According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016 saw 5,190 fatal work injuries in the United States — a 7-percent uptick from the occupational fatalities reported in 2015. Loggers, commercial fishery workers, aircraft pilots and those working in the construction industry had the highest injury and fatality rates. Some lines of work are clearly more hazardous than others. It’s no surprise that jobs involving heavy machinery, power tools, challenging terrain and unstable structures rank high for workplace injuries and deaths, but some of the most dangerous jobs in America often go unrecognized.
Here are five jobs that are surprisingly risky and produce more fatalities than you’d expect.
Hiking and whitewater rafting guides, snowboard instructors and other employees who are exposed to extreme weather and environmental conditions are at great risk for injury and death. Snake bites, hypothermia, heat stroke, falls and drownings claim the lives of dozens each year.
Mowing lawns and trimming shrubs may not seem exceedingly dangerous, but workplace injury rates in this field tell a different story. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, more than 130 grounds maintenance workers died in 2008. Many of the fatal injuries were related to heavy and sharp power tools used by the workers.
Being a trash or recycling collector may not be the most glamorous profession, and it isn’t the safest. The handling of waste can pose many health hazards over the long-term. In 2016, 31 trash collectors lost their lives to occupational factors, and the industry has the fifth highest fatal injury death rate, following roofers and airline pilots.
Believe it or not, cashiers are rated the 20th most dangerous job in terms of illnesses and non-fatal injuries requiring time off of work. Cashiers are constantly exposed to the public and are more prone to colds and flus. Other health concerns include back pain, swollen feet and carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether working in a gas station, restaurant or bank, the biggest safety concern facing cashiers is a robbery turned homicide.
You might think that traffic accidents were the biggest concern for cab drivers. In fact, taxi drivers and chauffeurs are more likely to die from violent crime than they are from a crash. While driving unruly passengers or in dangerous neighborhoods, they are often in harm’s way. The fatality rate for taxi drivers is 18 deaths per 100,000 workers, making this a surprisingly risky job.
If you were hurt on the job, it’s important to protect your legal rights. The law firm of Aronova & Associates can ensure you get the worker’s compensation benefits to which you’re entitled under the law. Our talented legal team has over a decade’s experience working with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and knows how to maximize the value of your claim.
Set up a free consultation with a skilled job injury lawyer New York trusts, by calling our Manhattan office at 516-640-3900.
Auto/Motorcycle Accidents
If you were injured in a motor vehicle or motorcycle accident as a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, you might have a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver who caused the accident. As mentioned above, it is important that a skilled attorney that is fluent in the No-Fault application and claims process help coordinate your claim from the beginning to avoid being personally responsible for the repayment of medical services that should have been paid by the No-Fault carrier.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by a property or business owner failing to maintain a safe walking environment to pedestrians and patrons. Aside from the results of the injury sustained, your attorney will need to successfully argue and prove liability on the part of the property owner and show their negligent failure to provide a safe environment for the public, failure to address a dangerous condition they were aware of, or a dangerous condition they caused.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction site accidents can result in third-party claims that account for unsafe materials, equipment, rigging, or conditions. It is important to have an attorney assess construction related accidents to determine all potential at-fault parties.
If any of the above types of personal injury result in the death of a loved one, the surviving family may bring suit based on the negligence of an at-fault party.
New York Workers’ Compensation laws cover all types of employees regardless of whether they are part-time, full-time or a leased worker. It includes undocumented employees and employees who are paid off the books, as long as there is an employee-employer relationship.
Federal Government Employees
Dock Workers
Interstate Railway Workers
Seafarers
Teachers
Police Officers
Sanitation Workers
If a worker loses more than 7 days of work because of a work related injury, they can receive wage replacement benefits. The employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier will pay the injured worker a maximum of 2/3 of their average weekly wage if a 100% disability is established. For example, if a worker’s average weekly wage is $600, the maximum the worker can receive weekly from their employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier is $400 per week. The actual amount an injured worker receives weekly is calculated based on their level of disability and salary.
Date of Accident Maximum Rate
After 7/1/16* $864.32
7/1/15 to 7/1/16 $844.29
7/1/14 to 6/30/15 $808.65
7/1/13 to 6/30/14 $803.21
7/1/12 to 6/30/13 $792.07
7/1/11 to 6/30/12 $772.96
7/1/10 to 6/30/11 $739.83
7/1/09 to 6/30/10 $600.00
7/1/08 to 6/30/09 $550.00
7/1/07 to 6/30/08 $500.00
Prior to 7/1/07 $400.00
The minimum weekly benefit is $150 for a date of accident after 5/1/2013
* The maximum compensation rate will change every July 1 to 2/3 of the State Average Weekly Wage
When an injured worker is out of work due to a work related injury and continues to receive a salary, the worker may have their vacation and sick time reinstated/restored at the disability rate.
