5 Most Common Workplace Injuries in Wisconsin

A workplace accident or occupational injury can affect your ability to earn a living and perform activities. According to the Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Division of Worker’s Compensation processes approximately 22,000 worker’s compensation claims resulting in wage loss every year, totaling more than $200 million in benefits paid.

Even though Wisconsin worker’s compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to obtain compensation, it remains weighted in favor of employers and insurers. Your employer’s worker’s compensation insurer has the ability to deny the claim outright, deny certain medical or rehabilitative care, or argue that your injuries were pre-existing conditions or were minor strains. In other cases, your employer will try to reduce your pay or status when you do return to work.

If you were injured on the job and your claim is denied, or you are likely to sustain a permanent wage loss, Kingree Law can help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve after common workplace injuries.

Wisconsin Workplace Injury Statistics

Even though employers, employees, and others have taken steps to reduce the likelihood of a workplace injury, Wisconsin workers are still hurt on the job. Even a seemingly minor injury or repetitive overuse condition can trigger a worker’s compensation claim. Here we identify the five most common workplace injuries in Wisconsin and explain how a Wisconsin worker’s compensation attorney can help you secure the benefits you need and the compensation you deserve.

#1—Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a torn or stretched ligament, while a strain is the tearing or stretching of a muscle. These are the most common workplace injuries in Wisconsin and often result from twisting, falling, or lifting. Repetitive motion can also cause strain and sprain injuries.

#2—Slips and Falls

A fall at work may seem like something you should brush off. But statistics show that a fall injury at work should be taken seriously. Whether you fell because of a wet or slippery floor, icy parking lot, or a trip hazard, a fall at work can cause serious injuries such as torn ligaments, torn cartilage, back injuries, a concussion, or even traumatic brain injuries.

#3—Struck By

“Struck-by” injuries are caused when objects that are flying, falling, swinging, or rolling collide with a person. Approximately 75% of struck-by injuries involve heavy equipment, such as trucks or cranes. People who work in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing are most at risk. Common workplace injuries in a struck-by incident include broken and fractured bones, torn ligaments or cartilage, spinal injuries, head injuries and traumatic brain injury, concussions, dislocations, burns, cuts, and lacerations.

#4—Caught In / Between

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “caught in or between” injuries occur when a worker is squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects or parts of an object. Examples of “caught in / between” injuries include fractures, internal bleeding, damage to internal organs, crush injuries, spinal injuries, ligament or cartilage damage, dislocations, and amputation.

#5—Cut / Puncture / Scrape

While many cuts, scrapes, and lacerations are minor, these types of accidents carry the risk of serious injury. A cut can sever a nerve, tendon, ligament, or cut into bone. Even a seemingly-superficial injury can lead to an infection, especially if the worker remains at work after the injury occurs.

What To Do After Common Workplace Injuries?

If you were hurt on the job, you should tell your employer that you were hurt and seek medical attention. Contact Kingree Law if your claim is denied in whole or in part, or if you suspect that you will sustain a permanent wage loss as a result of the injury. Luke Kingree has been practicing workers’ compensation law since 2007. He understands the Wisconsin workers’ compensation system and has earned a reputation as a dedicated advocate for injured workers who knows what it takes to get results.

Kingree Law will evaluate your circumstances, explain your rights, and help you recover the benefits you deserve. We handle workers' compensation claims on a contingency fee, which means you won’t pay an attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you.

To learn more, read our FAQ section and Information Center on workers’ compensation benefits. Then contact Kingree Law to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.

With offices in Madison and Eau Claire, Kingree Law proudly represents injured workers throughout Wisconsin.