Common Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Accidents and injuries can happen in any work environment—from construction sites to office cubicles. When a worker is injured on the job, Indiana’s workers’ compensation system provides critical benefits to help with medical treatment, lost wages, and recovery. While some workplace injuries are obvious and immediate, others develop over time or result from exposure to harmful conditions.
At Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, we help injured workers understand their rights and recover the benefits they are entitled to. Below, we explore some of the most common types of injuries that lead to workers’ compensation claims. If you are having trouble collecting the benefits you are owed, contact our office to speak with an experienced and dedicated Indianapolis workers’ compensation attorney.
1. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)
Repetitive stress injuries—also called repetitive motion injuries or cumulative trauma disorders—occur when a worker performs the same motion over and over again, eventually causing damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves.
Common Examples:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Tennis elbow
These injuries are frequently seen in office workers, factory workers, and employees in industries requiring frequent lifting, typing, or assembly work. RSIs may develop gradually and often worsen if left untreated. Indiana workers’ compensation covers these injuries as long as they are job-related and supported by medical evidence.
2. Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. They can happen in almost any setting, from wet floors in a restaurant kitchen to cluttered hallways in an office or dangerous heights on a construction site.
Injuries May Include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Even a seemingly minor fall can result in serious injury. Workers’ compensation covers medical treatment and wage replacement if a fall occurs in the course and scope of employment.
3. Lifting and Overexertion Injuries
Manual labor and physically demanding tasks can lead to injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects. These overexertion injuries are especially common in construction, warehouse, and healthcare settings.
Common Conditions:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Herniated discs
- Lower back injuries
- Joint damage
Overexertion injuries can occur suddenly during a single incident or develop over time due to repetitive strain. Either way, workers are entitled to benefits under Indiana law if the injury is job-related.
4. Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Employees working with heavy machinery or industrial equipment are at high risk for severe injuries. Accidents can happen due to malfunctioning equipment, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety protocols.
These Injuries May Include:
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Burns
Injuries from machinery are often life-altering and may result in long-term disability. Workers’ compensation can provide critical medical coverage, disability benefits, and rehabilitation services.
5. Occupational Illnesses and Exposure Injuries
Not all workplace injuries are caused by accidents—some result from prolonged exposure to harmful substances or environments. Occupational illnesses can take years to develop, making them more difficult to diagnose and link to employment.
Examples of Occupational Illnesses:
- Respiratory conditions (from inhaling fumes, dust, or chemicals)
- Skin conditions (due to exposure to irritants or allergens)
- Hearing loss (from prolonged noise exposure)
- Certain types of cancer (linked to chemical or asbestos exposure)
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, it must be shown that the illness arose out of and in the course of employment. An experienced attorney can help build the medical and factual evidence needed for a successful claim.
6. Workplace Violence and Mental Health Injuries
In limited circumstances, injuries resulting from workplace violence or job-related mental health conditions may also be covered. For example, an employee assaulted by a customer or co-worker may be eligible for workers’ comp. Similarly, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be compensable if it stems from a specific traumatic incident at work, such as a robbery or catastrophic accident.
Mental health claims can be more difficult to prove and often require expert medical support.
Injured at Work in Indiana? Know Your Rights
No matter what type of injury you experience, if it occurs in connection with your job, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This includes medical care, wage replacement, and in some cases, long-term disability or vocational rehabilitation.
If your claim is denied or delayed, or if you’re unsure about whether your injury qualifies, the team at Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP, is here to help. We have decades of experience advocating for injured workers in Indianapolis and across Indiana.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you pursue the full benefits you’re entitled to under Indiana law.