If an injured worker’s injuries are protected under the law (an attorney can advise if your injuries qualify as protected), it is possible to receive lifetime medical benefits for the injuries. Medical providers treating work related injuries are subject to following treatment guidelines published by the Workers’ Compensation Board (MTG – Medical Treatment Guidelines).
The MTG only apply to certain body parts and conditions, i.e., back, neck, shoulders, knees and carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. If these guidelines are followed, most treatments are automatically pre-authorized. The MTG also provide for the frequency and duration of some treatment and re-evaluation. The medical provider will be responsible to request any change in these prescribed treatment protocols, not the worker.
A claim for transportation or prescription reimbursement may be made for any expenses resulting from the work related injury.
If a worker returns to work while diagnosed with a partial disability and/ or is designated for light duty and their earnings are reduced, they may be eligible for a reduced earnings award. A reduced earnings award is 2/3 of the difference between the average weekly wage and reduced return to work wage. For example; if prior to the date of injury a worker earned $600 per week, and post-injury returned to a reduced salary of $400 based on light duty, a reduced earnings claim would require the employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier to pay 2/3 of the reduction in salary would which be $133.33 a week.
If a worker dies from a compensable work related injury, the surviving spouse and/or minor children can receive weekly cash benefits. The compensation amount equals 2/3 of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage for the year before the accident. The weekly compensation may not exceed the weekly maximum, despite the number of dependents. If there are no surviving members of the family, then the workers’ estate may seek payment of $50,000. Also, in New York, funeral expenses may be paid up to $6,000 under the death benefit rules and regulations.
A schedule loss of use award can be granted to an injured worker who has sustained a permanent injury to an extremity. An extremity is any part of the body except for the head, neck, and back. Extremities include arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes, ears, toes and fingers. Once the medical provider has determined the worker has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) from all treatment, they will provide an opinion as to the percentage loss of use of the extremity. Schedule Loss of use is considered 6 months after the date of accident or 1 year after the date of surgery.
Table for Weeks Awarded on Schedule Loss of Use of Body Part
| Body Part | 100% | 50% | 25% | 10% | 5% |
| Arm Hand Thumb 1st Finger 2nd Finger 3rd Finger 4th Finger Leg Foot Great Toe Other Toes Eye |
312 244 75 46 30 25 15 288 205 38 16 160 |
156 122 37.5 23 15 12.5 7.5 144 102.5 19 8 80 |
78 61 18.75 11.5 7.5 6.25 3.75 72 51.25 9.5 4 40 |
31.2 24.4 7.5 4.6 3 2.5 1.5 28.8 20.5 3.8 1.6 16 |
5 12.2 3.75 2.3 1.5 1.25 0.75 14.4 10.25 1.9 0.8 8 |
An injured worker’s health care provider will determine the extent of the disability. Cash benefits are directly related to the following disability classifications:
The injured worker’s wage-earning capacity is lost, but only on a temporary basis.
The wage-earning capacity is lost only partially, and on a temporary basis.
The employee’s wage-earning capacity is permanently and totally lost. There is no limit on the number of weeks payable.
Part of the employee’s wage-earning capacity has been permanently lost. There are two types of permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the body part affected and the nature of the permanent disability: schedule loss of use (SLU) and non-schedule. The severity of the disability is measured when the employee has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Thousands of New York employees injure themselves at work every year. Many of those work accidents result in serious injuries and death. If you suffered a work related injury you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Depending upon the circumstances of the injury you may be eligible to receive compensation through your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance, Federal Social Security Disability benefits, a personal injury lawsuit, or a combination thereof. Your employer is responsible for taking all reasonable measures to secure your safety on the job. Not all injuries are physical. If you suffered emotionally or financially, you may also be entitled to financial compensation. In fatal cases, families may also be entitled to compensation. Some injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, however not all are permanent. You may be entitled to payment for a partial impairment. Partial impairment results in an incapacity that prevents an employee from doing their job. Medical evidence will determine the extent of your temporary as well as permanent disability. The recovery from a claim depends, in large part, on the extent of your injury and the cause.
If you were injured in a work related incident or in any personal injury related incident, consult with an Aronova & Associates, LLC workplace and personal injury attorney who can advise you on your rights and help you obtain the maximum compensation available under the law. The following materials are meant to provide an initial overview that describes the typical work related claim or personal injury claim that Aronova & Associates, LLC files on behalf of New York workers and accident victims.
