Which Industries Have the Most Work Injuries in North Carolina?

No job is without its risks across Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties. Whether you work in a steel plant outside of Lenoir or an office space in Mooresville, accidents can happen, and workers can suffer a wide range of injuries. However, some jobs come with higher risks than others, and many people wonder, “Which industries have the most work injuries in North Carolina?” A workplace injury lawyer can help answer that question.

How We Can Help With Your Workplace Injury Claim in NC

At Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, our firm has been helping injured clients across North Carolina secure their rights and obtain compensation for over 23 years. We understand just how scary it can be to suffer an injury at your place of work, and we hope to do whatever we can to ensure you have access to the compensation you need.

Industries With the Highest Rates of Injury in North Carolina

Every seven seconds, a worker in the United States suffers a workplace injury. While injuries can happen in nearly every mode of employment, some industries are particularly dangerous. North Carolina has a diverse workforce, with important industries ranging from manufacturing to transportation, mining, and agricultural work. While all of these industries are valuable to the health of the state, they can also be extremely dangerous.

Industries that require heavy manual labor, exposure to dangerous substances, and proximity to heavy machinery can all carry risks. The industries in North Carolina with high rates of injury include the following:

• Construction. Construction workers face some of the most dangerous risks every day when they show up to work. From being struck by a swinging or falling object to being electrocuted from exposed wires or overhead powerlines, the construction industry often comes with one of the highest rates of injury. Construction workers are also required to take part in tasks that can strain their bodies and tear muscles.
• Agriculture. Many folks work in the farming and livestock industry in North Carolina, particularly in the eastern part of the state. Injuries that arise in this sector include kicks, bites, or trampling from livestock; pesticide exposure leading to lung issues and poisoning; tractor rollovers; heat-related issues from working outdoors; and musculoskeletal injuries from actions like planting or harvesting.
• Manufacturing. In 2022, the manufacturing industry in North Carolina saw 21 deaths. These jobs often require individuals to work with heavy machinery, hazardous substances, and chemicals, which can all lead to devastating injuries and even death. The most common manufacturing injuries include hearing loss, respiratory issues, burns, amputations, and crushing injuries.
• Transportation. The transportation industry is a vital part of our state and national economy. Drivers can experience a wide range of injuries, including those related to loading and unloading cargo, musculoskeletal issues from repetitive motion or sitting for prolonged periods of time, and injuries caused by vehicle accidents.
• Healthcare. The healthcare industry saves thousands of people every year, but the individuals who work in this sector face many risks to their own health. They may be exposed to diseases, chemicals, or drugs, which can all lead to illnesses or injury. Examples can include exposure to conditions like hepatitis or tuberculosis, injuries from lifting their patients, or assault and violence from patients.

What to Do Following a Work Injury

If you have suffered a work injury in North Carolina, there are several steps you should take, if physically able, to help protect your own health and the viability of a future workers’ compensation claim. These steps include:

• Report the injury to your employer
• Seek medical treatment
• Speak with an attorney
• File a claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission

If your claim is initially denied, your attorney can appeal the decision. A denial does not mean it will be impossible to receive benefits.

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Cause of Injuries in Construction?

In the construction industry, nearly 25% of all fatal work accidents in North Carolina were caused by falling from elevations. This may include falls from scaffolding. When a fall does not result in death, it can cause broken bones, head trauma, paralysis, internal bleeding, and concussions. Both injuries and deaths can result in workers’ comp claims.

What Might Keep Me From Receiving Workers’ Comp?

A few factors might keep you from receiving workers’ comp. North Carolina operates as a no-fault system, meaning you do not need to place fault on any party to receive benefits if the accident happened due to certain reasons. However, you may not be able to receive benefits if you were intoxicated at work, violated certain safety protocols, or intentionally caused the accident.

What Benefits Can I Receive After Suffering a Work Injury?

Depending on the nature of your work injury and its severity, there are several benefits you may be entitled to receive. These can include compensation for all related medical costs, like surgeries, treatment, doctor’s visits, or hospital stays, and medications; compensation for lost wages if you are unable to return to work for a certain amount of time; or death benefits if you have lost a loved one to a workplace accident.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered at Work?

Several kinds of injuries are commonly suffered at work in North Carolina. These include broken bones and fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, internal organ or nerve damage, amputations, crushing or pinning injuries, facial injuries, repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel or bursitis, and even death.

Hire a Work Injury Lawyer Today: Contact Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC

Suffering a workplace injury or illness is a reality for many employees across North Carolina, but especially for those in certain industries, such as manufacturing or transportation. Whether you have suffered a broken bone or damage to your spinal cord, our work injury attorney at Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, is here to help. Contact our offices today to schedule an initial consultation and hire a work injury lawyer who can help you.