June 24, 2025 | Workers' compensation

Unless you work in an inherently dangerous environment, you probably never thought you’d ever be injured at work. However, thousands of workers are injured on the job every year. This includes those in work environments that are considered ‘safe’ such as offices. Fortunately, every state has a workers’ compensation system designed to provide economic protections for injured workers. In Nebraska, this system provides various benefits to injured workers including wage replacement and compensation for related medical expenses.

At High & Younes LLC, we’ve helped hundreds of workers in Omaha and throughout Nebraska navigate the workers’ compensation system and get the support they deserve. Below, we take a look at some of the most common types of workplace injuries as well as their causes and the industries where they commonly occur.

Most Common Workplace Injuries and their Causes

• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries

These include injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries. They occur as a result of overstraining muscles or joints while lifting, pushing, pulling or performing other tasks repeatedly. These injuries may be chronic (develop over time) or acute (a sudden strain). These types of injuries are common amongst factory employees, warehouse workers, nurses and construction workers. Carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries also commonly occur amongst office workers that spend their day working at a desk.

• Slip, trips and falls

These injuries occur when workers slip or trip and fall while on the job. These accidents may occur as a result of wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces or falls from heights. Janitors, retail staff, construction workers, delivery workers and hotel workers are workers at the highest risk of being injured in these types of accidents.

• Machinery and equipment accidents

These accidents may involve getting caught in equipment, being crushed by equipment or having a part of the body being cut or severed by equipment. These accidents often involve malfunctioning equipment or equipment that is faulty due to poor maintenance. They may also be a result of lack of training or experience by operators. These accidents often affect construction workers, factory workers, warehouse employees and retail workers.

• Falling objects

These are accidents that involve being struck or crushed by a falling object such as tools, boxes and other materials. These types of accidents often occur as a result of poor stacking or storage practices, poor handling of tools and lack of training or experience amongst workers. Workers at highest risk of being injured in these types of accidents include construction workers, warehouse employees, factory workers and retail stockers.

• Vehicle related accidents

These include accidents such as motor vehicle accidents while driving as part of your work as well as pedestrian accidents at work sites. These accidents may involve company vehicles or heavy machinery such as forklifts. Workers that are at high risk of being involved in these types of accidents include truck drivers, taxi drivers, emergency staff, warehouse workers, construction workers and utility workers.

• Exposure to harmful substances

Workers may be exposed to harmful substances in different ways including breathing in toxic fumes from stored chemicals, chemical burns or even long-term exposure to toxic materials such as asbestos. Workers exposed to harmful substances may suffer injuries such as chemical burns or develop health conditions such as cancer. Painters, lab technicians, agricultural labors, factory workers and construction workers are at high risk of exposure to harmful substances.

• Workplace violence

Violence in the workplace can result in injuries. Violent acts such as hitting a worker with an object, fist fights or being attacked while on the job can result in injuries such as head injuries, broken bones, concussions, lacerations and more. While workplace violence can occur under any setting, workers at high risk of being injured in such incidents include healthcare workers, social workers, customer service workers and retail employees.

High-Risk Industries in Nebraska

While workplace injuries can occur under any setting and in all industries, there are some industries that present higher risk to workers than others. These include:

• Construction
• Healthcare
• Transport and warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture

Hire a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Omaha

If you’ve been injured while on the job in Omaha, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. While seeking legal guidance and representation isn’t necessary, navigating Nebraska’s workers compensation system can prove challenging. At High & Younes LLC, you can work with a skilled and experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will:

• Evaluate your case and identify the benefits you are entitled to
• Help you gather and present the right medical evidence
• Ensure all paperwork and deadlines are handled correctly
• Fight for the full benefits you’re owed
• Represent you in hearings or appeals if your claim is denied.

We’re committed to fighting on behalf of those that are injured and deserve to be compensated. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Call us at 402-933-3345

Workman’s Compensation Lawyer Omaha