When people think of dangerous industries or professions, jobs that are much more physical in nature, such as construction or manufacturing, top the list. Careers within the education sector are typically not thought of as dangerous or hazardous.
Still, you never know when an accident or injury will take you away from your students. If something happens to you on the job that interferes with your ability to function, a successful workers’ compensation claim ensures you experience no financial hardships.
Cumulative injuries are common in teachers
Although your job may not expose you to the severe injury risks steel or construction workers face, you could still suffer injuries in the workplace. For example, many teachers develop repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, from writing notes and grading papers.
You may associate such injuries with the hands and wrists, but cumulative trauma can affect any overused muscle group. That unexplained pain in your legs, knees, hips, shoulders or elsewhere could be a cumulative trauma injury.
You might not recognize the cumulative damage on your joints right away because they arise from small, frequent (perhaps unnoticeable) injuries within the affected muscle group. Over time, these small injuries essentially become a much more significant injury, resulting in regular or constant discomfort.
School property accidents are also possible
Teachers are as much at risk for premise injuries as any other employee. Slips, trips and falls occur commonly in hallways, classrooms, lunchrooms and other areas. Stairways also pose the risk of a fall-related injury.
Workers’ compensation covers injuries arising out of performing your work duties. Instead of living with your pain, exercise your right to file a claim under Maryland law. It will cover your medical expenses and replace some of your lost wages, allowing you to make a complete recovery before resuming your job duties.
