Workplace Injuries to Writers and Editors

It might seem odd to think about a writer or editor sustaining an injury on the job, yet even people who regularly work behind desks or sit at computer for much of the day can sustain on-the-job injuries that can be compensable through the Florida workers’ compensation system. Just because you are not climbing on roofs or scaffolding, using heavy machinery or equipment, or driving a motor vehicle as part of your work duties does not mean that you cannot receive workers’ compensation coverage. Writers and editors perform a range of tasks for their jobs, and they can sustain injuries that arise out of employment. Our Pompano Beach workers’ compensation lawyers can explain.

Work Duties of Writers and Editors 

Writers and editors in South Florida have a range of job duties that can include the following, for example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Reading, writing, and editing content;
• Fact-checking;
• Evaluating submissions from writers;
• Engaging in development work with writers;
• Corresponding with designers, publishers, and illustrators;
• Choosing subject matter for material;
• Conducting interviews; and
• Drafting copy.

Given the common duties of writers and editors, certain types of repetitive stress injuries can be common. In addition, injuries from slips and falls or trips and falls (such as while making a cup of coffee or taking a restroom break) can also be common. These injuries may be compensable through workers’ compensation in Florida.

How a Writer or Editor Can Seek Compensation for a Work Injury 

What does an injured writer or editor need to do in order to seek workers’ compensation benefits? Just like any other employee in another job or field, they should do the following:

• Record details of the injury, including the details of how and when and where it occurred;
• Report the injury or occupational disease to the employer within 30 days from the date of sustaining the injury or being diagnosed with the condition;
• Seek medical attention from an approved provider (an initial emergency visit with any provider, regardless of approval, is acceptable); and
• Get in touch with an attorney for assistance with your case.

Contact a Pompano Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 

Were you injured while working as a writer or editor in South Florida? Even though your job might not require you to perform any type of manual labor, that does not mean that you cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. To be sure, the workers’ compensation system is designed for all types of employees regardless of the field or industry, and it does not require an employee to have been engaged in any kind of physical or manual-labor jobs at the time of the injury in order for compensation to be awarded. You should get in touch with one of our lawyers to discuss the circumstances surrounding your injury and what you need to do from this point forward in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Contact an experienced Pompano Beach workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. to learn more about how we can help you with your case. We have years of experience representing injured workers who need help with various aspects of their workers’ compensation claims.

Sources:

bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm

bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html