Each year, thousands of workers in Missouri and across the country suffer serious injuries while performing their jobs. These injuries cost the U.S. billions of dollars in medical costs and lost wage payments.
According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, which documents the top 10 causes of serious on-the-job injuries nationwide every year, overexertion was the most expensive type of injury across all industries in 2019, costing $13.11 billion and accounting for 23.65% of all worker injuries. The second most expensive type of injury was falls on the same level, costing $10.38 billion and accounting for 18.72% of all injuries. The third most expensive type of injury was being struck by an object or piece of equipment, costing $5.22 billion and accounting for 9.42% of all injuries. Other top causes of workplace injuries on the list included falls to a lower level, other exertions or bodily reactions, motor vehicle accidents, slips or trips without falling, individuals getting caught or compressed in equipment, repetitive motions and workers getting struck against objects or equipment. When combined, these injuries cost a total of $18.22 billion.
The list also broke down injuries by industry. For example, the most common types of injuries for the construction industry were falls to a lower level and being struck by an object. Meanwhile, the most common types of injuries for professional services were falls to the same level and overexertion injuries. Overexertion was also listed as the top cause of injury for workers employed in the manufacturing, healthcare and retail industries.
Missouri workers who suffer on-the-job injuries are typically eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits through their employer’s insurance. An attorney may review a worker’s case, help prepare the claim and work to obtain the maximum settlement possible.
