Essay - Appendix C Understanding Work-related Injuries Case Studies: Janet Works as...

Appendix C

Understanding Work-Related Injuries

***** Studies:

***** works as a branch manager for a large banking firm. Her job requires her to travel by personal vehicle to different branch offices several times each week. Janet h***** lower back problems from a result of ***** skiing accident many years ago, which is furt***** aggravated by long periods ***** sitting while driving. ***** was returning from the branch office to ***** home ***** on Thursday afternoon when another driver struck her car from behind. A physician examined Janet and determined that the accident ***** ***** pre-ex*****ting back injury. The physician ordered Janet to remain off work for at least two weeks.

Is this injury covered under workers' compensation? Yes

Rationale for your decision: Personal injury caused by accident on the job

If covered, identify the appropriate injury category: Injury with temporary disability

Frank works as a clerk in a loc*****l c*****venience store with a non-smoking policy. On a ***** work break, Frank stepped outside ***** building to smoke a cigarette. As Frank walked across the parking lot, he slipped on a p*****tch of ice ***** fell, ********** his wrist and injuring his outstretched hand.

Is this injury covered under ***** compensation? No

Rationale ***** your *****: Did not arise out of employment

***** covered, identify ***** appropriate injury category: N/A

***** is an electrician who works for Eagle Electrical Company as an independent contrac*****r. L*****t Tuesday, the company dispatched Tom to a local business ********** to investigate a wiring problem. While checking ***** circuit box, Tom sustained severe burns to his hands and upper torso ***** a f*****ulty switch caused an electrical arcing event. Tom's medical bills totaled over $750,000.

***** t***** injury c*****ed under workers' *****? No

Rationale ***** your decision: Independent contractors are not covered (additionally, failed to use safety equipment/take precautions)

***** *****, identify the ***** injury category: N/A

***** works for Home Solutions Experts as a carpet installer. ***** company actively promotes workplace safety and provides ergonomic equipment to all employees. Rich has had ongoing pain in his knees, ***** it is progressively worsening. After an examination, his physician determined he was suffering from bursitis, commonly known as "carpet layer's knee." This required an arthroscopic knee aspiration, a minimum of three ***** off work, and physical t*****rapy.

Is this injury covered under workers' compensation? Yes

Rationale ***** ***** decision: Unexpected result over time (repetive stress) ***** occurred during the normal course of employment

If *****, ***** the appropriate injury *****: ***** requiring vocational rehabilitation

Bonnie works as a transportation security officer for the Office of Homel***** Security. During the ***** of a routine airport baggage screening, a passenger became agitated and shoved Bonnie, causing her to stumble backwards over a pile of luggage. As a direct result, Bonnie experienced severe b*****ck pain, which her ***** diagnosed as a strained muscle. He ordered her to remain off work for at ***** one week ***** on light duty for ***** weeks after.

***** ***** injury c*****ed under *****ers' compensation?