Common Landscaping and Groundskeeping Work Injuries in Charlotte

Landscaping and groundskeeping are important industries in Charlotte. Many businesses throughout the metropolitan area rely on landscaping services to keep their properties attractive and presentable. In the surrounding suburbs, homeowners employ landscapers for major outdoor renovations as well as regular maintenance. If you work in this field, you need to know the common landscaping and groundskeeping work injuries in Charlotte.

Most Common Landscaping and Groundskeeping Work Injuries in Charlotte

Whenever an injury happens at work, the victim is likely covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Almost every employer in North Carolina is required to have this insurance, and most regular employees are covered if they are hurt while working. Landscaping and groundskeeping are inherently dangerous in several ways, so if you work in any such capacity, you need to know the most common types of injuries that happen in this field.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 1,072 work-related deaths in the landscaping and groundskeeping industry between 2011 and 2021. In 2021 alone, there were 142 work fatalities in this field throughout the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 12,380 nonfatal work injuries in this field during 2019, with an incidence rate of 185 per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers.

Landscaping and groundskeeping are outdoor occupations, so there is a risk of injury or illness from sun exposure and other elements on any given day. This type of work also requires the use of inherently dangerous equipment, including mowers, trimmers, and other bladed instruments that can cause severe injuries if they malfunction or are misused. It is also possible for unexpected device failures to cause debris to fly at high speeds, potentially causing injuries.

In addition to the risk of acute injury from a specific accident, landscaping also presents a risk of repetitive stress injury or injury from overexertion due to the physical demands of the job. These injuries can manifest gradually over time, eventually becoming painful and debilitating. Repetitive stress injuries are some of the most commonly cited work injuries across all industries in the United States.

Recovery Options for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Work Injuries

If you are hurt while working and will be unable to work while you recover, workers’ compensation insurance can be a valuable economic lifeline. You must report your injury to your supervisor right away; otherwise, you could be denied benefits if you do not meet the reporting requirement. After reporting the injury, your employer must provide you with the materials needed to file your workers’ compensation claim.

As part of the claim filing process, you will likely need to undergo a functional capacity evaluation from a workers’ compensation doctor in your area. They will assess the severity of your condition and assign you a disability rating, and this rating will then determine how much you can receive in disability benefits. A successful workers’ compensation claim can cover your medical expenses and provide ongoing benefits while you cannot work.

Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can provide focused legal counsel through all stages of your recovery efforts after an injury at work in Charlotte. We have helped many past clients file their workers’ compensation claims and secure the benefits they need to recover from their work injuries. A landscaping or groundskeeping injury can be painful and debilitating, but our team can help you secure the benefits you need to manage the aftermath of your injury.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Landscaping Work Injuries?

A: Some of the most common landscaping work injuries include injuries from overexertion and repetitive stress, slips, trips, and falls on uneven terrain, injuries from equipment, including severe cuts and lacerations, and hearing loss caused by loud equipment and lack of hearing protection. If you are hurt while working in landscaping, you need to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as quickly as possible.

Q: What Can I Hope to Get From Workers’ Comp Benefits?

A: The amount of workers’ compensation benefits you can receive will typically depend on the serious nature of your injury. A successful workers’ compensation claim will usually cover medical expenses and provide disability benefits during the time you cannot work while you recover. Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can improve your chances of success with your case and maximize your benefits.

Q: What Happens if I Caused My Own Injury at Work?

A: If you caused your own injury at work, you can still qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits as long as the injury happened while you were working in good faith. If you were working under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if you refused to follow workplace safety regulations and caused your own injury, these factors may disqualify you from receiving benefits.

Q: Can I File a Suit Against My Employer for a Landscaping Work Injury?

A: You usually cannot sue your employer for a landscaping work injury or any other type of injury at work if they have purchased a workers’ comp insurance policy. This insurance is meant to provide financial security to an injured employee while protecting their employer from civil liability for the injured worker’s damages. Consult an attorney if you believe that any party bears fault for your injury at work, and they can explain your legal options.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

A: You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to make filing your claim for benefits easier. With an attorney’s help, you are more likely to succeed with your claim and more likely to maximize your benefits. If you have any additional legal options available, such as a third-party personal injury suit, your attorney can also help you succeed with these. You have a better chance of maximizing your compensation when you have legal counsel on your side.

The attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler have successfully helped many victims of landscaping work injuries recover in Charlotte, and we’re ready to put this experience to work in your case. If you are preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim in Charlotte, contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney you trust to guide you through your case with confidence.