you to miss out on doing the things you enjoyed doing prior to getting injured. As such, you can claim damages for your loss of enjoyment in life.

Our Evansville, IN Work Injury Lawyers Can Help

Contact Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 for a free case assessment with our work injury attorneys today.