Injured While Working One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in America? What You Need to Know

Workers have a right to feel safe while they do their jobs, but sometimes the job itself can carry inherent dangers. For people who work in the most dangerous jobs in America, suffering injuries can be an everyday worry. So what can you do if you get injured at work?

One of your options is to file for workers’ compensation, which covers some of the losses you’ve sustained in the accident. To be able to get the help you deserve, it’s essential that you hire workers’ compensation lawyers to fight for your rights. Learn more about what to do if you’re injured at work. 

Most Dangerous Jobs List

In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provided facts on the civilian occupations that have the highest fatal work injury rates. Here’s a look at the most dangerous jobs in America and the fatalities they caused in 2022:

• Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers: 1,115 fatal work injuries
• Grounds Maintenance Workers: 222 fatal work injuries
• Miscellaneous Agricultural Workers: 146 fatal work injuries
• Roofers: 105 fatal work injuries
• Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers: 72 fatal work injuries
• Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors: 22 fatal work injuries
• Construction Trades: 20 fatal work injuries
• Fishing and Hunting Workers: 16 fatal work injuries
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers: 14 fatal work injuries
• Underground Mining Machine Operators: 8 fatal work injuries 

Non-fatal injuries are significantly higher for all of these jobs than for the typical American job, with falls, electrocution, and struck-by accidents being some of the most common causes of injuries.

Common Injuries From High-Risk Occupations

High-risk occupations are more likely to result in injuries of all severity levels. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sprains
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Herniated discs
• Whiplash
• Burns
• Electrocution injuries
• Toxic exposure
• Crush injuries
• Internal damage
• Organ damage
• Amputations
• Spinal injuries

Collisions cause a significant number of injuries. These crashes can occur in warehouses while operating forklifts or on the street while making deliveries.

Slip and fall accidents also result in serious injuries. Construction workers who fall from heights can easily damage their spines or suffer traumatic brain injuries. Even less serious falls can cause broken bones.

Another common cause of injuries is overexertion. Often, it occurs when employees try to lift heavy items or have to perform repetitive movements.

Hit-by accidents lead to many injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. These accidents occur often at construction sites and warehouses.

Your Rights as an Injured Worker In Virginia

No matter what workplace accident led you to suffer injuries, you have a right to file for workers’ compensation. In Virginia, employers with more than two part-time or full-time employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. Even if a worker is an independent contractor, workers’ compensation may still apply.

If you suffer a work-related injury, you can receive compensation via this insurance. You receive coverage for medical expenses as well as for lost wages if you need to take time off from work.

Keep in mind that workers’ compensation doesn’t provide your full wages but instead usually offers 66.6% of your average wage. The process looks at the 52 weeks prior to the accident to come up with the average.

The severity of your injuries will determine which category of disability you’re placed in. If you can’t work because of your injuries, you can receive temporary total disability. If you’re restricted in the work you can do, you can receive temporary partial disability.

If you permanently can’t work, you can receive permanent total disability. If you have reached the total improvement you can expect and you still require a reduced workload, you can claim permanent partial disability benefits.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are often denied. If you make a mistake in your application or if you don’t offer the exact type of evidence insurers require, you can face a denial. This is not only demoralizing but it also slows the process of receiving the compensation you need.

With a workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you have a better chance to have the claim accepted on the first try. Even if you do get denied, we have experience pursuing appeals. We will fight for your rights and gather the evidence that can demonstrate you deserve compensation.

We can also assist you in ensuring your employer files the claim. That can sometimes be an issue, especially since there are deadlines you and your employer have to abide by. Our team will ensure that your rights are respected.

FAQ

How Long Do I Have to Report the Injury?

You have up to 30 days to let your employer know that you’ve suffered a work-related injury. Your employer then has 10 days to file a report with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.

What Happens if a Loved One Dies From a Work-Related Injury?

If a loved one dies, their dependents can receive death benefits via workers’ compensation. This compensation can help pay for medical bills and funerary expenses.

Can Seasonal Workers Receive Workers’ Compensation?

In Virginia, seasonal workers are eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Part-time and full-time employees, temporary employees, trainees, and subcontractors are also covered.

Get Help From Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Suffering a work-related injury can leave you unsure of what options you have. The first thing you need to do is file a workers’ compensation claim. To avoid the potential of being denied and the added stress of handling all of the paperwork, consider hiring experienced lawyers.

At Commonwealth Law Group, our team has decades of combined experience representing clients through these difficult circumstances. Contact us to speak with one of our lawyers about your claim.