Warehouse Worker Injuries In Fort Lauderdale And Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Fort Lauderdale warehouse workers keep supply chains moving by lifting heavy loads, operating forklifts, loading and unloading at docks, and working long shifts in physically demanding conditions. The nature of the job and the tasks performed make warehouses among the most accident-prone work environments. When something does go wrong, injuries suffered by workers can be severe, and the road to recovery is likely to be long.
Warehouse injuries range from acute accidents to chronic pain that develops over months or years on the job. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains the benefits you may be entitled to and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Warehouse Worker Injuries in Fort Lauderdale
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the warehousing and storage industry has an injury rate almost double all private industries combined. When accidents happen, the consequences for workers can be severe.
Fortunately, benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation can help. Common ways warehouse worker injuries in Fort Lauderdale happen:
- Repetitive heavy lifting and bending;
- Overhead reaching, pulling, or carrying heavy inventory;
- Forklift and equipment accidents;
- Slip and fall accidents on loading docks, wet floors, or uneven warehouse surfaces.
Injuries suffered by warehouse workers include muscle or tendon strains and sprains, broken bones, and potentially severe back and head injuries. Workers’ compensation in South Florida helps cover your medical care, specialist visits, surgery, physical therapy, and portions of lost income while you recover. They also provide payment for long-term impairments that prevent you from working in the future.
How Warehouse Workers Can Protect Their Rights To South Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Employers and insurers often challenge warehouse injury claims in South Florida. They may argue that you didn’t follow safety protocols or that your injury was pre-existing.
Under the Florida Statutes, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you may be entitled to payment regardless of the circumstances. To protect your rights in a claim, take these steps:
- Report your injury to your employer in writing as soon as it occurs, and keep a copy for your records.
- Visit an authorized treating physician immediately and follow all of their instructions.
- Document the conditions that led to your injury, including any equipment involved, and photograph the scene if possible.
- Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, missed shifts, medical appointments, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
If your employer or their insurer attempts to dispute or deny your claim, get professional legal help right away.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced South Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Were you injured while working in a South Florida warehouse? At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer protects your rights when dealing with your employer and insurers. We fight to get you the benefits you need to cover your medical care, missed wages, and other losses.
For trusted legal help, call or contact us online. Request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office today.
Sources:
bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/ostb5544.pdf
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html