CDC researchers have discovered that the older an employee is when he or she is injured, the longer the recovery process will take. Those workers over the age of 55 required between 11 and 12 days of recovery after a workplace injury. Their younger counterparts only required an average of 6-9. Although older workers generally get injured less, the length of absence from work increases as age increases.
In 2009, 19% of the workforce was comprised of older workers over the age of 55, and that number is growing as baby boomers continue to age. The majority of the injuries that older workers suffer, however, are acute traumatic injuries (up to 94%). These injuries were usually falls, fractures, and hip injuries.
The research seems to support the notion that as the body ages, recovery time is slowed. Older bodies don’t simply bounce back the way they did when they were in their twenties. As such, more time is needed for recovery and rehabilitation.
Sadly, many of the injuries that older workers endure have the ability to sideline them for the long haul. Many older workers are simply unable to return following a hip fracture or herniated disc. This can force them into retirement earlier than they want—and need. The result is an injured worker who needs worker’s compensation for a much longer time period than their employer may like.
If you have been injured on the job, you may be eligible to file for worker’s compensation. You should contact an experienced Seattle worker’s compensation lawyer immediately to review your rights as an employee and ensure that you are not mistreated while you are injured. Many older employees find their positions gone after an injury, or they may suddenly be terminated without warning. This is not acceptable, and should be fought.
Contact Seattle Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
If you have been injured on the job and have questions regarding your worker’s compensation, an experienced Seattle worker’s compensation attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle worker’s compensation attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The workers’ compensation lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.