If you have a disease, illness, or injury that has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least twelve months and you are unable to work in any capacity or is expected to result in death, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Conditions that affect your body and limit your daily physical activity can be considered physical disabilities. These disabilities include conditions that affect the functioning of limbs, motor ability, or mobility; or they may be visual impairments, hearing impairments, or respiratory disorders.
The following are some common physical injury conditions that may qualify you for Social Security Disability:
| — | Neck, back, hip, knee, ankle, arm, hand, elbow and shoulder injuries. |
| — | Serious heart and lung condition, diabetes, strokes, and neurological disorders. |
| — | Cancer |
| — | Repetitive motion injuries |
| — | Emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. |
| — | Brain injuries |
Social Security benefits can also be claimed by those suffering from psychological or emotional disabilities. These disabilities may prevent people from performing simple or complicated tasks, interacting with others, or maintaining focus. By demonstrating that these functions have been impaired, an attorney may be able to prove an injured person’s entitlement to disability benefits.
Aronova & Associates LLC can help guide your disability claim in a personable, comprehensive, professional and experienced direction. Contact us today regarding your social security (SSI or SSD) disability claim.
If you have a disease, illness, or injury that has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least twelve months and you are unable to work in any capacity or is expected to result in death, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Conditions that affect your body and limit your daily physical activity can be considered physical disabilities. These disabilities include conditions that affect the functioning of limbs, motor ability, or mobility; or they may be visual impairments, hearing impairments, or respiratory disorders.
The following are some common physical injury conditions that may qualify you for Social Security Disability:
| — | Neck, back, hip, knee, ankle, arm, hand, elbow and shoulder injuries. |
| — | Serious heart and lung condition, diabetes, strokes, and neurological disorders. |
| — | Cancer |
| — | Repetitive motion injuries |
| — | Emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. |
| — | Brain injuries |
Social Security benefits can also be claimed by those suffering from psychological or emotional disabilities. These disabilities may prevent people from performing simple or complicated tasks, interacting with others, or maintaining focus. By demonstrating that these functions have been impaired, an attorney may be able to prove an injured person’s entitlement to disability benefits.
Aronova & Associates LLC can help guide your disability claim in a personable, comprehensive, professional and experienced direction. Contact us today regarding your social security (SSI or SSD) disability claim.
An injured worker’s health care provider will determine the extent of the disability. Cash benefits are directly related to the following disability classifications:
The injured worker’s wage-earning capacity is lost, but only on a temporary basis.
The wage-earning capacity is lost only partially, and on a temporary basis.
The employee’s wage-earning capacity is permanently and totally lost. There is no limit on the number of weeks payable.
Part of the employee’s wage-earning capacity has been permanently lost. There are two types of permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the body part affected and the nature of the permanent disability: schedule loss of use (SLU) and non-schedule. The severity of the disability is measured when the employee has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
If a worker loses more than 7 days of work because of a work related injury, they can receive wage replacement benefits. The employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier will pay the injured worker a maximum of 2/3 of their average weekly wage if a 100% disability is established. For example, if a worker’s average weekly wage is $600, the maximum the worker can receive weekly from their employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier is $400 per week. The actual amount an injured worker receives weekly is calculated based on their level of disability and salary.
Date of Accident Maximum Rate
After 7/1/16* $864.32
7/1/15 to 7/1/16 $844.29
7/1/14 to 6/30/15 $808.65
7/1/13 to 6/30/14 $803.21
7/1/12 to 6/30/13 $792.07
7/1/11 to 6/30/12 $772.96
7/1/10 to 6/30/11 $739.83
7/1/09 to 6/30/10 $600.00
7/1/08 to 6/30/09 $550.00
7/1/07 to 6/30/08 $500.00
Prior to 7/1/07 $400.00
The minimum weekly benefit is $150 for a date of accident after 5/1/2013
* The maximum compensation rate will change every July 1 to 2/3 of the State Average Weekly Wage
When an injured worker is out of work due to a work related injury and continues to receive a salary, the worker may have their vacation and sick time reinstated/restored at the disability rate.
If an injured worker’s injuries are protected under the law (an attorney can advise if your injuries qualify as protected), it is possible to receive lifetime medical benefits for the injuries. Medical providers treating work related injuries are subject to following treatment guidelines published by the Workers’ Compensation Board (MTG – Medical Treatment Guidelines).
The MTG only apply to certain body parts and conditions, i.e., back, neck, shoulders, knees and carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. If these guidelines are followed, most treatments are automatically pre-authorized. The MTG also provide for the frequency and duration of some treatment and re-evaluation. The medical provider will be responsible to request any change in these prescribed treatment protocols, not the worker.
