Workers in Polk County can get hurt on the job in virtually any way you can imagine. But experts can group most work-related accidents into certain categories. Recently, a group called Simply Business released what it calls the top 10 most common types of injuries that lead to workers’ compensation claims in the United States.

The list is based on data published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. They are all injuries that people who work in warehouses, construction and other physically intensive jobs are familiar with. Here is the list by the percentage of the total claims:

  1. Muscle, ligament and tendon strains (30.1 percent)
  2. Contusions (20.8 percent)
  3. Lacerations (11.8 percent)
  4. Sprains (8.9 percent)
  5. Punctures (5.5 percent)
  6. Burns and electrocutions (3.1 percent)
  7. Foreign object in the body (2.8 percent)
  8. Broken bones (1.4 percent)
  9. Crush injuries (0.9 percent)
  10. Concussions (0.6 percent)

Some of the injuries on this list might sound relatively mild. Specifically, sprains, strains, contusions (bruises) and lacerations (cuts) can be relatively mild injuries that heal quickly and do not require you to miss work. But this is misleading. The fact that so many workers made workers’ comp claims based on these injuries shows that they go beyond a tender spot on your arm or a small cut on your hand. They are excruciating and debilitating injuries that require medical attention and prevent the victims from going back to work for a significant time period.

Workers’ compensation in Florida

Whatever injury you suffer at work, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Funds from workers’ comp can help you pay your medical and rehabilitation bills, helping your family make ends meet while you are out of work.