While workplace accidents can happen during any season, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in “The Seasonal Timing of Work-Related Injuries” that there is an increase in workers’ compensation injuries between June and August. The most common of these summer injuries include sprains, strains, and tears, surface wounds, and open wounds.
Employers and employees share responsibility for being safe at work during the hot summer months, and a little precaution could prevent severe injuries from occurring. It’s crucial to be aware of the most common accidents and injuries that workers suffer in the summertime. That’s why the workers’ comp attorneys of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have provided this helpful information to help keep you and your team safe at work.
Alabama Workplace Injuries That Are More Common in Summer
Workers who perform their duties outdoors during the summer are susceptible to two of the most common summertime injuries, dehydration and hyperthermia. People working outside during high temperatures must be sure to consume plenty of water and take frequent breaks during the day to avoid dehydration and overexertion.
Car accidents are another common cause of injuries during the summer. Many construction projects around Alabama ramp up during the summer, and this increases the likelihood of accidents in and around construction zones.
The same goes for falls and other injuries that seem to be more prevalent during the summer months. Increased activity in industries like residential and commercial construction lead to more reports of injuries like slips and falls and falls from elevation.
Workers who are injured in accidents like these and others may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits for their injuries, medical treatment, and lost wages.
Do I Need an Alabama Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If I’m Hurt at Work?
You may not always need an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim, but you could dramatically increase the chances of your claim being approved and receiving full benefits when you work with a lawyer. An attorney knows how to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make that result in lengthy delays in the approval of benefits.
A lawyer will also be able to assist you if your claim is denied for any reason, helping you exercise all of your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
While you are prohibited from filing a lawsuit for negligence against an employer who has workers’ compensation insurance, another negligent party that caused or contributed to your accident could owe you additional compensation. If there was a removal of a safety guard, then you may have a tort claim against a co-employee. If you were injured due to the actions of a worker for another company, then you may sue the other company. Your attorney can identify these negligent third parties and gather evidence to show that their actions or inaction caused your injuries. Your lawyer could then seek compensation for you through a third-party lawsuit. A successful claim could provide compensation that is unavailable through workers’ comp.
How Can Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Help Me?
If you were hurt on the job in Alabama, turn to Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for the qualified legal counsel that you need. We’ll help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to, and we will seek any additional compensation that negligent third parties may owe you.
Our firm has been helping injured workers across Alabama since 1966. You can have us provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your workplace injury claim when you call us or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.
