Slip and Fall Injury at Work in Greensboro NC

Injured worker after slip and fall on stairs at workplace in Greensboro, NC

Pursuing compensation for slip-and-fall injuries in the workplace in Greensboro shouldn’t be difficult. Find out how the attorneys at Ward Black Law may be able to help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits, as well as compensation from a third-party claim where appropriate.

Slip-and-fall injuries in the workplace are far too common. According to the National Safety Council, 244,000 workers in a single recent year were injured severely enough that they needed to take several days off from work. If you have experienced a slip-and-fall injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages. If someone other than your employer or a co-worker was at fault, you may also be able to bring a claim against that person.

Navigating the paperwork associated with workers’ compensation and making sure to file legal claims within filing deadlines can be confusing and overwhelming. An experienced slip-and-fall lawyer at Ward Black Law can help ensure your legal rights remain protected. Ward Black Law is dedicated to helping residents of Greensboro, NC, pursue the compensation they deserve for workplace injury claims.

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Why Do Workplace Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen?

A variety of factors may lead to fall injuries in the workplace. Some situations are more likely to result in a slip-and-fall at work than others. Common factors include:

Slippery surfaces as a result of spilled liquids
Inadequate warning signs, for example, a wet floor after mopping
Cracked or uneven flooring
Poor lighting

Broken or uneven stairs
Floor holes and wall openings
Poorly positioned ladders
Cables, cords, or wires on the floor
Abrupt elevator stops

Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Workplace

While various factors can lead to an injury at work, slip-and-fall injuries can be especially traumatic. Here are some essential statistics on slip-and-fall injuries in the workplace from the National Floor Safety Institute:

Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.
While slips, trips, and falls are not a leading cause of fatal injuries at work, they are the leading cause of lost days from work due to injury.
Falls account for over 8 million emergency department visits each year, while slips and falls account for over 1 million visits.
85% of workers’ compensation claims are due to a slip-and-fall injury.
Approximately 22% of slip and all injuries in the workplace resulted in more than 31 days away from work.

Common Slip-and-Fall Workplace Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – TBIs include concussions, contusions, and bleeding. They can sometimes lead to secondary injuries that are more severe than the first brain trauma.
Skull fractures – Skull fractures occur when there is a break in the skull bone. They range from mild breaks that heal over time to severe breaks with long-term complications.
Broken bones and internal bleeding – Broken bones result from too much pressure on a bone and are more common in older people. In many cases, broken bones lead to temporary internal bleeding.
Organ damage – In some slip-and-fall injuries, organs may experience blunt or penetration trauma, damaging organs and seriously impacting the injured person.
Sprains, strains, and nerve damage – Slips and falls can result in muscle tears, sprains, and strains, leading to nerve damage. In some cases, damage may be permanent.
Cuts, bruises, and lacerations – These can result from external or internal damage and can result in disfigurement.
Neck and spine injuries – Neck and spine injuries are often particularly severe because they can cause severe pain, discomfort, and even paralysis. They might include ligament injuries, muscle strains, and cervical dislocations.
Knee sprains and fractures – Knee damage can occur if the injured person twisted as they fell. In some cases, such as an injured MCL or ACL, these injuries can take a long time to heal.

Preventing Slip-and-Fall Injuries at the Workplace

Employers in Greensboro have a responsibility to take active steps to prevent workplace injuries. Taking the time to learn how to prevent workplace injuries does not have to be difficult.

Businesses should ensure that floors remain clean and dry, remove obstacles from floors, maintain adequate lighting, and require proper footwear at the workplace. Employers can also focus on preventing workplace injuries by designing work processes that prevent exposure to slip-and-fall hazards.

Statute of Limitations for Workplace Injuries in NC

The amount of time an injured employee has to seek compensation for medical care and wage loss is limited. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, an injured worker must generally report an accident to their employer immediately or within 30 days of the date of the accident.

The requirements for reporting an accident and filing for workers’ compensation may be confusing, which is why it is important to consider contacting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Ward Black Law to learn more about your legal rights.

Can I File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation If I Fell at Work in Greensboro?

If you had a slip-and-fall injury at work in Greensboro, you may be wondering if you can file a claim for workers’ compensation. In North Carolina, workers’ compensation is an employer-paid insurance program that pays benefits to employees who suffer an injury or illness due to work. Any injury that occurs due to an accident at work can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and the employee does not need to prove negligence or any wrongdoing by the employer to receive that compensation.