Category: Workers Compensation

When you’re injured on the job in Florida, you must seek legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Florida Accident Injury Attorneys specialize in representing clients injured in on-the-job accidents, particularly in industries with high rates of accidents and injuries. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of successfully advocating for our clients and helping them to recover the compensation they deserve. Here, you can learn about Florida industries with the most workers’ compensation claims and why they are so dangerous. Dangerous Industries for Workers in Florida While all jobs carry some risk for workers to sustain an injury, some are more dangerous than others. Construction In the construction industry, accidents can occur in various ways, including falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, electrocution, and accidents involving heavy machinery. Consider these statistics: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 76 work-related fatalities in the construction industry in 2021. The most common causes of fatal construction accidents in Florida in 2021 were falls, transportation incidents, contact with objects and equipment, and electrocutions. Construction workers are more likely to be injured or killed on the job than workers in many other industries. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. To protect workers in this industry, laws and regulations govern safety standards and provide for workers’ compensation benefits. Specifically, OSHA has established safety regulations that apply to the construction industry, including fall protection, scaffolding, and electrical safety requirements. Additionally, Florida has workers’ compensation laws that require employers to provide benefits to injured employees, such as payment of medical expenses and lost wages. Property owners or contractors may also be liable for construction accidents if they fail to maintain a safe worksite or provide adequate safety equipment. Healthcare The healthcare industry can be extremely dangerous, and several injuries are seen in these work settings. Some of the most common include the following: Musculoskeletal injuries: Healthcare workers often need to lift or move patients, which can result in strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Needlestick injuries: Healthcare workers who handle needles and other sharp objects may be at risk for needlestick injuries, which can transmit bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Slip, trip, and fall injuries: Healthcare facilities may have hazards such as wet floors or cluttered walkways that can cause slip, trip, and fall injuries. Violence-related injuries: Healthcare workers may be at risk for violence from patients or their families, particularly in emergency departments or psychiatric units. Respiratory illnesses: Healthcare workers may be exposed to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or COVID-19, which can cause respiratory illnesses. These injuries can be serious and may require medical treatment and time off work to recover. There are laws in place to protect those working in the healthcare industry. Some of these laws and requirements include the following: OSHA regulations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations that apply to the healthcare industry, including standards related to bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection, and workplace violence prevention. Workers’ compensation: Florida’s workers’ compensation laws provide benefits for healthcare workers who are injured on the job, including payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. Workplace violence prevention: Florida has a workplace violence prevention law that requires healthcare facilities to develop and implement violence prevention programs that include risk assessments, employee training, and incident reporting. Personal protective equipment: Healthcare workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns to protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases and other workplace hazards. It’s important for healthcare workers to be aware of their rights under these laws and to take steps to protect themselves on the job. If you believe that your employer has violated any of these workplace protection laws, it’s important to consult with an attorney who specializes in employment law to explore your legal options. Manufacturing The manufacturing industry also sees many fatal and non-fatal workplace accidents each year. Common injuries manufacturing industry workers sustain include the following: Overexertion injuries: Workers in the manufacturing industry may be required to lift heavy objects or perform repetitive motions for long periods, which can lead to strains, sprains, and other overexertion injuries. Machine-related injuries: Manufacturing workers may operate heavy machineries such as conveyor belts, presses, and lathes, which can cause serious injuries such as amputations, burns, and crush injuries. Slip, trip, and fall injuries: Manufacturing facilities may have hazards such as wet floors or cluttered walkways that can cause slip, trip, and fall injuries. Exposure to chemicals and toxins: Workers in the manufacturing industry may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and toxins, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Noise-induced hearing loss: Manufacturing workers may be exposed to high noise levels from machinery and equipment, which can cause hearing loss over time. Due to the dangers in this industry, laws and regulations are in place to help keep workers safe. These include: OSHA regulations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established safety regulations that apply to the manufacturing industry, including standards related to machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and hazardous chemicals. Workers’ compensation: Florida’s workers’ compensation laws provide benefits for manufacturing workers who are injured on the job, including payment of medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. Product liability laws: In some cases, manufacturers may be held liable for injuries caused by defective products or machinery. Personal protective equipment: Manufacturing workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection to prevent injuries from machinery and other hazards. Let Our Legal Team at Florida Accident Injury Attorneys Help with Your Case If you’ve been injured on the job in Florida, the experienced attorneys at Florida Accident Injury Attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. With specialties in the construction, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, our legal team understands the specific laws and regulations that apply

