Top 5 Industries in Charlotte with the Most Workers’ Comp Claims

Charlotte’s thriving economy is built on a wide range of industries, from finance and healthcare to construction and manufacturing. While the city’s growth brings new opportunities, it also increases the number of workplace injuries reported each year. Some jobs are naturally more dangerous than others, and workers in these fields often face higher risks of accidents and long-term health problems.

Understanding which industries have the most workers’ compensation claims can help employees recognize potential hazards and know their rights if they are hurt on the job.

1. Construction

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Charlotte and across North Carolina. Workers often perform physically demanding tasks at great heights or around heavy machinery. Common causes of injury include falls, electrical accidents, falling objects, and equipment malfunctions.

Even when safety regulations are followed, construction sites can change daily, creating new risks. Workers who suffer injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or back strain are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation.

Employers and contractors also have a legal duty to maintain safe work sites and provide proper safety training and equipment.

2. Manufacturing and Warehousing

Charlotte’s manufacturing and logistics sectors employ thousands of workers in factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. These jobs often involve repetitive motion, heavy lifting, and exposure to machinery. Forklift accidents, repetitive strain injuries, and crush injuries are among the most common causes of claims in this industry.

Employees who operate heavy equipment or work around conveyor systems are especially vulnerable to workplace accidents. In some cases, poor maintenance or a lack of safety guards can contribute to serious injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical expenses, therapy, and time away from work while employees recover.

3. Healthcare

Healthcare is one of Charlotte’s fastest-growing sectors, and also one of the most injury-prone. Nurses, medical assistants, and hospital staff often face long shifts, fast-paced environments, and exposure to infectious diseases. Back injuries from lifting patients, needle-stick injuries, and slip-and-fall incidents are among the most frequently reported.

Healthcare workers who file workers’ compensation claims may also need ongoing physical therapy or mental health support, particularly after experiencing traumatic events in the workplace. Hospitals and medical facilities must provide proper training and staffing to reduce these risks.

4. Transportation and Delivery Services

Charlotte’s role as a regional logistics hub means that truck drivers, delivery personnel, and warehouse workers are constantly on the move. These employees face risks both on the road and while loading or unloading cargo. Vehicle collisions, repetitive-motion injuries, and strains from lifting heavy packages often result in workers’ compensation claims.

Additionally, fatigue is a significant factor in this industry. Long hours behind the wheel or tight delivery schedules can increase the likelihood of accidents. Injured transportation workers are entitled to medical coverage and wage replacement benefits if they are unable to work while recovering.

5. Retail and Hospitality

Retail and hospitality jobs may not seem dangerous, but they account for a significant number of workplace injuries each year. Slips, trips, and falls are common in stores, restaurants, and hotels. Employees can also experience repetitive stress injuries from tasks like stocking shelves or operating cash registers.

Because many employees in these industries work part-time or rely on hourly wages, an injury can quickly lead to financial hardship. Workers’ compensation benefits help ensure that these employees receive proper care and income support while they recover.

Contact Our Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm

If you were injured while working in any industry in Charlotte, you have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. The attorneys at Ramsay Law Firm understand how different sectors face unique risks and challenges. We can help ensure your claim is handled correctly and that you receive every available benefit under North Carolina law.

Call (704) 376-1616 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and stand by you throughout the recovery process.

A Voice For The Injured. Here Every Step of The Way.