Safe at work: South Dakota makes list of 10 states with fewest workplace accidents revealed by new study
- A new analysis identifies the states where workers are safest, with South Dakota coming ninth
- The analysis uses Google search data to highlight the states requiring compensation and injury lawyers
- Workers in Georgia and New York are eager to lawyer up in poor working conditions, but Iowa and West Virginia residents show no interest in compensation
- An expert suggests some states may be better protected against workplace accidents and offers advice for anyone who may be entitled to a claim
An expert has advised on what to do after a workplace accident after new analysis revealed which states are least likely to seek compensation – Arkansas is top.
Florida personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed Google searches over the past 12 months for terms related to workplace compensation, such as ‘workers comp attorney’ and ‘compensation for injured workers’, and scaled the findings to per 100k residents.
Workplace compensation for illness or injury caused by your job can take several forms, from covering medical expenses and income lost while injured to receiving compensation for loss of future earnings.
However, Arkansas residents show the least interest in seeking workplace compensation, suggesting that they experience much safer working conditions than in other states. Residents searched for compensation terms only 45.4 times per month (/100k residents) – 42.2% lower than the national average.
West Virginia and Iowa also registered comparatively low search volumes, with West Virginian residents producing 49.8 searches per 100k residents (36.7% lower than the average), and Iowa making 49.99 searches (36.4% lower than the national average).
These states are, therefore, the safest for workers. With factors like pregnancy accommodation rights, a higher minimum wage, and health care continuation coverage obligations being in force for smaller employers in West Virginia, workers are understandably happier here than in other states.
The fourth safest state was Minnesota, with 51.2 searches per 100k residents, closely followed by Wisconsin in fifth place, with 51.7 monthly searches for compensation lawyers per 100k.
The ten safest states for workers, based on interest in workplace compensation
| State | Average Monthly Google Searches per 100k Residents | |
| 1 | Arkansas | 45.42 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 49.76 |
| 3 | Iowa | 49.99 |
| 4 | Minnesota | 51.24 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 51.78 |
| 6 | Indiana | 51.96 |
| 7 | Washington | 55.11 |
| 8 | Kentucky | 55.55 |
| 9 | South Dakota | 56.84 |
| 10 | Maine | 58.81 |
Colorado was the frontrunner in seeking workplace compensation, with an impressive average of 179.5 monthly searches per 100k residents. This figure is 128% above the national average of 78.7 searches per 100k.
The most searched-for term in Colorado was ‘workers comp attorney’, which indicates that Colorado workers are significantly more proactive in pursuing compensation claims than other states. The greater frequency of searches suggests Colorado is the state where workers are most at risk of workplace accidents.
In second place, Georgia searched for workplace compensation terms 168.5 times per month, 114.3% higher than the national average. ‘Workers compensation’ was the highest-ranking term, suggesting a broader interest in financial rewards for the state.
New York landed in third place for states most likely to seek compensation, reporting searches that are 76% higher than the national average at 138.2 monthly searches.
Following closely behind, South Carolina workers made 128.9 monthly searches, and Mississippi made 125.6, placing them 64% and 60% above the national average, respectively.
The ten states most dangerous for workers, based on demand for workplace compensation
| State | Average Monthly Google Searches per 100k Residents | |
| 1 | Colorado | 179.45 |
| 2 | Georgia | 168.52 |
| 3 | New York | 138.21 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 128.86 |
| 5 | Mississippi | 125.58 |
| 6 | California | 115.25 |
| 7 | New Jersey | 105.13 |
| 8 | Alabama | 104.24 |
| 9 | Delaware | 103.69 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 94.61 |
Industry experts at Anijar & Levine encourage workers in all states, even those with a lower interest in making a claim, to do their research as they could be eligible for large sums of financial compensation for any injuries or illnesses contracted at work.
They said: “Workers who have suffered an accident or ailment due to their employment could be entitled to significant compensation, but many employees simply don’t know what to do and where to go for help. If compensation claims are not commonplace in your state, you might feel uncomfortable or unsure about what to do.
“However, it’s important to seek support when navigating a workplace claim, as you may be entitled to compensation, which for many, is vital to help reduce the stress of recovery.”
They offer the following advice to workers about the first steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a workplace accident to give their claim the best chance of success.
- Seek Medical Care
“If you’ve been injured in the workplace, your first step is to seek medical care, which is vital for your health and your claim. Your medical records document your illness or injuries and link them to your employment. Be sure to seek medical care right after you sustain your injury and tell the medical provider that you were in a work-related accident.
- Report Your Injury Immediately
“You should also report the injury to your employer right away. If you wait too long, the insurance company may claim that your injury was not work-related. You must report it within 30 days, or you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
- Follow the Doctor’s Orders
“Make sure to follow your medical professional’s advice and attend all appointments to avoid an insurance provider saying that you made your injuries worse or were never really hurt in the first place.
- Maintain Professionalism
“Avoid posting your injuries or activities on social media, and ensure others do not post you either. Your employer can use these seemingly harmless images of you out and about as evidence against your claim. Also, watch what you say to the insurance provider. Remember, the workers’ compensation insurance provider works for your employer, not for you, and they want to minimize your claim.
- Keep Records
“You can use your records as evidence during your workers’ compensation case. Keep copies of your injury report forms, workers’ compensation claim, correspondence with the insurance provider, and your medical bills and records. You can also keep a log of phone calls between you and the insurance company, messages they leave for you, or attempted calls you place and messages you leave with the provider.”