Which Profession has the Highest Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Accidents and injuries can happen on the job in any profession, but some professions are inherently more dangerous than others. Research has identified the industries and professions that have the highest level of workers’ compensation claims annually, and some of these jobs may surprise you.
At Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf, our experienced and knowledgeable Milwaukee workers’ compensation lawyers have handled cases in every major industry where workers’ compensation claims are common. We are prepared to fight for the benefits that you are entitled to after an accident on the job. To learn more about your legal options after a workplace injury, call or contact our office in Milwaukee to schedule a consultation of your case today.
Professions with the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the top ten private occupations with the largest number of workers’ compensation injuries and illnesses reported in 2020 comprise the following:
- Nursing assistants (96,480 claims)
- Registered nurses (78,640 claims)
- Construction workers, laborers, and freight, stock, and material movers (64,930 claims)
- Truck drivers, both heavy and tractor-trailer (43,500 claims)
- Stockers and order fillers (31,280 claims)
- Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (29,230 claims)
- Retail salespeople (28,110 claims)
- Personal care aides (27,750 claims)
- Production workers (26,850 claims)
- General maintenance and repair workers (23,400 claims)
In total, the top ten private professions with workers’ compensation claims in 2020 had a combined 450,270 claims filed nationwide and comprised over 38 percent of all workers’ compensation claims that year.
Common Causes of Workers’ Compensation Accidents
There are many reasons why these industries have the most workers’ compensation claims across the country. Many of these occupations have dangerous worksites, routinely deal with hazardous material, or engage with customers, clients, or patients that can be hostile. Some of the most common causes cited in workers’ compensation cases include the following:
- Trip and fall accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Overexertion
- Assaults and intentional acts of violence
- Struck by objects
- Fall
- Scaffold and ladder collapses
- Auto accidents
- Caught in or between objects
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Failure to properly train employees
- Failure to maintain a safe work area
- Crane accidents
- Electrocutions
- Backhoe and forklift accidents
- Defective equipment
- Exposure to toxic or dangerous substances
Regardless of the reason, a workplace accident may entitle an injured employee to a wide range of workers’ compensation benefits.
Compensation for Workers’ Compensation Claims
Wisconsin workers’ compensation benefits cover the costs of an injury after a person has been injured on the job. This includes the coverage of all medical bills associated with the accident as well as all transportation expenses to and from medical care. Workers’ compensation also covers any vocational rehabilitation and training, and in the worst cases, it will also cover the funeral costs and death benefits for survivors.
Workers’ compensation benefits also provide wage relief during and after a workplace accident. The various forms of wage relief are available to employees hurt on the job:
Temporary Total Disability
Two-thirds of a worker’s weekly wage prior to the injury continues until the employee returns to work or reaches maximum medical improvement. This is available if a worker is unable to return to work while recovering from an injury or could return to work with restrictions but has not been offered a job with those accommodations.
Temporary Partial Disability
These benefits are available when a worker can return to work but can no longer earn as much as they could prior to the injury. Temporary partial disability is two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury and post-injury wages.
Permanent Partial Disability
Once maximum medical improvement is reached, a doctor will determine if there is any permanent disability that resulted from the workplace accident. Permanent partial disability wages can be as much as two-thirds of the pre-injury wages, but they are capped at $362 per week.
Permanent Total Disability
If a workplace accident occurs in one of the industries with the highest number of claims or during any other job that renders an employee completely unable to work, they may receive permanent total disability benefits. Certain injuries come with a presumption of permanent total disability, such as the loss of both eyes or limbs.
Related to permanent total disability benefits, payment is also made to employees who are permanently disfigured as a result of their workplace accident, so long as the body part could be visible at work and could result in wage loss.
How Our Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
After an accident at work, the last thing that an employee wants to deal with is the legal handling of a workers’ compensation claim while they are recovering. An experienced Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyer shoulders the burden of the legal process and ensures that their client receives full and fair benefits for their workplace accident.
A lawyer files the proper paperwork with the employer and all relevant agencies. They ensure that the injured worker’s expenses are covered and benefits are paid timely. If there is a dispute as to the extent of the injuries, an attorney can protect and defend their client’s rights and access to benefits. If necessary, a lawyer can even take the case to court in order to ensure that an injured employee gets the compensation that they deserve.
To learn more about how a knowledgeable lawyer can assist with your workers’ compensation case, talk to our office today.
Talk to Our Office Now
While some occupations have more workers’ compensation claims than others, any job can result in a workplace injury. Have you or a loved one in the Milwaukee area been hurt while at work? If so, you may be entitled to benefits under Wisconsin workers’ compensation laws.
If you would like to learn more about your legal options after an accident, call the office to speak with an experienced and proficient Milwaukee workers’ compensation attorney at Gillick, Wicht, Gillick & Graf during a free, no-obligation consultation today.