February 15, 2024 | Compensation, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation
Workplace injuries are an unfortunately common part of life in some cases. While most injuries that occur on the job could have been avoided in some way or another.
According to the Operational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there were 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022. This is a 7.5 increase from 2021. Of those injuries in 2022, OSHA states that 5,486 were fatal – a 5.7 increase from 2021.
Accidents and negligence are everyday occurrences, and when we suffer from injuries sustained while working, it is vital we receive the compensation we deserve. After all, that is why we have workers’ compensation insurance, isn’t it?
We have compiled data for the data using the most recent years available to give an overview of the types of injuries
According to research conducted by the National Safety Council, the average workers’ comp payout for all injuries and illnesses was $41,757 in 2020-2021 (their most recent data). As you will see in the graphs presented below, the average payout varies heavily depending on the type of injury or illness sustained.
Based on data collected by the National Safety Council‘s most recent findings, the highest workers’ compensation payouts based on the type of injury include:
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Amputation | $89,743 | $36,290 |
| Other Trauma | $33,086 | $29,958 |
| Fracture/crush/dislocation | $36,884 | $25,356 |
| Burn | $38,392 | $13,830 |
| Infection/inflammation | $18,710 | $20,346 |
| Sprain/strain | $16,217 | $18,076 |
| Carpal tunnel | $15,919 | $18,136 |
| Contusion/concussion | $17,810 | $15,887 |
| Lacerate/puncture/rupture | $18,817 | $14,329 |
| Occ. disease/cumulative injury | $7,661 | $9,102 |
Unsurprisingly, on average, amputations have the highest workers’ compensation payouts. Workplace injuries resulting in amputation have an average workers’ comp payout of around $126,000. Bone fractures and joint dislocation have the second-highest average workman’s comp payout of just over $63,000.
Obviously, the severity of the injury and the body part that is injured also play a significant role in the compensation that is awarded. Injuries to the head or chest will almost always result in a higher payout than those to an arm or a leg.
Related: The average personal injury settlement for common injuries
Knowing the type of compensation you can expect based on the type of injury you sustained can be a very helpful tool when planning your finances after you have been injured at work. Another piece of data we think you should keep in mind is the average compensation based on the cause of the accident.
This can not only help you when choosing an occupation but also after an accident when calculating the workman’s comp benefits you are receiving versus what the average payout in the United States is.
| Cause of Injury | Injury Compensation | Payment for Lost Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle | $49,395 | $39,757 |
| Burn | $34,674 | $17,487 |
| Fall/slip | $27,688 | $22,283 |
| Caught | $27,587 | $19,489 |
| Struck by | $21,634 | $18,470 |
| Strain | $17,386 | $18,814 |
| Cumulative injuries | $15,148 | $18,761 |
| Striking against | $16,211 | $14,939 |
| Misc. cause | $12,058 | $12,467 |
| Cut/punch/scrape | $14,110 | $10,140 |
Car accidents are responsible for the highest amount of workers’ compensation payouts with an average sum of over $89,000. This may be surprising to some due to the average car accident being simple fender benders, but when you take into account the extreme nature of collisions that involve truck accidents or other commercial vehicles, it makes sense that that number is nearly double the next highest cause.
Related: Answers to Help You Understand Workers’ Compensation in Missouri
It’s a world of danger out there. You may be familiar with popular workplace injuries such as slips, trips, and falls. But there are other types of injuries you might not know about that happen in the workplace every day. Each injury is unique and there is no exact answer when it comes to how much compensation will be rewarded.
It is important to know the importance of speaking with a personal injury attorney if you have been injured on the job; even if you have (or will) receive workers’ compensation.
A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to examine your insurance, injuries, and payout to determine whether or not you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Like car, home, and all other types of insurance agents, workers’ comp insurance agents will do everything in their power to minimize their payout. If you have been injured or have become ill due to a workplace incident, we recommend speaking with a local workers’ comp attorney to discuss your case.
If you are in St. Louis, Missouri or the surrounding areas, feel free to contact Ortwerth Law today.
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