Common Causes of Work Comp Cases in Nebraska

When a worker gets hurt on the job, it can set off a chain reaction that affects more than just the worker. When the main breadwinner becomes unable to work, families may have trouble affording basic needs like housing and food. Thankfully, workplace injuries are usually covered under workers compensation insurance. 

To qualify under the Nebraska workers compensation program, your injury must have occurred while you were on the job and while performing a task that’s part of your job description. But there are many ways to get hurt at work and not all of them qualify for compensation. 

That’s why we’ve listed some of the most common causes of Nebraska work comp cases to help you determine if your injury qualifies. To get more clarification, speak with a lawyer about your particular circumstances.

Traumatic Amputations

Imagine you’re working on a construction site and some scaffolding falls, crushing a limb. Or maybe while at work on a factory machine, your arm is caught in the workings. These injuries can be devastating, leading to loss of limb and an inability to work following the accident. 

Whether you’ve lost a digit from your hand or foot or suffered a more severe injury that left you without one or more of your limbs, you may be entitled to workers compensation. 

Cumulative or Continuous Trauma

Cumulative trauma injuries are caused by repeatedly lifting heavy objects or repetitive motion. Examples include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – A painful condition caused by damage to the median nerve going to the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. Workers who type on a keyboard are often affected.
• Tendonitis – Inflammation of a tendon. Falling off a ladder or ongoing repetitive motion injuries are common causes.
• Bursitis – Develops when there is excessive movement or pressure on the shoulder bursa. It can be caused by lifting heavy weight and incorrect posture at work.

Eye Injuries

An eye injury can lead to major vision problems, which can affect your life during work and outside of work. This can be caused by many different things, such as debris falling into your eye, or chemicals splashing into your eyes. 

Eye injuries can cause long-term damage and possibly blindness. They are expensive to treat, so talk to your attorney to ensure that you’re properly compensated for medical expenses related to treatment.

Fractures, Sprains, and Strains

A fracture occurs when a bone in your body breaks due to an impact or accident. If left untreated, fractures can lead to permanent disability.

Sprains and strains are also common causes of workers compensation claims. These injuries can be caused by falls, overexertion, or lifting heavy objects. Sprains are more common than strains and can occur in any part of the body. Here are just a few examples:

• A strained shoulder from repetitive overhead motions, like painting
• An injured knee after slipping on ice at work
• A sprained ankle after tripping over a box

Burns

Burns are classified as first, second, third, and fourth degree, depending on how deep they penetrate the skin. Third and fourth-degree burns are the most severe types and can lead to a long period in which you’re unable to work. 

Third-degree burns are usually caused by fire, hot liquids, or molten metals that destroy skin tissue. These can lead to serious infections.

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe burns that occur when all layers of skin are destroyed by extreme heat or chemicals and the burn extends into the fat beneath the skin. Workers may develop fourth-degree burns on their hands, arms, or face that result in amputation or death.

Cancers and Other Chronic Illnesses 

Some workers are constantly exposed to dangerous or even deadly materials during their work day. Miners and factory workers may find themselves exposed to asbestos and other dangerous materials, while doctors, nurses, and other hospital workers may be exposed to used, contaminated needles. 

If you’ve been exposed to a chemical, construction material, or disease due to the nature of your work, you may have grounds for a workers comp claim. Talk to your lawyer about proving the connection between your condition and your job if the insurer tries to refuse your claim. 

Contact a Work Comp Lawyer

If you’ve suffered from any of these common causes of work comp cases in Nebraska and believe you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, contact us. No matter what caused your work accident, you may be eligible for compensation. 

Many employers’ insurance companies will try to deny valid claims. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, call Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. today at 402-462-5187 or fill out our online form to schedule your initial consultation.