Common Injuries that Occur at the Office

It is sometimes difficult to envision an injury occurring in an office environment. After all, when you picture an office you think of cubicles, office chairs, and copier machines — all things that rarely represent a risk. Still, there are a surprisingly high number of workers’ compensation claims submitted for injuries that occur in these settings. People can slip and fall, they can be victims of office furniture tumbling over or drawers carelessly left open. Chairs can break, individuals can hurt themselves trying to lift heavy objects, and sitting at a desk and typing on a computer for hours at a time can lead to repetitive stress injury. If you have suffered an injury or illness that occurred at the office, then you are entitled to workers’ compensation, a benefit provided specifically for those who have been hurt at work. Workers’ compensation is supposed to be a no-fault process that allows the injured employee to receive compensation without assigning blame. Unfortunately, it can still be a difficult process, as employers and their insurance companies often deny claims. If you have been injured on the job and need assistance getting the benefits you deserve, Vanasse Law can help.

There are several common injuries that occur at the office. Some are a result of the nature of office work, as employees that spend most of their time inside and seated can often suffer from back and neck pains, pain in the hands and wrists, and even vision strain from staring at a computer for hours on end. Others are simply the same injuries that can happen in any setting. Here are the office injuries that we most frequently see and represent:

• Slip and fall injuries. People slip and fall frequently, and these accidents can lead to severe disabilities. Falls often happen as a result of tripping over an open drawer, carelessly placed electrical cords, faulty or loose carpeting, or debris or items left in walkways. People can fall out of their chairs and chairs can break, and many times and employees will use a chair as a way to reach an item that is up high and fall as a result. Wet floors are a frequent cause of falls, and so is inadequate lighting.
• Being injured while lifting. It is not only heavy objects that can cause lifting injuries. If done improperly, any kind of bending and lifting can result in a strained back or neck.
• Walking into stationary objects or being struck by falling or flying objects. When we bump into a file cabinet or desk, get fingers stuck in cabinets, or are struck by objects falling from on high or falling over, there is a risk of injury.
• Repetitive stress injuries. These are a result of workstations that are not ergonomically appropriate to the work that is being done and your body type.

No matter what the cause of your injury, if you have been hurt or sickened at the office then you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, as well as any time that you need to take away from the office for recovery. If you need assistance in preparing a claim, gathering documentation or appealing a denial, call the attorneys at Vanasse Law today. We know how to fight for your rights.