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Workers' Compensation Lawyer Straight Talk: Are Accidents At Work The Only Covered Work Injuries?

By William Turley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 21Feb2012 Word count: 465 Viewed: 49 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

This article is one in a series of Workers' Compensation Lawyer Straight Talk articles. These articles are based upon 25 years of representing seriously injured workers. If you search for "Workers' Compensation Attorney Straight Talk" or "Workers' Compensation Lawyer Straight Talk" on the Internet, you will find a whole host of articles where we provide you with great free and useful information so you can understand and win your work injury case.

Are Accidents At Work The Only Covered Work Injuries?

I was asked the other day if accidents at work are the only work injuries covered by workers' compensation laws. It appears it is a common misconception that only accidents at work are covered by workers' compensation. Truth be told, there are many types of conditions, ailments, conditions and illnesses that are covered by workers' compensation.

While a sudden or specific injuries are covered by workers' compensation -- workers' compensation laws also provide benefits for repetitive trauma, mental conditions and occupational illnesses.

Specific Injuries

The most common type of work related injury is a sudden or "specific" injury, such as strains, slips, falls, or work-related car accidents. For example, if you pick up a box and your back hurts, this is a specific injury under workers' compensation laws.

Repetitive Trauma Injuries

Another very common type of workplace injury are repetitive trauma injuries . In general, repetitive motion can cause you injury. Examples:

- Workers have carpel tunnel injuries due to typing, using a chipping gun or a spray painting gun.
- Painters can develop rotator cuff syndrome due to overheard painting.
- Carpet layers develop knee problems due to laying carpet
- Ironworkers get lower back injuries due to bending over tying rebar
- Exposure to loud noise causing hearing loss

Mental Conditions

Psychological injuries or stress injuries are also compensable work injuries. However, be careful because in many States, such as California, there are technical requirements for these type of claims.

Occupational Disease Claims

Another common type of workers' compensation injuries are occupational disease claims. Examples:

- Leukemia caused by benzene exposure.
- Mesothelioma or asbestosis due to asbestos exposure.
- Lung cancer caused by tobacco smoke.
- Lead poisoning for painters.

Disclaimer

This article is not legal advice. I am simplistic in order to achieve clarity. Your circumstances may vary from those described in this Workers' Compensation article. If you are a seriously injured worker, you should hire a seasoned Workers' Compensation Lawyer. Whenever you are bringing a court claim, your credibility is always at issue. You must always tell the truth.

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