New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyers discuss Work-Related Injuries—Lifting or Carrying Injuries
Lifting or Carrying Injuries in the Workplace
In the modern workplace, especially in manufacturing and warehouses, one of the most frequent types of injuries suffered by workers stems from lifting or carrying products, tools, or other items. In some instances, the injury results from a single attempt to lift or carry an unwieldy or heavy object. But many workers sustain extremely debilitating injuries from the repetitive stress of constantly lifting or carrying packages, tools, parts or other items of moderate weight.
Traumatic Lifting or Carrying Injuries
Though safety regulations generally establish guidelines for lifting and carrying objects in the workplace, those guidelines can be ignored or circumvented for a variety of reasons, mostly tied to production and profit. A forklift may be malfunctioning or occupied elsewhere. A supervisor may simply push workers beyond the limit of their physical capacity in order to meet a goal or deadline. Workers are seldom trained or supervised in proper lifting techniques, and companies can choose not to utilize straps or other lifts to minimize the risk of injury.
Repetitive Stress Injuries Involving Lifting or Carrying
New Jersey law recognizes repetitive stress work injuries. Even workers who use proper techniques to lift and carry items can, as a result of continual bending, turning and load bearing, suffer debilitating wear and tear on joints, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.
Your Right to Recover for Lifting or Carrying Injuries Sustained at Work
Under New Jersey workers’ compensation laws, if you have suffered a traumatic or repetitive stress injury tied to lifting or carrying items at work, you have the right to seek benefits for lost wages, as well as medical expenses. You must report your injury to your employer in a timely manner, and will most likely be required to submit to a physical examination by a doctor chosen by your employer.
Contact the New Jersey Workplace Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone in New Jersey who has suffered a work-related lifting or carrying injury. For a meeting, contact us online or call us at 732-537-8570 (toll-free at 1-877-249-4600) for an appointment. There is no cost or obligation for your first meeting.
