A career-ending injury can be devastating for someone who depends on their income to support themselves and their family.
As the name suggests, a career-ending injury is an injury that is so severe it forces the victim to leave their job. This can be a devastating event for someone who depends on their income to support themselves and their family.
This article will discuss how career-ending injuries occur in the workplace, provide some common examples of such injuries, and share some tips for preventing them. We’ll also tell you what you can do if you have been injured on the job.
How They Occur
While most career-ending injuries are accidental, some are due to negligence on the employers’ part. For example, if an employer fails to provide proper safety equipment or training, this could lead to an employee sustaining a serious injury. Other times, accidents happen because of dangerous work conditions, such as slippery floors or exposed electrical wires.
Some common ways in which these injuries happen include:
- Slip and falls
- Being struck by an object
- Falls from height
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Electrocution
Examples of Career-Ending Injuries
Career-ending injuries can vary in severity, but some of the most common ones include:
Spinal cord injuries (SCI): These injuries may occur when someone slips and falls, is struck by an object, or suffers a fall from height. SCIs can cause permanent paralysis or death.
Amputation: This can result from an accident involving a machine, being struck by an object, or getting one’s hand caught in machinery. Amputations often require extensive surgery and rehabilitation and can lead to lifelong disability.
Paralysis: Paralysis can be caused by SCIs, falls, or being struck by an object. It can result in partial or complete paralysis and often requires lifelong care.
Brain damage: Brain damage can occur due to a fall, electrocution, being struck by an object, or exposure to hazardous materials. It can lead to cognitive impairments, motor skills deficits, and even death.
Preventing Career-Ending Injuries
There are several things employers can do to prevent their employees from sustaining career-ending injuries. Some of these include:
- Providing proper safety equipment and training
- Maintaining a safe work environment
- Conducting regular safety inspections
- Addressing hazardous conditions immediately
- Creating a culture of safety in the workplace
What to Do If You Suffer a Career-Ending Injury at Work
If you suffer a career-ending injury in the workplace, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced St. Louis workers’ comp attorney can help you file a claim against your employer’s insurer and get the compensation you deserve.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney
If you have been injured on the job, get in touch with the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann 24/7 for a free case evaluation.