Around a military installation, there is constantly work to be done and places to go. Some accidents, from falls to lifting strains to car accidents, are bound to happen.
However, even though a number of serious and even deadly accidents have been recorded at Fort Campbell in recent months, new reports indicate that safety is improving. According to recently released U.S. Army safety data, on post workplace accidents were down significantly in Fiscal Year 2013, as were motor vehicle accidents both on and off post.
Worker accidents down by 40 percent, motor vehicle crashes tumbled by 50 percent
More than 2,000 individuals work at Fort Campbell in appropriated funds and non-appropriated funds positions. Among these employees, there were just 23 reported accidents in Fiscal Year 2013. This was a 40 percent reduction compared to the average number of accidents on post over the last five years. Among the civilian workforce, the most common injuries are things like back sprains and shoulder strains that can be attributed to overexertion or improper lifting.
As cooler weather approaches, Fort Campbell authorities are emphasizing situational awareness around slips, trips and falls. Starting November 15, a new Winter Safety Campaign focusing on cold weather hazards will begin being implemented. According to the Installation Safety Office, January, February and March are the months when many fall accidents occur, and overall 21 percent of on post accidents are attributable to falls.
Motor vehicle safety was another significant area of improvement during Fiscal Year 2013. Both on and off post, Fort Campbell saw a stunning 50 percent drop in car accidents from the previous year. Motorcycle accidents were also down significantly, dropping by 40 percent. Yet, while the improvements are encouraging, many soldiers and civilians are still suffering serious or even fatal injury in motor vehicle accidents; in Fiscal Year 2013, eight Fort Campbell soldiers died from injuries that resulted from a car crash or motorcycle wreck.
Talk to a lawyer about your accident before accepting any kind of settlement
The decline in accidents is encouraging news. For those who are injured, however, it remains just as important as ever to secure the compensation they are entitled to, which can account for medical bills, lost wages and other types of losses.
For those injured on the job, workers’ compensation may be available; injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident may be compensable through insurance or by bringing the at-fault driver to court. Kentucky is a comparative fault state, so even if you were more than 50 percent at fault for causing an accident, you may still be able to recover damages.
Even if you do not intend to file a lawsuit over an injury, it is important to speak to a lawyer before accepting any type of settlement offer. Workers’ comp claims and car accident insurance payouts will often be undervalued as a cost saving measure. An attorney can help ensure you are compensated as fully as possible. Talk to a lawyer today if you were injured in an accident at work or on the road.