Five Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Fort Lauderdale and When to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workplace injuries in South Florida are common and can happen in any occupation. They can impact your health for long afterward, leaving you with mounting medical expenses and lost income. Workers’ compensation benefits play a key role in your recovery and in covering financial losses.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer helps clients in these cases get the benefits they are entitled to. Find out five common ways on-the-job injuries happen and when to file a claim.
How Workplace Injuries In South Florida Commonly Happen
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that on-the-job accidents and injuries impact more than 2.5 million people annually. Under Section 440 of the Florida Statutes, workers’ compensation serves as a form of insurance, helping to cover medical care, lost income while you recover, and long-term disabilities.
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove that anyone caused the accident. You just need to show that your injury happened in the course of your job or while performing work-related tasks. Common ways work-related injuries in South Florida happen include:
- Slips and falls due to wet floors, loose cables, or poor lighting.
- Lifting injuries, including back, neck, or shoulder strain.
- Motor vehicle and transportation accidents.
- Falling objects or equipment.
- Repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel or tendonitis.
When the above or any accident happens on the job site, report it immediately to your supervisor. Failing to do so could jeopardize your rights in a Florida workers’ compensation claim.
When to File a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Claim
The Florida Department of Insurance reports that more than 4,000 workers file for workers’ compensation annually. You should file a claim anytime injuries happen to prevent having to pay heavy out-of-pocket costs.
After reporting the injury, your employer should submit a claim to their insurer. Take these steps to protect your rights throughout the claims process:
- Make sure your supervisor, on-site security, or employer completes an incident report.
- Get treatment and follow all doctor recommendations regarding treatment and work restrictions.
- If you don’t hear from the insurer within a few days, follow up with your employer.
- Avoid discussing what happened with co-workers or posting about it on social media, as insurers can use your statements to deny your claim.
If you file a South Florida workers’ compensation claim only to have benefits denied or delayed, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer right away. You have the right to appeal denials, but strict time limits apply.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer To Protect Your Rights in A Claim
Workplace injuries can seriously impact your health and may jeopardize your ability to work for long after. The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., protects your rights and fights to get you the benefits you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, we provide personalized attention and proven results for injured workers throughout Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, and West Palm Beach. Give us a call or contact us online. Request a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer today.
Sources:
bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2024&Title=%2D%3E2024%2D%3EChapter%20440
dwcdataportal.fldfs.com/StatsReport.aspx?YearFrom=2023&YearThrough=2024&County=6&Disability=0&COA=0&NOA=0&BodyLocation=0&SIC=0&Orderby=YEAR&ASCDESC=ASC