Injuries Caused by Being Struck by an Object

Being struck by an object while on the jobsite can cause debilitating injuries, requiring extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and time off of work. In fact, according to Liberty Mutual’s Workplace Safety Index, being struck by an object accounts for nearly 13% of all workplace injuries and amounts to nearly $5 billion in direct workers’ compensation costs. Maine workers struck by objects on the worksite can receive compensation for their medical bills, prescription drug costs, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and disability stemming from the accident through workers’ compensation insurance.

In the State of Maine, nearly all public and private employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Exempt employers include those engaged in agriculture, with some restrictions, and employers of domestic servants in a private home.

Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits for employees who experience an injury that arises out of and in the course of their employment. All employees must notify their supervisor within 30 days of the injury, and the employee must either require medical attention or miss time from work to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Workers’ compensation insurance will cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages of the injured employee. Further, employees are protected from retaliation for filing a claim and the employer is required to hold their job for a certain period of time to allow for recovery.

It is possible for workers to be struck by objects in any number of occupations. However, some jobs present greater risk. The construction injury is fraught with a significant number of falling object injuries. Workers involved in demolition suffer hundreds of serious head injuries a year as a result of falling metal, concrete, shrapnel, and other objects. Heavy forklifts have been known to fall on employees, frequently causing traumatic brain injury. Dense objects like sledge hammers routinely fall from scaffolding, striking construction workers below.

It is not only falling objects that injure workers. Some jobsites involve objects being thrown, sometimes at strong speeds. Sports industries, shooting ranges, and the like come with the potential danger of being hit by a flying object. These accidents can cause serious injury such as traumatic brain injury and paralysis.

There are several steps employers can take to protect workers from sustaining injuries due to falling or flying objects. These can include requiring the use of protective headgear in occupations where its use is warranted, developing a safety protocol and actively enforcing it, and closely supervising all employees. Employers should also take care to thoroughly train all employees and allow adequate breaks. It is vital that all time expectations be realistic and not lead to the employee acting in haste, as this frequently results in mistakes being made and people getting hurt.

A skilled workers’ compensation attorney will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits afforded to you under Maine law. If you go it alone, it will be difficult for you to know whether you are receiving the correct amount of money or whether you are taking advantage of all of the various types of benefits afforded under the law.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Accordingly, even if you played a role in your accident, you can receive compensation.

At Maine Employee Rights Group, we care about the working people of Maine and strive to ensure that all our injured clients receive top compensation and proper medical treatment. We operate on a contingency fee basis and offer several convenient meeting locations across the State. Call us today at 207.874.0905 for an initial consultation.