Today’s blog post comes from Charlie Domer of Domer Law in Milwaukee. He writes about a recent CBS news article that is “based primarily on a report from a major worker’s compensation insurance company (Travelers) … .”

Because workers’ compensation injuries are more underreported than not, the frequency and number of injuries (and true cost to workers and society in general) is probably higher than even every seven seconds. Our lawyers, legal assistants and nurse case manager deal with insurance adjusters, their lawyers and frequent denials of claims and coverage every day. That’s one of the many reasons that I encourage people who have been injured on the job to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, instead of trying to navigate the system alone, during an already-stressful time. As is written below, if an injury is disputed and medical help is delayed, it is important to find a lawyer who can be an advocate for the injured worker.

According to a recent article by CBS news, on average a worker is hurt in our country every seven seconds!  The article, based primarily on a report from a major worker’s compensation insurance company (Travelers), reveals that injuries happen in all professions and to all ages and types of workers.

Interestingly, according to the article (What Happens Every 7 Seconds: A Workplace Injury), about one-quarter of work injuries occur in an employee’s initial year of work.

WIth this volume of injuries across all industries, disputes are bound to occur over the existence of the injury, the extent of a worker’s disability, and whether permanent limitations are necessary.  Disputes also are endemic in a system primarily involving for-profit insurance companies (as well as rising medical costs).

The key is that every seven seconds a work injury happens–meaning every seven seconds a claim could be denied and attorney involvement required.