The Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in America
Accidents in the workplace happen frequently, but there are some jobs where serious injuries and fatalities are more common. Even with safety ordinances and regulations in place, the jobs listed below are inherently more dangerous than others. Not only do these jobs have higher rates of workplace injuries, but when injuries happen, they tend to be catastrophic. Furthermore, these jobs also feature higher rates of workplace-related accident fatalities.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most dangerous professions in America are:
- Fishing and hunting workers
- Logging workers
- Roofers
- Helpers, construction trade
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Structural iron and steel workers
- Driver/sales workers and truck drivers
- Underground mining machine operators
- Famers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
You will notice that though these jobs cover a wide range of industries, they bear some similarities. These include working with heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, hazardous materials, manual tasks, and/or involving a significant amount of on-the-job transportation or driving.
Other professions that are considered highly dangerous include:
- Electrical power line workers
- Law enforcement
- Firefighting
- Diving professions
- Highway maintenance and construction workers
- Mechanics, including heavy vehicle mechanics
- Grounds maintenance workers
So, what happens when someone is injured or killed while working in one of these professions? Depending on the nature of the accident and who is legally liable for the accident, they and their families may have the option to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Keep reading to learn more.
The Importance of Determining Liability in Workplace Accidents
According to New York laws, if you are injured in the workplace, and your employer provides workers’ compensation benefits, you cannot sue them for your injuries. Instead, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, this does not mean that you are automatically limited to workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured on the job.
In cases where a workplace accident was caused by a third party, such as a vehicle or equipment manufacturer, you may still have the option of suing that third party in civil court.
With workers’ compensation claims, you do not have to prove liability to file a claim. This is one of the many benefits of workers’ compensation. That said, if you have significant injuries, there’s a very good chance that workers’ compensation will only cover a portion of the costs associated with your injury. Therefore, it is worth speaking with an attorney and figuring out all the parties who bear liability in your accident. This will help you understand your options and potentially give you another avenue through which to seek full compensation for your injuries.
Why Seeking Compensation Is So Important
We understand that after an accident in the workplace leaves you or a loved one seriously injured, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated, stressful lawsuit. However, a third-party lawsuit may be your best (if not only) option for recovering vital compensation needed to not only recover from your injuries and move forward with your life and career.
Compensation may be sought for several injury-related expenses, including the following:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Occupational therapy and equipment
- Pain and suffering
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Similarly, suppose you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation for their medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, the loss of their financial support, and the loss of their love and companionship.
If you lost a loved one in a workplace accident, and their death was caused by another party's negligence or wrongful conduct, you may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. In New York, a wrongful death claim must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased party, and the suit must be brought on behalf of the deceased individual.
Were you injured while working in a dangerous field or position? Reach out to Foley Griffin to discuss your situation and determine if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim. Our law firm is experienced in filing workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death cases in New York, and we can help you and your family too.