If you have suffered an injury while on the job and accrued medical expenses or been forced to miss work as a result, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your expenses. If your loved one died as a result of a workplace accident, you may also be eligible to receive benefits.
However, before you accept any settlement, it is prudent to consult with an aggressive Florida workers’ compensation attorney to make sure that you have received the maximum benefits and the compensation you deserve for your injury. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed for many reasons, but here are some of the most common workers’ compensation injuries in Florida.
Overexertion
Physical overexertion is a common cause of workers’ compensation injuries. This usually results from conducting a repetitive task (for example, factory work) too many times and without adequate rest, from lifting heavy objects, or from working in a non-ergonomic position.
Most overexertion injuries begin with acute pain (such as back pain), and can easily be resolved if they are treated and working conditions are improved. However, failure to address overexertion can result in chronic, debilitating conditions.
If your employer has required that you work in conditions that result in overexertion injuries, advise your employer or seek guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney on how to properly file a claim. Make sure that you know your rights and have consulted a workers’ compensation lawyer, who can help you determine what is your best course of action.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip and fall cases are eligible for a workers’ compensation claim so long as they happen during the course of employment.
A slip, trip, or fall accident occurs when a worker slips on a smooth surface, trips over something, or otherwise falls, either directly to the ground or from a raised surface such as a ladder or staircase. The most common workers’ compensation injuries resulting from these accidents are back, spinal cord, neck, arm, wrist, leg, and foot injuries. These injuries are often painful and debilitating, so may force you to miss work while you recover. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can advise on how to pursue lost wages and medical treatments.
Struck By or Against Object
If you are struck by or against an object, such as machinery, vehicles, another worker, tools, or other objects, you may sustain a serious injury. The type of injury resulting from these accidents depends upon what you are struck by, where you are struck, and the amount of force with which the object strikes you. Some of the most common injuries are hand or foot injuries, head injuries, and back or neck injuries. If you fall as a result of being struck, you may also sustain injuries from the fall.
A workers’ compensation claim is fairly common in these cases, which your workers’ compensation attorney can help you file. However, if this accident occurs due to unsafe conditions, like faulty equipment, a personal injury lawsuit may also be applicable.
The best way to know for sure whether or not you have a viable case? Talk to a knowledgeable and local Ft. Lauderdale attorney with experience handling Workers’ Compensation claims as well as third-party claims. When you have good legal counsel by your side, you can rest assured that your rights will not be taken away from you. The South Florida Injury Law Firm is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients throughout Florida, including Broward County, Indian River, Okeechobee, Martin County, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and other cities and counties.