Injuries caused by occupational hazards often leave workers in a tough spot. These incidents could leave long-term effects, requiring medical care and attention.
Treatments for these injuries could also lead to a long list of expensive medical bills, which could be unbearable for an average worker. In 2020 alone, the National Safety Council determined a nationwide $163.9 billion estimate of work injury costs. This amount includes the following:
- $44.8 billion worth of lost wages and income
- $34.9 billion worth of medical costs
- $61 billion worth of administrative costs
- $12.8 billion worth of employers’ uninsured expenses
The total also accounts for billions of equipment or vehicle damage and fire losses. If distributed, the cost of services or goods needed to offset expenses for each injured worker amounts to $1,100. Meanwhile, each death costs around $1.31 million, and each medically diagnosed injury costs around $44,000.
These data show how work-related injuries can leave workers in financially disastrous positions. Additionally, the stress of bearing extensive medical bills and dealing with physical issues caused by the injuries could hinder overall healing and recovery.
How can workers cover these costs?
Workers’ compensation covers qualified occupational injuries. However, you could quickly exhaust this amount if your severe injuries require expensive medical treatments.
Sometimes, the details surrounding the incident could place liability on another party. If an equipment defect caused your injury, you could place fault on its manufacturer. If that is the case, you can pursue damages from a third party.
Still, you can only do so under certain circumstances. Regulations regarding third-party claims vary from state to state, so receiving legal counsel could help you go through the process efficiently.