When the temperatures go up, so too will worker injury likelihood, according to a new study.
To get a better idea of how temperatures can impact employee injury likelihood, researchers at the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) examined injury claims and weather data across 24 states between 2016 and 2021. They found an interesting correlation between temperature and injury risk.
The study found that when temperatures are above 90 degrees, the risk of an on-the-job injury increases by about 5-6%. Researchers surmised that excessive heat impairs both physical and cognitive abilities, leaving workers more susceptible to mental and physical errors that contribute to injuries.
While the findings aren’t earth-shattering, they do suggest that even a small spike in summer temperatures can lead to hundreds or thousands of additional injuries across the country. Employers should be mindful to take extra precautions to protect their employees when the temperature reaches that 90-degree threshold.
Getting Compensation For Heat-Related Injuries
If excessive heat played a role in your work injury, know that you have legal options in the form of an injury claim. Don’t feel like you’re letting your company or your crew down by rightfully pursuing an injury claim. At the end of the day, you need to do what’s right for you and your family. But how should you move forward with a heat-related injury claim?
For starters, it’s wise to connect with an experienced injury lawyer who can map out your case and build a strong claim. The insurance company is going to have experts in their corner trying to minimize your claim, so you need an advocate on your side to counter their arguments.
It’s also extremely helpful to have an attorney on your side when it comes to understanding the value of your heat-related injury claim. Medical bills and lost wages aren’t the only types of compensation you’ll be eligible to put in a claim for, and without someone who can truly tell you what your case is worth, you may end up leaving thousands of dollars or more on the table.
As we’ve mentioned on the blog in the past, an injury attorney gets paid on a contingent basis, meaning they get a set fraction of the award they win for their clients. While that percentage stays the same, it means that they earn more money when they achieve a better result for their clients, so they have a vested interest in getting you the most money possible. They aren’t just going to push you to settle for a fraction of what your case is worth if they can help you get a much larger award in court. We’ve helped countless clients achieve this dream, and we can do the same for you.
When things heat up, our team of injury attorneys will maintain their cool and help bring a satisfactory resolution to your heat-related injury claim. For more information on how we can assist with your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim in Minnesota, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