  As an employee, it’s important to understand your legal rights if you’re injured on the job. Without this knowledge, you may not receive the compensation and benefits you deserve. Here you can learn about workers’ compensation laws in Florida, employer obligations, legal rights for injured workers, hiring an attorney, and more. If you are injured on the job and need assistance, contact Florida Accident Injury Attorneys. Work Accident Statistics in Florida According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, and Division of Workers’ Compensation, there were 55,918 reported work-related injuries in Florida in 2020. Of these, 32,384 were classified as “lost time” injuries, meaning that the injured worker could not return to work immediately after the injury. The industries with the highest number of reported injuries were construction, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. The most common injuries reported were strains and sprains, cuts and punctures, and contusions. It’s important to note that these statistics only reflect reported injuries, and the number of work-related injuries in Florida may be higher. Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws refer to the set of laws that outline the benefits, procedures, and requirements for workers who have been injured or become ill due to their job. These laws are designed to protect employees and ensure that they receive appropriate medical care and financial compensation in the event of a work-related injury or illness. In Florida, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and employees who are covered by this insurance are eligible to file a claim if they are injured on the job. The Florida Workers’ Compensation system is overseen by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation. Eligibility Requirements for Workers’ Compensation Benefits To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Florida, you must meet the following requirements: You must be an employee: Independent contractors and volunteers are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance: Most employers in Florida are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not carry this insurance, you may still be able to receive benefits through the Florida Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund. Your injury or illness must be work-related: To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, your injury or illness must have occurred due to your employment. This includes injuries on company property while performing work-related duties or traveling for work. You must notify your employer of the incident: You have 30 days to report your work injury to your employer after it happens. Failure to report your injury within this timeframe could result in denying your workers’ compensation claim. If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for medical care, lost wage benefits, and other benefits under the Florida Workers’ Compensation system. Benefits Available to Injured Workers In Florida, injured workers who are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits may be entitled to the following benefits: Medical Benefits: Injured workers are entitled to receive all necessary medical care related to their work-related injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, medication, and physical therapy. Wage Replacement Benefits: You may receive wage replacement benefits if your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days. These benefits are usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by the state. Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits: In cases where the injured worker cannot return to their previous job, they may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits. These benefits assist with job training, job search, and placement services. Death Benefits: The dependents of a family member who dies on the job can sometimes receive death benefits. It’s important to note that the specific benefits available may depend on your injury’s circumstances and your eligibility for workers’ compensation. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine which benefits you may be entitled to and assist you in pursuing those benefits. How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida To file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, follow these steps: Notify Your Employer of the Incident You must report your accident and injury within 30 days of the incident. Failure to report your injury within this timeframe could result in denying your workers’ compensation claim. Seek Medical Attention Seek medical attention as soon as possible following your injury. Your employer may have a designated medical provider, or you may be able to choose your own provider. Be sure to inform your provider that your injury is work-related. Complete and Submit a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form Your employer should provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form (Form DWC-1) within seven days of your injury report. You must complete this form and submit it to your employer. Wait for a Response Your employer or workers’ compensation insurance carrier will have 14 days to investigate your claim and determine whether to accept or deny it. If your claim is accepted, you should receive benefits within a few weeks. Consider Hiring an Attorney If your claim is denied or you are not receiving the benefits you believe you are entitled to, consider hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process, gather evidence to support your claim and pursue the benefits you deserve. Acting quickly when filing a workers’ compensation claim is important, as some strict deadlines and requirements must be met. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation or an experienced Florida worker’s compensation attorney. Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida If you have been injured on the job in Florida, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and pursue the benefits you deserve. Workplace injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. We are committed to helping our clients receive the medical care and financial support they need to recover. Our attorneys can assist you with every step of the workers’ compensation claims process, from reporting