Lifting Injuries

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our law firm assists individuals with work-related lifting injuries. Workplace injuries can significantly impact an individual’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Lifting injuries, in particular, can be particularly debilitating and may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Our attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, are experienced in representing clients injured on the job due to lifting-related accidents. We understand the challenges injured workers’ face and are committed to helping them receive the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you know has suffered a work-related lifting injury, it is essential to seek legal representation to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the necessary medical care and financial compensation. Our attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, are here to help. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.

Work-Related Lifting Injury Statistics in Florida

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 31,700 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in Florida in 2020 resulted in days away from work, with 2,490 injuries specifically related to lifting, carrying, or lowering heavy objects. This represents a significant portion of workplace injuries in the state, indicating the need for awareness and prevention measures to reduce the risk of lifting-related accidents.

The industries with the highest incidence rates of lifting-related injuries in Florida include transportation and warehousing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. The most common lifting injuries reported in these industries are sprains, strains, and tears, with the lower back being the most frequently affected body part.

These statistics highlight the importance of proper training, ergonomic equipment, and safe lifting practices in the workplace. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment and implementing measures to prevent lifting injuries.

Common Causes of Work-Related Lifting Injuries in Florida

Work-related lifting injuries can result from a variety of factors and causes. In Florida, some of the most common causes of lifting injuries in the workplace include:

• Poor ergonomics: Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, and awkward body positioning can put excessive strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, leading to lifting-related injuries.
• Overexertion: Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive lifting tasks without sufficient rest and recovery time can cause muscle fatigue and increase the risk of injuries.
• Lack of training: Insufficient training on proper lifting techniques and safe work practices can increase the likelihood of lifting-related accidents in the workplace.
• Workplace hazards: Slippery floors, unstable surfaces, and cluttered workspaces can increase the risk of accidents and injuries while lifting heavy objects.
• Inadequate equipment: The absence of proper lifting equipment, such as hoists, cranes, or carts, can lead to manual lifting, increasing the risk of injuries.
• Inadequate staffing: In some cases, lifting injuries occur because workers’ are required to lift heavy objects without the assistance of co-workers’ or equipment.
• Age and physical condition: Older workers’ or those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at greater risk of lifting injuries due to reduced physical capacity and mobility.

Employers must identify and address these risk factors to prevent lifting-related injuries in the workplace. This can include providing proper training, ergonomic equipment, and safe work practices, implementing injury prevention programs, and conducting regular safety audits.

Common Work-Related Lifting Injuries

Work-related lifting accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and long-lasting. In Florida, some of the most common injuries caused by lifting accidents in the workplace include:

• Back injuries: Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive lifting tasks can cause strain on the lower back, leading to injuries such as herniated discs, sprains, and strains.
• Shoulder injuries: Lifting heavy objects above shoulder height or performing repetitive lifting tasks can cause shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, strains, and sprains.
• Neck injuries: Improper lifting techniques or poor posture can put excessive strain on the neck, leading to injuries such as whiplash, strains, and sprains.
• Knee injuries: Lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive lifting tasks can put stress on the knee joints, leading to injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears.
• Hand and wrist injuries: Handling heavy objects can put stress on the hands and wrists, leading to injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
• Head injuries: Lifting accidents can sometimes result in injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries if the object falls on the worker.

These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, time away from work, and long-term disability.

What Florida Workers’ Are Most at-Risk for Lifting Injuries?

Workers’ in various industries are at risk for lifting injuries in Florida. However, some industries and job roles are more at risk than others.

• Healthcare and social assistance: Workers’ in the healthcare and social assistance sector are at high risk of lifting injuries due to the need to lift and transfer patients frequently.
• Transportation and warehousing: Workers’ in this industry must load and unload cargo, which involves lifting heavy objects and working in awkward postures.
• Construction: Workers’ in the construction industry often lift and carry heavy building materials, which can lead to injuries if not done safely.
• Manufacturing: Workers’ in manufacturing industries are at risk of lifting injuries due to the need to move heavy machinery and materials.
• Retail trade: Workers’ in retail trade, such as grocery store employees, are at risk of lifting injuries due to the need to stock and move merchandise, often in a fast-paced environment.
• Agriculture: Workers’ in the agriculture industry must perform manual labor, including lifting and carrying heavy loads, which can lead to injuries.
• Janitorial and cleaning services: Workers’ in this industry must lift and move heavy equipment and supplies, which can lead to injuries.

Employers in these industries must implement proper safety measures, such as providing ergonomic equipment and training on safe lifting techniques, to reduce the risk of lifting injuries in the workplace.

Let Our Legal Team Help You with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you have suffered a work-related lifting injury, it is important to seek legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The attorneys at our law firm are here to help.

We have experience representing clients in workers’ compensation claims related to lifting injuries, and we understand the challenges injured workers’ face. Our team will work tirelessly to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the medical care and financial compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Our attorneys will provide you with personalized attention and support throughout the entire legal process, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your workers’ compensation claim for a lifting injury.