Introduction
Accidents that occur in workplaces are a huge challenge for both employers and employees for different reasons. Usually, medical expenses e.g. treatment, therapy, medication and even compensation gets a lot of focus. However, the out of pocket expenses from workplace injuries are expected to be higher in the long run. These costs can interfere with productivity levels, employee satisfaction, and general business conduct. For lawyers acting on behalf of injured employees or employers, it is important to appreciate the underlying factors that contribute to the costs of workplace injuries. This article will explain in detail the different costs associated with workplace injuries, attending to medical records, and other important information relevant to legal practitioners in the United States.
Understanding Workplace Injuries
Definition and Overview
A workplace injury may be described as an injury that one suffers when performing his/her works related functions. It can be as simple as a sprain or a strain, or as complex as a serious injury that leads to permanent consequences or even death.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): These are types of injuries that affect muscles, tendons and ligaments. Most results from prolonged repetitive actions or overuse of body parts.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These are as a result of wet floors, uneven floors, or other elements on the ground that are potential to cause falls.
- Violence within the Workplace: This refers to physical or verbal attacks or threats in the working environment.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: This injury can occur while driving a company vehicle or while travelling for work.
The Direct Costs of Workplace Injuries
Medical Expenses
The most apparent direct cost of workplace injuries is medical expenses. This includes:
• Visits to the emergency room
• Stay over at a hospital
• Undergoing surgery
• Post injury therapy
Compensation Payments
Injured employees may be entitled to compensation payments, which can include:
• Temporary disability coverage
• Permanent disability coverage
• Vocational rehabilitation
The Hidden Costs of Workplace Injuries
Indirect Costs
Indirect costs are often overlooked but can significantly impact a business’s bottom line. These costs may include:
- Decreased Output: The absence of an employee due to an injury can reduce the productivity output. In turn, not only does this impact the injured worker, but also their peers who will probably have to take over their duties.
- Higher Training and Replacement Costs: The process of hiring, on boarding and training a new employee can come with great expenses. This is to replace the employee who got injured.
- Higher Insurance Premium: Insurance for workers compensation might be more expensive if there is a record of having injuries in the workplace. This will hurt a business’ financial position.
- Legal fees: Most compensation related disputes, regardless of their nature can quickly accrue legal fees and result in diminished resources.
- Employee morale: Remaining workers suffering from injuries in the workplace tend to become less productive and more prone to resignation.
Social Costs
The social implications of workplace injuries extend beyond the workplace itself. These may include:
- Impact on Families: Family members of the injured worker could suffer a lot financially.
- Community Costs: Productivity loss contributes to increasing healthcare costs and could mean several other things detrimental to the community.
The Role of Medical Records in Workplace Injury Cases
Importance of Medical Records
An injury at the workplace case will strongly depend on medical records because there has to be proof that the injury happened, treated, and the person’s life has changed. Elements in medical records include but are not limited to the following:
• Treatment diagnosis.
• Treatment plan.
• Progress notes.
• Evidence of previous medical issues.
How Medical Records Review Services Assist Attorneys
- Comprehensive Analysis: Our medical records review services help attorneys identify critical information that supports their case, such as:
- Details of injuries and treatments.
- Evidence of long-term effects on the victim’s health.
- Documentation of medical expenses incurred due to the injury.
- Expert Testimony: We can assist in preparing medical experts to testify regarding the injuries and their connection to the workplace incident, further solidifying the case.
- Streamlining the Process: By efficiently analyzing medical records, we help attorneys save time and focus on building a strong case for their clients.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Slip and Fall Incident
Overview: A warehouse employee sustained a fall at the place of work, resulting to a broken wrist.
Challenges: She had to wait for many weeks until her wrist healed in addition to incurring significant medical costs. This resulted in loss of income for many weeks, all of which greatly depressed her financially.
Solutions: The worker received determination medical treatment, rehabilitation, and record keeping. The employer placed additional safety requirements such as new signage and routinely cleaned and maintained floors to mitigate the risk of the issue occurring again.
Case Study 2: Musculoskeletal Disorder from Repetitive Motion
Overview: A factory worker has strife with chronic pain and loss in work function due to a musculoskeletal disorder as a result of repetitive action over the years.
Challenges: The worker was unable to perform any functional daily activity and was placed on aggressive medical care including physical therapy and ergonomics.
Solutions: The employer furnished ergonomic equipment and changed the employee’s duties to lessen the workload. The medical documents were examined and they corroborated the worker’s argument, as the workplace was indeed a contribution to the injury sustained.
Conclusion
Employers and lawyers should pay attention to the un-direct costs associated with workplace injuries. In addition to the medicine and claims payments, un-direct costs include the caregiver’s productivity and the overall wellbeing of the organization. Legal practitioners can easily transform the information of these un-direct impacts into stronger cases with the use of records of workplace injuries. Strategies on safety in the organization are changing every day and practitioners, together with business people, need to be prepared to spend more in these un-direct costs.
