I dedicate my professional life to challenging insurance companies on behalf of our Connecticut clients. Whether the situation involves a car accident, a slip and fall, or a worker's compensation case, I'm typically opposing an insurance company. Despite my contentious relationship with the insurance industry, like everyone else, I still require insurance for my car, home, and business. My insurance provider is Arbella, but one of the more common insurers we deal with in Connecticut is Liberty Mutual. . I won't either laud or criticize Liberty Mutual in this post since my perspective on them changes based on whether I'm opposing them for a client's case or they're fulfilling my personal insurance needs. However, Liberty Mutual does produce an intriguing annual safety index which gathers and evaluates data related to the causes of work-related mishaps and their subsequent financial implications for employers.

The Top 10 List is both fascinating and unexpected. Here are the top 10 reasons for disabling work-related injuries:

1. Overexertion: This category encompasses injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. Consider the volume of packages handled by UPS and Amazon delivery personnel, especially during the festive season. Such activities can lead to severe back and shoulder injuries. For instance, a herniated disc or a torn rotator cuff might lead to long-term or even permanent disability. This is particularly prevalent in sectors like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, wholesale, and transportation. Cost to employer: $13.1B

2. Falls on the Same Level: Injuries here are due to falls on a level surface rather than down steps or off platforms. Such falls often result from icy or wet surfaces or tripping over objects. Many severe injuries we address at the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C. fall under this category. It's a leading cause of injuries in professional, business, leisure, and hospitality sectors. Cost to employer: $10.4B

3. Struck by an Object or Equipment: Injuries might occur from falling objects in various settings, including warehouses, retail stores, and construction sites. For example, we've represented clients injured by falling merchandise in stores like Walmart and Home Depot. Cost to employer: $5.2B

4. Falls to Lower Levels: Such injuries can result from falls from ladders, platforms, roofs, and stairs. We've dealt with cases where workers sustained significant injuries from falls caused by colleagues. Cost to employer: $4.9B

5. Other Exertions or Bodily Reactions: This category covers injuries from activities like crawling, bending, reaching, twisting, climbing, and walking. Cost to employer: $3.7B

6. Roadway Incidents Involving a Motorized Land Vehicle: Essentially, car and truck accidents. Advanced vehicle safety technologies are reducing such injuries. Cost to employer: $2.7B

7. Slip or Trips Without Falling: Injuries from tripping but not falling. Cost to employer: $2.2B

8. Caught in or Compressed by Equipment or Objects: Although less frequent, injuries from getting trapped in machinery can be devastating. Cost to employer: $1.9B

9. Repetitive Motions Involving Micro-tasks: This includes injuries from long-term repetitive tasks, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel or tendonitis. Cost to employer: $1.6B

10. Struck Against an Object or Equipment: Such as injuries from walking into open drawers. Cost to employer: $1.2B

For a comprehensive understanding of the injuries within these ten categories, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers an Injury and Illness Classification Manual.

If you suffer a work-related injury in Connecticut, first notify your employer, then seek medical attention promptly. Documenting your injuries early can help establish the link between your injury and a work activity. Lastly, consult a seasoned worker's compensation attorney immediately to safeguard your rights.

At the Law Offices of James F. Aspell, P.C., we provide complimentary resources and videos that answer many questions injured workers might have. Browse our content, download our free information, or contact us for a no-cost consultation. Discover how our office might be the ideal personal injury law firm for your situation.

by James F. Aspell Personal injury attorney in Connecticut, specialized in auto accidents, bike accidents, and injury law.