COMMON TYPES OF WORK-RELATED INJURIES
1. Accidents
Sudden injuries such as cuts, strains, sprains, broken bones and burns.
2. Heart Attacks and Strokes
Benefits are available for these injuries if your doctor believes that they are the result of on the job stress or strain. These injuries require technical medical proof in court and frequently must be pursued through the appeals courts before benefits are received.
3. Cumulative Trauma
Injuries sometimes occur gradually over a long period of time. Some examples: hearing loss, loss of breathing capacity and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important not to overlook any problem with soreness in a joint or soreness in the back or neck which gradually may become severe after prolonged exposure to repetitive job duties.
4. Skin Disorders and Rashes
Repeated exposure to chemicals, smoke and other products of the work place may cause skin disorders. These injuries are compensable under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
This list is not complete. Any injury you suffer on the job because of your work is probably covered, no matter how bizarre the injury or who was at fault.
5. Presumptive Diseases and Firefighters
The Legislature of the State of Oklahoma has created special presumptions in favor of firefighters. It provides: “Any member of the fire department… who is disabled as a result of heart disease, respiratory system, cancer, or infectious disease which was not revealed by the physical examination passed by the member upon entry into the department shall be presumed to have sustained (the problem) while performing the firefighter’s duties…unless the contrary is show by competent evidence.” Therefore, if you pass the physical upon entry into the department, the laws of this state create a presumption that your problem is work related unless it can be shown to be caused elsewhere.
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