Can you file a workers’ comp claim for a repetitive stress injury?

Crash risk increases as people approach and proceed through intersections. While collisions can occur anywhere on the open road, a large percentage of the most severe collisions take place at intersections. Vehicles moving in different directions can collide when motorists make mistakes. Many traffic rules apply to vehicles at intersections in particular. Despite the thorough rules in place to help limit crash risk, intersection collisions are still quite common. And many of them involve the same risk factors. 1. Turning left According to research into intersection collisions in particular, more than 60% of these crashes occur when a driver attempts to turn left. Left turns expose drivers to every approaching lane of traffic. They generally require a slower approach. Particularly when drivers fail to use their signals as they approach an intersection, the possibility of a left-hand turn crash occurring increases. 2. Inadequate surveillance Carefully monitoring surroundings is a key component of safe driving. Particularly at locations where drivers have to share space with other vehicles, proper observation is key to traffic safety. Unfortunately, drivers do not necessarily check as thoroughly as they should before deciding how to proceed through an intersection. In some cases, there may be physical items that impede their line of vision. Other times, they simply glance in each direction without looking carefully. The end result may be a preventable collision because they didn’t notice an approaching vehicle or pedestrian. 3. Failing to yield Many of the most important rules that apply at intersections relate to the right-of-way and the need to yield to others. Those approaching an intersection often need to stop and wait for their turn to move through the intersection. Some drivers never come to a complete stop. Others choose not to yield, possibly because they are late for work or because they failed to check their surroundings carefully. A failure to yield can lead to a preventable collision with significant consequences for everyone involved. Learning about the choices that contribute to car crash risk can help people stay as safe as possible on the road. But, those affected by intersection collisions despite their best efforts may need to hold a driver at fault accountable by requesting compensation through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.

Drug use in the workplace can inspire serious consequences for both workers who are trying to avoid occupational harm and for some who have already suffered due to work-related circumstances. For example, in Maryland, workers who are injured on the job are generally entitled to benefits regardless of fault. However, if drug use played a role in causing their work-related harm, those benefits can be denied or significantly reduced. Proving—or disproving—that connection often becomes a central issue in workplace injury cases involving positive drug tests. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system… most of the time Under Maryland law, employers or their insurers can argue that intoxication or drug impairment was the primary cause of an accident. If successful, this defense can prevent an injured worker from receiving compensation for medical care, lost wages or disability. The key question is causation: Did the drug use directly contribute to the injury, or did the accident occur independently of any impairment? For example, a worker who tests positive for an illegal substance after being struck by falling equipment may still be eligible for benefits if their impairment had no role in the incident at issue. Recent research underscores how pervasive workplace drug use has become in recent years. For example, a recent survey published by the National Safety Council indicates that one-third of American workers have witnessed the use of cannabis by others during work hours. Additionally, “More than half of employers that eliminated THC testing reported an increase in incidents or workplace performance concerns.” This trend suggests that many workers use marijuana while on the clock, potentially due to stress, chronic pain or “simply” accessibility. Marijuana use can cause drowsiness, confusion, apathy and slowed reaction times—all of which heighten the risk of workplace accidents. Even so, a positive drug test does not automatically disqualify a worker from receiving benefits. The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission requires evidence that the intoxication directly caused the injury at issue in a workers’ claim. A skilled legal team can help affected workers – who are obviously not alone, given the widespread nature of drug use in the workplace – to make their case as successfully as possible. Employers and insurers often use drug test results to limit liability, but workers still have rights. Anyone facing a disputed claim due to alleged drug use is generally wise to seek immediate legal guidance accordingly.

Unpredictability is one of the most dangerous things about falls. They can happen to anyone at any time, including in the workplace. Many times, you may be able to simply dust yourself off after a fall and get on with your day. Sadly, however, this is often not the case. Falls can be hard on your knees, and the resulting injuries can be serious. Outlined below are some of the more severe knee injuries associated with work-related falls. Damaged ligaments Torn ligaments are among the more serious and painful knee injuries that can result from a fall. The knee is comprised of four ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Ligaments help the knee move forward and backward, as well as to rotate from side to side. Because each of these ligaments has a distinct function, damage to any of them can be painful and limit your mobility. Surgery and an extended period of recovery are often the only way to get better after ligament damage to avoid chronic pain issues. Dislocations During a fall, your knee may be manipulated and twisted into positions it is not designed to be in. This can result in a dislocation, which is very painful and can be difficult to treat. As a general rule, the sooner you seek medical treatment after this type of injury the better. Depending on whether or not there is nerve damage, you may require multiple surgeries before you can get back on your feet. If your knee has been injured in a fall at work, then you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. This won’t undo the damage, but it will help you to stay on top of your finances while you recover and are unable to work. Seeking legal guidance will offer you the best possible chance at obtaining a just outcome in your case.