No one plans to be injured while performing their job duties. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are more common in Jacksonville, FL, than many people realize.
Have you been injured on the job? If so, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits (in most cases). However, since the laws related to these benefits can be complex and confusing, it’s smart to contact Jacksonville work injury lawyers to help with your case. At Sternberg Forsythe, P.A., our legal team is ready to help you recover the benefits you deserve for all losses and injuries that you experience on the job.
Even though our legal team is here to help, we recommend learning what some of the most common workplace accidents are so you can take steps to avoid being involved in one.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
It’s estimated that slips, trips, and falls make up one-third of all workplace accidents and injuries. They are also the top cause of workers’ compensation claims.
While each situation is unique, this type of accident can result in several different injuries, including pulled muscles, sprains, cuts, broken bones, neck injuries, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
Common causes of falls at work include things like:
- Spills
- Clutter
- Weather hazards (i.e., wet or icy steps)
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Loose rugs
- Uncovered wires and cables
- Oily or slippery surfaces
- Wrinkled mats or carpeting
- Poor lighting
These incidents are usually preventable. However, since Florida workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, even if the fault lies with the employee (you), it’s still possible to recover benefits.
Caught or Struck by Machinery or Equipment
You likely know the risk if you work with heavy equipment or machines. This type of machinery is common in construction and farm equipment and commonly seen in factories.
It’s important for equipment and machines with moving parts to have the proper guards in place for safety. If a body part is caught in a machine or hit by an exposed part of a flying object, the results may be devastating. Injuries involving machines are often life-altering, such as lost limbs, TBIs, blindness, and more.
Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
A common work-caused injury involves the musculoskeletal system. While these injuries can occur in any field, many people don’t realize that office workers are also at risk of this type of injury.
Repetitive stress and overexertion injuries result in lost productivity for businesses, which can impact the company’s bottom line. Unfortunately, these injuries are also debilitating for the worker.
- Repetitive stress injuries are caused by repeatedly engaging in the same motion with the same part of your body over a long period. If left untreated, the injury may result in the worker’s inability to continue performing their job.
- Overexertion injuries. Lifting heavy items improperly is the most common type of overexertion injury.
Accidents Involving Vehicles
If a vehicle of any type is involved, there is the possibility of an accident. Some accidents may occur, including being struck by a vehicle or run over. It’s also possible to be stuck under a vehicle that has rolled over or crushed. These accidents often have catastrophic consequences.
Explosions and Fires
The possibility of fires and explosions on the job is higher than many people realize. Some risks include combustible materials that aren’t stored properly, the use or presence of open flames, and faulty gas lines. Like many other injuries on this list, the outcome can be catastrophic and life-changing.
Get Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you suffer an injury while on the job, it can create a stressful and confusing situation. You may wonder what options you have to recover and if you can receive workers’ compensation benefits.
A smart move is to contact Jacksonville work injury lawyers from Sternberg Forsythe, P.A., as soon as possible. The legal team will use their expertise and resources to help you recover the benefits you deserve.
Remember, Florida’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault. This means that as long as there was no horseplay or intent behind your injury, you can receive benefits, even if the injury was partly your fault.
Our legal team can help answer any questions and provide guidance throughout your case. The first step is to get in touch and schedule a free legal team with our attorneys. We are here to help with your case. Contact us for a free consultation.
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