A claim for transportation or prescription reimbursement may be made for any expenses resulting from the work related injury.
If a worker returns to work while diagnosed with a partial disability and/ or is designated for light duty and their earnings are reduced, they may be eligible for a reduced earnings award. A reduced earnings award is 2/3 of the difference between the average weekly wage and reduced return to work wage. For example; if prior to the date of injury a worker earned $600 per week, and post-injury returned to a reduced salary of $400 based on light duty, a reduced earnings claim would require the employer’s Workers’ Compensation carrier to pay 2/3 of the reduction in salary would which be $133.33 a week.
If a worker dies from a compensable work related injury, the surviving spouse and/or minor children can receive weekly cash benefits. The compensation amount equals 2/3 of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage for the year before the accident. The weekly compensation may not exceed the weekly maximum, despite the number of dependents. If there are no surviving members of the family, then the workers’ estate may seek payment of $50,000. Also, in New York, funeral expenses may be paid up to $6,000 under the death benefit rules and regulations.
A schedule loss of use award can be granted to an injured worker who has sustained a permanent injury to an extremity. An extremity is any part of the body except for the head, neck, and back. Extremities include arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes, ears, toes and fingers. Once the medical provider has determined the worker has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) from all treatment, they will provide an opinion as to the percentage loss of use of the extremity. Schedule Loss of use is considered 6 months after the date of accident or 1 year after the date of surgery.
Table for Weeks Awarded on Schedule Loss of Use of Body Part
| Body Part | 100% | 50% | 25% | 10% | 5% |
| Arm Hand Thumb 1st Finger 2nd Finger 3rd Finger 4th Finger Leg Foot Great Toe Other Toes Eye |
312 244 75 46 30 25 15 288 205 38 16 160 |
156 122 37.5 23 15 12.5 7.5 144 102.5 19 8 80 |
78 61 18.75 11.5 7.5 6.25 3.75 72 51.25 9.5 4 40 |
31.2 24.4 7.5 4.6 3 2.5 1.5 28.8 20.5 3.8 1.6 16 |
5 12.2 3.75 2.3 1.5 1.25 0.75 14.4 10.25 1.9 0.8 8 |
New York Workers’ Compensation laws cover all types of employees regardless of whether they are part-time, full-time or a leased worker. It includes undocumented employees and employees who are paid off the books, as long as there is an employee-employer relationship.
Federal Government Employees
Dock Workers
Interstate Railway Workers
Seafarers
Teachers
Police Officers
Sanitation Workers
Auto/Motorcycle Accidents
If you were injured in a motor vehicle or motorcycle accident as a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, you might have a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver who caused the accident. As mentioned above, it is important that a skilled attorney that is fluent in the No-Fault application and claims process help coordinate your claim from the beginning to avoid being personally responsible for the repayment of medical services that should have been paid by the No-Fault carrier.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can be caused by a property or business owner failing to maintain a safe walking environment to pedestrians and patrons. Aside from the results of the injury sustained, your attorney will need to successfully argue and prove liability on the part of the property owner and show their negligent failure to provide a safe environment for the public, failure to address a dangerous condition they were aware of, or a dangerous condition they caused.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction site accidents can result in third-party claims that account for unsafe materials, equipment, rigging, or conditions. It is important to have an attorney assess construction related accidents to determine all potential at-fault parties.
If any of the above types of personal injury result in the death of a loved one, the surviving family may bring suit based on the negligence of an at-fault party.
Thousands of New York employees injure themselves at work every year. Many of those work accidents result in serious injuries and death. If you suffered a work related injury you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. Depending upon the circumstances of the injury you may be eligible to receive compensation through your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance, Federal Social Security Disability benefits, a personal injury lawsuit, or a combination thereof. Your employer is responsible for taking all reasonable measures to secure your safety on the job. Not all injuries are physical. If you suffered emotionally or financially, you may also be entitled to financial compensation. In fatal cases, families may also be entitled to compensation. Some injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, however not all are permanent. You may be entitled to payment for a partial impairment. Partial impairment results in an incapacity that prevents an employee from doing their job. Medical evidence will determine the extent of your temporary as well as permanent disability. The recovery from a claim depends, in large part, on the extent of your injury and the cause.
If you were injured in a work related incident or in any personal injury related incident, consult with an Aronova & Associates, LLC workplace and personal injury attorney who can advise you on your rights and help you obtain the maximum compensation available under the law. The following materials are meant to provide an initial overview that describes the typical work related claim or personal injury claim that Aronova & Associates, LLC files on behalf of New York workers and accident victims.