Employees who are injured in Maryland are often entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To be eligible, the worker doesn’t need to show that they or their employer was at fault. All that matters is that the injury is work-related.
Whiplash typically involves damage to the muscles in the neck as well as ligaments, nerves and sometimes bones. It is caused by a sudden and sharp movement of the head that strains the neck. It is commonly associated with car crashes. Nonetheless, it can also occur during accidents in the workplace. Here are some of the more common causes of work-related whiplash.
Slips and falls
Work-related slips and falls are not uncommon, and they have the potential to cause whiplash. Falls from a height are especially noteworthy as these can cause very sudden and traumatic movement in the neck.
“Struck by” accidents
Struck by accidents occur when a worker is “struck by” an object. This could be a box or container that falls from a height or possibly a collapsing shelf. Struck by accidents are one of the “fatal four” in construction and are relatively common.
If a heavy object hits the head, it will likely cause the neck to jolt. The end result could be serious head injuries but also whiplash.
Other causes
Other common causes of whiplash in the workplace include:
- Incidents with heavy machinery
- Vehicle crashes
- Work-related violence
Whiplash can happen in more ways than traffic collisions. If you have been injured on the job, then seeking legal guidance can help you get your workers’ compensation claim approved.
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