Have you developed an injury from lifting objects for your job in NYC? If your injuries are work-related, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits and money from a Labor Law claim or a third-party personal injury lawsuit. Instead of worrying about medical bills and lost income from missing work while you heal, you should get legal help.
The NYC repetitive lifting injury attorneys with The Perecman Firm, want to handle your claim for you. Let us manage the details of pursuing the money you need so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us online or call us today to schedule a free case review, and let’s discuss how to get the compensation you deserve.
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What You Should Know About Lifting Injuries in the Workplace
Injury from lifting heavy objects may be among the most common types of workplace injuries. According to Ohio State University, motions like lifting or moving heavy objects cause about 25 percent of injuries in the workplace.
What are the OSHA guidelines for safe lifting? OSHA recommends:
- Always using equipment to assist with lifting when necessary
- Bending the knees instead of the torso to set down and pick up heavy objects
- Using proper handholds to lift whenever they’re available
- Taking breaks to avoid overexertion
- Ensuring you’ve had enough rest, food, and fluids to safely engage in physical activity.
- Holding heavy objects close to the body in the “power zone” between the mid-thigh and mid-chest when carrying them
OSHA recommendations also state that the proper lifting technique for one situation may not be ideal for another. OSHA suggests accounting for such factors as weight, shape, and size to determine the best lifting technique.
Most Common Workplace Lifting Injuries in NYC
Injuries from lifting heavy objects can take several forms. The most common are:
- Strain injuries – Pulled muscles, torn tendons and ligaments, etc., are common strain injuries.
- Nerve damage – Nerve damage may include pinched nerves, compressed nerves, and peripheral nerve injuries.
- Spine injuries – Repetitive lifting could result in herniated discs and fractured vertebrae.
- Joint injuries – Repetitive lifting may stress joints in such areas as knees, shoulders, and hips.
- Hernia injuries – According to the Cleveland Clinic, lifting heavy objects could be a contributing factor in hernia injuries.
- Musculoskeletal disorders – Musculoskeletal disorders like tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other overuse injuries may develop as a result of repetitive lifting.
An injury doesn’t have to result from an accident for you to receive compensation. You may also be eligible for compensation if a work-related injury or health condition developed over a long period.
What Causes Work-Related Lifting Injuries in New York?
Some lifting injuries happen in an instant, while others are repetitive stress injuries that develop over time. Lifting injuries in the workplace are often the result of activities such as the following examples:
- Lifting heavy packages
- Preparing loads for forklifts
- Stocking items
- Unloading heavy cargo
- Moving furniture
- Lifting patients from bed to bed
Exercise caution when lifting any heavy items at work. If you have doubts about your ability to lift an item by yourself, ask for help.
Recovering Compensation for Workplace Lifting Injuries in New York City
According to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, nearly all employers must purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits is one way to seek compensation after sustaining workplace injuries.
According to the Workers’ Compensation Board, workers’ comp benefits in NYC include medical expenses and partial wage replacement. Workers’ comp doesn’t cover losses like pain and suffering.
It may still be possible to seek compensation for the intangible losses that result from lifting injuries at work, even though you can’t hold your employer liable for negligence with a workers’ comp claim.
If you can show your accident resulted from the negligence of a party other than your employer, you could file a third-party claim for compensation. Examples of such parties may include:
- The manufacturer or designer of defective equipment
- A driver at fault for a car accident
- A property owner who overlooks hazards on their property
Our workplace lifting injury attorneys can review your situation and determine if a third party may be liable.
In addition, Section 200 of the New York State Labor Code states employers and contractors must maintain safe working environments. You could file a separate claim if the party with authority over a workspace didn’t fulfill their duty under this law. Our repetitive lifting injury attorneys can thoroughly explain how this law could apply to your case.
Why You Need Our NYC Workplace Lifting Injury Attorneys
Hiring our NYC repetitive lifting injury attorneys can simplify the process of seeking compensation and improve your odds of recovering maximum benefits from all available sources. Our lawyers can handle your case while you recover and undergo treatment.
Specific ways in which our repetitive lifting injury lawyers may help include:
- Gathering evidence for a workers’ comp claim to show an injury is work-related
- Managing your workers’ comp claim
- Determining whether you have grounds to file a third-party or Labor Law personal injury claim
- Investigating the accident to identify liable third parties
- Gathering evidence of liability for a personal injury case
- Handling correspondence with insurance adjusters
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
- Pursuing your case at hearings or in court if a negotiated settlement isn’t possible
An insurance adjuster’s goal is often to convince you to settle for less than you may be entitled to receive. Protect yourself by hiring our attorneys to negotiate with the insurance company for you. We know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts – and we know how to counter them and make them pay what they should.
Be aware that New York Workers' Compensation Law § 28 requires you to file a workers’ compensation claim within two years of being injured. According to the New York State Unified Court System, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Don’t delay when scheduling a consultation with our attorneys. You may waive your right to compensation if you wait too long to pursue your case.
Contact Us Today for Help with Your Work-Related Lifting Injury Case
Help is available if you’ve developed injuries resulting from lifting heavy items at work. At The Perecman Firm, we offer over 40 years of combined experience representing injured workers like you, and we’ve recovered more than half a billion dollars for our clients during that time.
Review your case with one of our NYC repetitive lifting injury lawyers to learn more about filing a claim. We’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us to request a free case evaluation.