Older Americans Injured at Work
Older Americans, like any other age group, can be susceptible to workplace injuries. Some common ways older Americans get hurt at work include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Older workers may experience a decline in balance and agility, making them more prone to slips, trips, and falls. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, workers aged 55 and older accounted for 39% of fatal falls.
- Overexertion and Strains: Older workers may face physical challenges when performing physically demanding tasks, leading to overexertion, strains, and sprains. The BLS reports that in 2019, workers aged 55 and older had higher rates of overexertion injuries compared to younger age groups.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Older workers who have spent years performing repetitive tasks may develop musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. These injuries can be attributed to long-term exposure to repetitive motions.
- Struck by Objects: Older workers may be more susceptible to injuries caused by being struck by objects due to decreased reaction time or diminished vision. The BLS indicates that workers aged 55 and older accounted for 47% of fatal injuries caused by being struck by objects in 2019.
- Workplace Violence: Older workers may encounter workplace violence, which can lead to physical injuries. This can occur in various occupations, including healthcare, social services, or customer service roles.
According to the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in 2019, workers aged 55 and older accounted for 38% of all fatal workplace injuries. The CFOI also reported that older workers had higher rates of fatal falls, fatal injuries caused by being struck by objects, and fatal injuries resulting from overexertion compared to younger age groups.
Resources for Older Americans Hurt at Work
- S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL offers various resources related to workplace safety, workers’ rights, and workers’ compensation. Visit their website at www.dol.gov to access information on filing a workers’ compensation claim, understanding your rights, and finding local resources.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA sets and enforces workplace safety standards. Their website (osha.gov) provides information on workplace hazards, safety guidelines, and workers’ rights. You can also find your local OSHA office for further assistance.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and focuses on occupational safety and health research. Their website (cdc.gov/niosh) offers resources and publications related to workplace safety, including specific information for older workers.
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): AARP provides information and resources for older Americans, including those who have been injured at work. They offer guidance on workers’ compensation, employment rights, and advocacy for older workers. Visit their website at aarp.org to access their resources.
- State Workers’ Compensation Agencies: Each state has its own workers’ compensation agency that oversees the workers’ compensation system. These agencies can provide information on filing a claim, benefits available, and local resources specific to your state. Search for your state’s workers’ compensation agency Hawthorne, CA online or contact your local Department of Labor for guidance.
Common Surgeries Older Americans Have to Get After Getting Hurt at Work
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Older workers are more susceptible to joint injuries, such as hip or knee fractures or severe arthritis. Joint replacement surgery, such as total hip replacement or total knee replacement, may be necessary to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore functionality.
- Spinal Surgery: Older workers may experience spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, or spinal stenosis, which can cause severe pain and mobility issues. Spinal surgery, such as laminectomy, discectomy, or spinal fusion, may be performed to relieve pressure on nerves, stabilize the spine, or repair damaged vertebrae.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears, are common among older workers, particularly those engaged in physically demanding jobs. Surgical repair of the rotator cuff may be necessary to restore strength, range of motion, and stability to the shoulder joint.
- Fracture Repair: Older workers may experience fractures due to falls or accidents at work. Fracture repair surgeries involve realigning and stabilizing broken bones using surgical methods such as internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods.
- Tendon Repair: Tendon injuries, such as Achilles tendon tears or ruptured biceps tendons, can occur in older workers during work-related accidents or due to degenerative conditions. Surgical repair of the tendon may be necessary to restore function and strength.
If you are an older American who has been injured on the job, don’t navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Contact our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Hawthorne today. We understand the challenges older workers face and can provide the legal support you need to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
What Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Do?
Workers compensation law can be extremely complex, especially for injured workers who do not have an attorney. A workers’ compensation attorney plays an important role in helping their clients obtain medical treatment, benefits, and a fair compensation. At Lavrac Accident Law, we always do the best we can to help our clients with their treatment, benefits, and as always, the best compensation possible.
What is Considered a Work Injury?
There are many different types of work injuries or harmful exposure at the workplace. For example, excessive exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or harmful substances or harsh work environments can cause work injuries. There are also cumulative trauma injuries along with excessive exposure to stressful or traumatic events. Additionally, injured workers sometimes get injured as a result of having contact with dangerous objects or equipment. Finally, slips, trips, and falls account for a major part of work injuries as well. Therefore, work injuries can happen in many different ways and forms.
When You Can File a Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit?
The short answer is that a claim can be filed very quickly. However, proceeding with a claim or determining when to file a claim may require an attorney’s opinion. Therefore, before proceeding with a claim an injured worker should schedule a free evaluation with an experienced workers compensation attorney. It should be noted however, that speaking with an attorney does not mean an injured worker will have to file a claim, but it only means that an injured worker will have enough information and knowledge to know what to do and when to file a claim.
When Do You Need a Workers Compensation Firm in Hawthorne, CA?
As previously mentioned, the overall body of law is very complex and it is always changing. Therefore, to protect one’s rights and interests it is strongly recommended to seek a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. As the old adage goes, knowledge is power. Therefore, book a free case evaluation with us today.