Common Types of Workplace Injuries in Florida Workers’ Compensation Cases
Despite additional regulations in place and increasing attempts at keeping the workplace safe for employees, the number of accidents occurring on the job continues to rise. If you have been the victim of one of these accidents, you might be wondering whether or not you need an attorney or not. Unfortunately, it’s commonplace for the workers’ compensation carrier to look for ways to reduce your claim, or even deny claims wherever possible in order to save money. It’s important to speak with an experienced Orlando workers’ compensation attorney who can assist and help you fight your case.
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means you typically do not sue your employer in most situations. Instead, you deal with the insurance carrier who handles the investigation and potential payouts. It’s up to you to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your injuries were directly related to performing work tasks or were due to a hazardous condition present at the workplace. Some of these are more difficult to prove, which is why retaining an attorney is always recommended. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of workplace injuries that lead to workers’ compensation claims.
Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries
According to the 2019 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, the leading causes of workplace injuries across the nation are:
- Overexertion Involving Outside Source: Pushing, lifting, throwing, turning, pulling, and catching items.
- Falls on Same Level: These injuries can involve falling on the same level, or while climbing stairs or tripping over objects.
- Struck by Equipment or Object: Claims under this category include being struck by falling objects or equipment, or being injured by slipping or by a swinging object, a flying object, a non-transport vehicle, etc.
- Slip or Trip Without a Fall: If you slip on an uneven surface without falling down, or slip on a hazard on the floor that you don’t see.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Common repetitive motion injuries can include those caused by the use of a computer mouse, data entry, computer typing, and more.
- Falls to Lower Level: This is when a worker falls from equipment or a collapsing surface down to a lower level.
- Other Bodily Reactions or Exertions: You can file a workers’ compensation claim if you were injured due to kneeling, crawling, walking, bending, standing, twisting, stepping, reaching, or running, etc.
- Struck Against Equipment or an Object: This injury happens when you step on something, bump into it, kick it, or you are thrown against an object.
- Compressed by or Caught in Objects or Equipment: You are caught by equipment or a machine that is running, pinched by objects shifting around, entangled in equipment, etc.
- Roadway accidents involving vehicles: If you drive for work or on a work-related errand and get into an accident.
Contact a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
As you can see, there are a number of different ways you can be injured while on the job. There are measures both you and your employer can take to reduce the risk of workplace accidents, but don’t be afraid to present a claim if an incident does occur. In addition to presenting a claim, it’s important you seek approved medical care immediately or your claim could be denied. It’s best if you speak with an Orlando workers’ compensation attorney right away so you have someone on your side. If you’ve been in a workplace accident, contact the Payer Law today at 866-930-1238 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Resource:
insurancejournal.com/news/national/2019/04/11/523397.htm
/what-to-know-when-youre-filing-a-florida-workers-compensation-claim/
