BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — As modern safety protocols advance and better training is put in place, employees who work in dangerous situations are able to remain safe throughout even the more strenuous parts of their careers. In rare and distressing cases, however, this is not the case, and some workers can find themselves victims of injuries while on the job. Luckily for those who may be affected, payouts and medical plans serve to ensure that they can continue to pay their bills even in the event of disaster — but which situations result in the highest possible payout?
To help identify which injuries are the costliest for companies to cover, the law firm of Richmond Vona analyzed data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) to determine which workplace injuries were associated with the highest compensation payouts. Below is a list of the most expensive areas of the body to treat, as well as the average price of both the associated medical and indemnity costs.
As one might expect, the study noted that damage to the head, neck, and central nervous system are the costliest injuries to deal with — primarily due to the sheer amount of damage that can be done in these highly sensitive areas, and the high cost necessary to repair or otherwise prevent damage to the body’s most important systems. This, of course, is also not to say that other parts of a person have no value: wounds to the legs, hips, back, arms, knee, and face also all report high medical costs, and by extension, large payouts to those unfortunate enough to be harmed in the workplace.
However, knowing where expensive injuries affect does not mean as much without also being aware of the types of accidents that lead these areas from becoming damaged — and as such, the study also gathered information on the causes of these tragedies. In general, this section of research found that motor vehicle accidents are by far the costliest of all workplace mishaps, with burns, falls, slips, and strains also resulting in heavy medical fees. It is also worth noting that other events involving machines (such as becoming caught in, striking, to being struck by devices) were also mentioned, suggesting that caution must be taken on not only the employer’s part but also those of employees who fail to follow safety rules when around the tools needed to perform their duties.
In addition to identifying the causes of injuries and the body parts typically affected by them, the study also highlighted the types of injuries that tend to be the most costly for both workplaces and employees to treat. In another obvious showcase of trends, accidents that result in permanent injury (especially the likes of amputation, crush injuries, or other traumas) feature much higher medical and indemnity costs — factors that combine to create a very large total payout.
“This data on workplace injury compensation costs highlights the importance of prioritizing workplace safety,” says a spokesperson from Richmond Vona. “High payouts for injuries affecting the head or central nervous system, from incidents like motor vehicle accidents or burns, make it all the more important for employers and employees to react quickly when these incidents occur. Implementing effective safety measures is essential to prevent injuries, protect workers’ well-being, and reduce economic burdens for both employees and employers. Investing in safety initiatives promotes a healthier work environment and minimizes compensation costs related to workplace incidents.”
To learn more about workplace safety in America — as well as the rights and compensation that one may be entitled to if they are injured on the job — visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s website here.
Read More: Which workplace injuries cost companies the most?