workplace lifting injuries The Hart Law FirmLifting injuries are some of the most common workplace injuries that workers suffer. While some injuries will heal relatively quickly, others will require weeks, months, or longer of medical treatment and rest before a worker can return to work. If an injured employee works for a non-subscriber employer, he may be entitled to compensation if he can prove that his employer’s negligence caused his injuries.

Which Workers Are Most Likely to Suffer a Lifting Injury?

Many workers will lift some objects as part of their employment at least occasionally. For example, employees may pack and move boxes if their office moves or could have to lift heavy boxes of computer paper or supplies for an employee kitchen. However, some jobs entail much more lifting on a regular basis that can cause workers to suffer lifting injuries. Some of the employees at higher risk include:

  • Healthcare workers
  • Construction workers
  • Truck drivers
  • Factory workers
  • Delivery van and moving company employees
  • Employees in retail businesses who stock shelves and warehouses
  • Sanitation workers and custodians who must empty heavy garbage cans

Common Causes of Workplace Lifting Injuries

While some lifting injuries are caused by a worker not using proper lifting techniques, many times an employer’s actions can cause or contribute to the injury. In non-subscriber employer injury claims, a worker only needs to show that the employer was at least one percent negligent in causing his injuries to hold his employer responsible for fully compensating him. Common ways that employer negligence can result in employee lifting injuries include:

  • Failing to train employees in proper lifting techniques
  • Requiring employees to lift objects that are too heavy for them, such as objects weighing over 50 pounds
  • Requiring workers to lift heavy objects while in awkward positions
  • Requiring workers to repetitively lift without providing them with sufficient rest breaks
  • Failing to provide adequate handles on the boxes or other containers that are being lifted
  • Failing to provide protective equipment, such as back braces, lifting belts, and lifting mechanisms

What Are Common Lifting Injuries That Workers Suffer?

Workers can suffer a variety of lifting injuries that can cause them to experience pain and limitations of movements. Some injuries are caused by a sudden trauma while others are the result of repeated heavy lifting over time. Common lifting injuries include:

  • Back sprains and strains
  • Herniated disk
  • Rotator cuff tears and strains
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome, which is the impingement of tendons or the bursa, a cushioning sac, in the shoulder
  • Patellar tendonitis—an injury to the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone

Have You Been Injured At Your Texas Job And Your Employer Doesn't Provide Workers' Compensation?

If you've been injured on the job and your employer is non-subscriber you need to speak with an experienced work injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.

We help injured workers throughout Texas including Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst, Euless, Irving and all points in between.

 

David Hart
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Helping victims throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, North Richland, Grapevine, Bedford, Hurst and points between