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Practice Areas Slips, Trips, and Falls at Work

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common causes of injuries in the workplace. If you believe that you are entitled to a workers' compensation claim due to a slip, trip, or fall, but aren't sure how to go about it, contact Brooks Injury Law.

Workers' Compensation

What Kind of Workplace Injuries Can Result in a Claim?

Slip and trips give way to falls in the work environment that can cause serious injury and put you out of work for some time. If this occurs, you are likely entitled to a workers' compensation claim. Other falls that occur without a trip or a slip, resulting in injury, may also give you entitlement to a workers' compensation claim as well. What's important to remember is that workers' compensation is considered a "no fault" system, meaning that it doesn't matter who or what was at fault, if you have obtained an injury while on the clock you have the right to certain compensation.

Common Slip Causes

Wet Floors
Uneven Surfaces
Greasy or Oily Floors
Sloped Walking Surfaces
Loose Rugs or Mats
Shifting Floor Tiles
Loose Surfaces, such as gravel
Weather Hazards, such as ice or snow

Common Trip Causes

Uncovered Hoses, Cables, Wires, or Cords
Cluttered Areas
Changes in Elevation
Unmarked or Damaged Steps
Rolled Up Carpets or Mats
Carpets with Curled Edges
Missing Floor Tiles
Poor Lighting

What to do After Being Injured on the Job

1
Report
2
Seek
3
Continue
4
File
5
Seek

1. Report Report the Accident

If you are injured on the job, you should report the accident to your employer immediately. Waiting longer than 30 days can put you at risk for not gaining compensation.

2. Seek Seek Medical Assistance

Once you have been injured, you will need to seek medical help to start treating your work-place injury. You will most often be required to use a doctor that is selected by your employer. Be sure to keep record of all doctor visits and bills.

3. Continue Continue Treatment

Many work related injuries require rehabilitation or physical therapy and sometimes medication. Be sure to continue following the medical instructions that you have received.

4. File File a Claim

After seeking medical help for your injury, it is important that you file a workers' compensation claim within 30 days of your accident date. You will be required to fill out a WC-14 Form and submit it to the board. Be sure to include as much information as possible regarding your injury.

5. Seek Seek Legal Assistance

Many times, insurance companies will deny your injury claim or offer you a settlement that is much less than what you need and deserve. In this case, attorney assistance will be helpful. When you seek legal help, you no longer have to deal with the insurance companies yourself and you are more likely to get a larger financial payout. At this point, your attorney can help you appeal your claim and make sure all deadlines are met.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, most general industry incidents involve slips, trips, and falls.
Slips, trips, and falls cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to automobile accidents as a cause of fatalities.
Slips, trips, and fall injuries account for about 15% of all workers' compensation expenses.
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two types of falls - elevated falls and same-level falls. Elevated falls are more dangerous and cause serious injuries. Same-level falls occur more often.

What do Workers' Compensation Benefits Cover?

Full coverage of all medical bills as a result of the work-related injury.

This includes hospital and doctor visits, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, etc.
Cash benefits for lost wages due to days of missed work.

In Georgia, you are entitled to weekly benefits if you miss more than seven days of work. You will receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, but by Georgia law you may not receive more than $575 a week.
Death and funeral benefits

If the workplace injury catastrophically resulted in wrongful death, death and funeral benefits will be granted.
Temporary total or partial disability benefits

These benefits will be based on the severity of the injury obtained and wages earned.
Permanent total or partial disability benefits

These benefits will also be based on the severity of the injury obtained and whether or not the individual is able to return to work.

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