Columbia Overexertion Injury Lawyer

It is no secret that Missourians take a great deal of pride in their work ethic. From farmers to truckers, office workers to retail workers—Missourians get the job done. While our citizens are known for hard work, our lawyers at The Law Office of Chris Miller often see and handle workers’ compensation cases involving overexertion.

While on the job, a worker that is overexerted may be more likely to cause or suffer injury. The line between being ambitious at work and your personal safety is often thin, and you should always prioritize your personal safety. If you were hurt in an accident related to overworking, you may benefit from consulting a Columbia overexertion injury lawyer.

Identifying Overexertion and Preventing Injuries

Overexertion can lead to a variety of injuries like tears, sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries. These types of injuries often affect large portions of the body and can take a serious toll on one’s livelihood. Workers often display signs of overexertion before causing or suffering injury. Here are some common signs that might suggest a worker is suffering from overexertion:

Loss of breath or the inability to speak
Dizziness
Aching joints or sore muscles
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Sharp or shooting pains
Dehydration
Fainting

Workers in the construction field are most likely to suffer from overexertion. However, just because you do not work construction does not mean you cannot suffer from overexertion. Common tasks that can lead to overexertion include:

Lifting, carrying, or pulling heavy objects
Working in awkward positions
Working in hot or humid conditions
Throwing objects
Repetitive motions
Bending
Using tools that vibrate
Reaching
Sitting and standing repeatedly

A skilled attorney could help you seek compensation if overexertion caused you to suffer an injury at work.

Overexertion and Workers’ Compensation in Columbia

Studies suggest that around 25% of all workers’ compensation claims are related to some sort of overexertion injury. In fact, according to the 2020 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, overexertion injuries are a leading cause of workplace injury and, ultimately, cost U.S. employers nearly $14 billion per year.

Taking preventative measures can help minimize work-related injuries caused by overexertion. The Missouri Department of Workers’ Compensation highlights these steps to prevent work-related injuries caused by overexertion:

Maintain a good posture
Avoid working long hours
Stay hydrated and well-nourished
Follow the safety procedures outlined by your employer
Have an ergonomic workstation
Take regular breaks
Be aware of symptoms related to overexertion

A local attorney familiar with overexertion accidents could provide legal help if your employer failed to provide breaks or other safety measures to prevent injury.

What to Do if You Suffer an Overexertion Injury

Even if all the preventative measures outlined by the Department of Workers’ Compensation are followed, a work-related injury due to overexertion can still happen. Here is what you should do in the event that you are injured at work due to overexertion:

Immediately after an injury, you should prioritize your safety and health. By that, we mean that you should seek whatever immediate medical treatment necessary in that moment of injury.
Inform your supervisor or human resources director of your injury. This is a vital step in your claim process. This step allows for your employer to make an official record of the injury. It will be important for attorneys and insurance companies to have access to this official record.
Seek medical attention. After informing your supervisor of your work-related injury, request that they send you to see a medical specialist who can assess and diagnose your injury. Your employer may have a pre-authorized medical provider. If your employer does not have a pre-authorized medical provider and is unwilling to pay for medical treatment, contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
Consult a workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any compensation. Insurance companies are profit-maximizing businesses first and foremost and are constantly seeking to minimize costs. Your settlement is a cost to the insurance company. Discussing your claim with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you are fully and adequately compensated for your overexertion injury. You do not want to cut yourself short!

Reach Out to a Columbia Overexertion Attorney Today

While working hard can be the mark of a good employee, many workers suffer from overexertion due to lack of breaks and long hours. If you suffered injuries while on the job, seek legal help today. A Columbia overexertion lawyer could work with you to obtain compensation.