A workplace accident that results in serious injury or death is both an employer’s and employee’s worst fear. An average 2.8 workers out of every 100 in the U.S. are injured every year.

If a worker’s injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, it is extremely important for them to make a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible.

Not only can workplace accidents directly impact workers’ health and safety, but also the workforce as a whole, losing team members and potentially incurring financial losses if cases are taken to court.

Slips, trips and falls are the top cause of all workers’ compensation claims, incurring injuries such as broken bones, sprains, cuts, pulled muscles, and damage to the back, head and neck. Whilst these types of injuries are described as “nonfatal,” they can result in hospitalization and missed workdays, often resulting in financial losses.

Below are the five most common causes of workplace injuries that would be eligible for pre-settlement funding:

Slip-and-fall accidents — If someone failed to place warning signs around slippery areas or left debris in a walkway, someone could easily fall because of their carelessness. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a back injury, broken bones or a concussion.

Malfunctioning equipment — Many jobs involve machinery that could be faulty or worn down. Manufacturers and maintenance personnel are obligated to ensure that the work equipment employees use will not cause injuries like accidental amputation or burns.

Inadequate training — The employer is responsible for training employees on all the processes necessary to do their job safely. If an employee is injured because this training was not provided or was inadequate, the employer may be liable for the employee’s losses.

Exposure to harmful substances — Contact with dangerous chemicals, excessive radiation levels or scalding liquid can lead to severe burns or even long-term illnesses such as cancer. The employer, supervisor and co-workers must all follow proper safety procedures to ensure employees are not injured at work by these substances.

Excessive noise — A consistently loud environment like a factory or construction site can impact short-term and long-term hearing. Employers must provide workers with training and proper protective equipment to guard against hearing damage that could affect their quality of life.

High Rise Financial is a pre-settlement legal funding company providing victims of personal injury cases with a portion of their anticipated settlement funds before their case officially settles.

Did You Know: Google searches for “workplace accident” have surged by 156% in the U.S.