When you think of workplace injuries, you probably think of major accidents. But, as a New Jersey Workers Compensation Attorney like our friends at Rispoli & Borneo P.C. can explain, workplace accidents can happen anywhere, anytime – and they’re always an expensive hassle.
If you work at an office, you aren’t safe from injury. Read on to learn more about how workplace injuries can happen in any workplace, and get familiar with some of the more common office-related injuries you might experience.
What Kind of Injuries Happen in the Office?
One of the most common types of white-collar workplace injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome. Of course, anything can happen in an office, so slip and falls are also a common work-related injury reported in white collar environments. You may also suffer from improper ergonomics or lighting, and there’s no telling what kind of medical bill you’ll be dealing with if your office has a dog policy and someone’s dog isn’t as friendly as advertised.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve on the underside of your wrist becomes constricted, causing pain and reducing your range of motion. It usually happens when you’re using a keyboard all day. With the help of proper ergonomics and padding, you can avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, but not all offices have your safety in mind. That’s how slip and falls happen.
What is a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall is any kind of trip, slip-up, or minor accident. While they may seem relatively harmless at first, slip and falls are no laughing matter – even though they’ll usually leave you feeling more red-faced from embarrassment than anything else. Slip and falls can be caused by wet tile, poorly-stowed cables, and any other kind of trip hazard. They can also turn expensive if you don’t report them and get your injuries looked at as soon as possible.
Do Dog Bites Happen that Often in the Office?
Ten years ago, you would have gotten some sideways looks about a dog bite in the office. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans adopted dogs to keep themselves company. In fact, according to the ASPCA, 1 in 5 American households adopted a dog during the pandemic, and not all of those dogs are very happy being left on their own. It’s forced lots of offices to adopt dog policies so dogs and dog owners can keep each other happy, but there’s always the risk of an anxious, aggressive, or just plain poorly-trained dog taking a bite out of someone at work.
When Should I Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured at work, you may be entitled to some serious financial compensation. This much-needed money can cover your medical bills, and even keep you afloat if you’re forced to miss work (and miss paychecks). However, workers’ comp isn’t free money. You’ll need to jump through a ton of hoops before you see a single cent, but fortunately a lawyer can help you through the process.
If you’ve been injured at work, you need to focus on recovery – not medical bills. Get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer today to get started.