If you are injured or experience an illness due to your job, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. While there are many issues, illnesses, and injuries that can result in a workers’ compensation claim, some are more common than others.
It’s important to remember that if you are injured while on the job, you should reach out to our legal team at Sternberg Forsythe, P.A. We can review the facts of your case and help you get the benefits you deserve.
Learn more about the most common workers’ compensation injuries and claims filed in Florida.
Toxic Exposure
Working in some industries means that you may regularly come into contact with dangerous and caustic substances, such as toxic minerals or high-grade cleaners. All workers who are in these types of environments should be provided with protective safety gear. If this doesn’t happen, they may become ill.
Drug Overdoses
This entry on the list may be a bit surprising to some. However, there’s been an increase among workers suffering drug overdoses while on the job. It’s estimated that around 300 people will die every year due to drug overdoses. While the number is low compared to the other reasons that someone may file a worker’s compensation claim, it is worth mentioning since the numbers seem to be going up. In these cases, which often result in death, the workers’ families will receive death benefits.
Burn Injuries
Caustic chemicals, open flames, and hot surfaces can cause all types of burn injuries among workers. Some incidents only result in first-degree burns, which can heal relatively quickly. However, if the worker experiences a third-degree burn, it can be life-changing. In some cases, the individual will miss months or longer of work and could suffer permanent disabilities.
Electrocution
In industrial and construction settings (along with others), a serious issue relates to electrocution hazards. It’s important that only trained, and licensed electricians work on electrical components or wiring. All other workers should stay clear of these work areas to ensure they don’t interfere with the work the electrician is doing and avoid being injured by live wires.
Assault and Battery
According to information provided by OSHA, healthcare providers, retail workers, rideshare drivers, utility workers, and probation officers are all at a high risk of being assaulted or robbed while on the job. If you are the party who is injured while doing your job and you didn’t start the fight intentionally, then you may be able to recover workers’ compensation benefits. It’s good to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to know your rights.
Struck by Falling Objects
Virtually every workplace setting presents a hazard of workers being struck by a falling object. This could happen in the office if a filing cabinet fell over or at a construction site. Any type of “struck by” incident can be serious, especially if the object that falls strikes the worker in the head.
Vehicle Accidents
In some industries, driving personal or company vehicles is a part of the job. It doesn’t matter why your job requires you to drive; if you spend time taking care of work-related tasks in your car, then accidents are possible.
Machinery Accidents
If demolition or manufacturing is being done, industrial equipment and heavy machinery will be used. If a worker who is not certified to use these machines try to, they are putting themselves and others on the worksite at risk for serious and often fatal injuries.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Stray cables, lifted carpeting, loose debris, slick tiles, and other items can present slip-and-fall hazards in the workplace. Employers need to enforce strict upkeep and cleaning rules around the job site to ensure that these hazards are taken care of before someone is injured.
Overexertion
While this may not seem like a big deal at first, the truth is that overexertion is a serious concern in many industries and in many work settings. If a worker tries to push themselves too far, they can twist a joint, tear a ligament, pull a muscle, or experience some other type of injury. In fact, a simple task like moving a case or box of paper can result in a worker having to file a claim for benefits.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Do you need help getting the benefits you deserve after an on-the-job accident? If so, get in touch with our legal team today. We are here to help you with your case and ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to. We have been fighting for clients, just like you, for years, and we guarantee that you will get all of our abilities and efforts for your case.