Did you know that workplace injuries are one of the leading causes of employee distress and financial difficulty? Every year, millions of workers are injured on the job due to unsafe working conditions or a lack of safety protocols. While some workplace injuries are minor, there are certain types of catastrophic injuries that can cause serious long-term damage or even death.
Catastrophic Workplace Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most severe types of catastrophic injuries that can occur in the workplace. This type of injury is caused by an impact to the head, which can cause swelling, bleeding, and other serious damage to the brain tissue.
It is important for employers to protect workers from falls since this is one of the most common causes of TBIs in the workplace. Employers should provide workers with proper safety equipment, such as hard hats and safety harnesses, when they are engaging in activities where falling could occur.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are another type of catastrophic injury that can result from a fall or physical trauma on the job. An SCI occurs when there is significant damage to any part of your spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in paralysis and loss of sensation below the site of injury.
To prevent spinal cord injuries, employers should ensure that employees use protective gear such as back braces while performing manual labor tasks and promote safe lifting techniques. Additionally, employers should regularly inspect their premises for hazards such as wet floors or uneven walkways that could increase the risk of slips and falls.
Amputation Injuries
Loss or amputation of limbs is another type of catastrophic injury that frequently occurs in dangerous work environments such as construction sites or factories where heavy machinery is present. Amputations can result from contact with unguarded machine parts, entanglement with moving equipment, crushed by falling objects, or other traumatic incidents at work.
To reduce amputations and other potential workplace accidents involving machines, employers should provide employees with proper safety training on how to use equipment properly and enforce strict safety protocols around heavy machinery operations.
Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in San Francisco, CA
If you have been catastrophically injured, it is important to consult with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney who can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. The lawyers at Walkup Law Offices are dedicated to helping injury victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.
Call us today at (415) 940-7176 or fill out a form online for a free consultation.