According to a report from Medline Plus, a new study finds that it costs the U.S. approximately $250 billion a year for work-related illness and injuries, an amount that is much higher than researchers had thought. It is also more than the cost of treating common medical conditions such as:
- stroke ($63 billion);
- cancer ($219 billion); and
- diabetes ($174 billion).
Data from the year 2007 indicates there were more than 8.5 million non-fatal and fatal work-related injuries. Those injuries cost the nation $192 billion. There were also over 500,000 non-fatal and fatal work-related illnesses, which cost about a combined total of $58 billion. Most of these costs were provided by the individual’s health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Less than a quarter of the costs were covered by Workers’ Compensation. Other data from the same year shows the number of fatal work-related illnesses and injuries was higher (about 59,000) than deaths from:
- car accidents (nearly 44,000);
- prostate cancer (29,000); and
- breast cancer (nearly 41,000).
Researchers believe this shows that more focus needs to be put on work-related illnesses and injuries. If you were seriously injured while at work, you should seek help from a New York work injury attorney to learn what your rights are.
Contacting a New York Work Injury Attorney
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one because of a work injury you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a New York work injury attorney can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing a work injury claim is right for you. At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of work injury attorneys that serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your work injury claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
