Nebraska Work Comp Statistics

While employees have certain legal protections, workers still find themselves suffering serious injuries, leaving them unable to work for some time or even permanently disabled. If you have suffered an injury or illness due to your occupation in Nebraska, you can seek financial compensation.

If you or someone you know have suffered an illness or injury related to your job, you don’t have to take the loss. Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers compensation has existed in the United States since 1911, with Wisconsin being the first state to adopt the policy. Nebraska followed suit in 1913. 

Workers compensation is insurance that covers the risk of employees getting ill or injured in the scope of the job. The Nebraska Workers Compensation Act requires employers to provide this insurance, which gives employees an avenue to seek the benefits that they need and deserve. These benefits can also help prevent long, expensive court cases for workers and employers. 

Statistics Related to Nebraska’s Workers’ Compensation

In 2021, there were 33,037 workplace injuries reported in Nebraska. 

The industries reporting these injuries include mining, oil, and gas extraction; science and technical services; public administration; real estate; retail trade; and wholesale trade, among others. Of these industries, retail trade reported the most injuries at 4,569, with the lowest (mining, oil, and gas extraction) reporting only 40 injury cases. 

The statistical report for 2021 also details the different causes of injuries commonly reported. Among them are the following: 

• Extreme temperature exposure
• Getting caught in or between something
• Slipping and falling
• Injuries by cuts, punctures, or scrapes
• Motor vehicle injuries
• Abrasions
• Strains and sprains
• Striking against or stepping on something
• Being struck by an object

Also included were miscellaneous causes and unknown causes. Of the 33,037 injuries reported in 2021, 8,404 were attributed to strain. The second-highest number of reported injuries (7,093) were caused by slips and falls.

The types of injuries described are amputations, bruising and swelling, burns, exposure, cuts or abrasions, fractures, occupational diseases, repetitive motions, and sprains and ruptures. Sprains and ruptures are the most common, with 11,809 occurring in 2021. Cuts and bruises follow, with over 6,000 of each reported in the same year.

How Do Workers Compensation Benefits Work?

All employees can benefit from workers’ compensation, except for independent contractors. Certain federal employers also may be exempt from offering workers compensation benefits. If you are unsure about your employment status in regard to your ability to receive workers compensation, you may need to consult an attorney.

Any employee who is covered by the Nebraska Workers Compensation Act that meets the following criteria is entitled to benefits:

• The injury or illness occurred in Nebraska, due to an incident occurring in the workplace
• The employment is in Nebraska or was at the time
• The employer is doing work in Nebraska or was at the time
• The employee was hired in Nebraska, regardless of whether the incident occurred in Nebraska

Benefits include medical benefits, indemnity (or disability) benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. If the employee dies due to the workplace incident that caused their injury or illness, their benefits may be passed to their dependents.

What I’m Denied My Workers Comp Benefits? 

While an employer may be responsible for providing workers comp benefits, that doesn’t mean they always take care to do so. You may have been denied benefits, leaving you paying out of pocket without the pay you need during this difficult time. 

If you’ve been denied benefits for your suffering, a lawyer can help you take action. Your attorney can gather evidence that you’re due compensation, and they can appeal the denial you’re facing. If your employer refuses to negotiate, they can represent you in court for the compensation you’re due. 

Seek Out a Nebraska Workers Comp Attorney

If you or someone you care about have suffered a workplace illness or injury in Nebraska, you have options to aid your recovery. You are legally owed financial compensation from your employer, provided you fit the criteria outlined by the Nebraska Workers Compensation Act.

If you are unsure what kind of compensation you deserve, your employer is behaving suspiciously, the insurance company won’t return your calls, or you are just struggling with how to begin, don’t fret. Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. have your back. We offer a free consultation for injury cases, so connect with us today at 402-462-5187 or fill out our following online contact form.