Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Resort Workers
Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry runs around the clock, with a team of housekeepers, maintenance workers, front desk staff, banquet servers, and facilities crew keeping everything moving. The work they perform is physically demanding, the pace is relentless, and the injuries that result are more serious than most guests ever see.
If you were hurt working at a South Florida hotel or resort, workers’ compensation may cover your medical costs and lost wages while you recover. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains common injuries covered and how to protect your rights to benefits.
Injuries Hotel and Resort Workers Face on the Job in Fort Lauderdale
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that hotel and resort employees suffer injuries well above the national average, with housekeeping and facilities staff at the highest risk. Under Section 440.13 of the Florida Statutes, workers’ compensation can help cover resulting losses.
Common types of injuries among Fort Lauderdale hotel and resort workers that may qualify for benefits include:
- Back and shoulder injuries from making beds, lifting mattresses, pushing heavy linen carts, and hauling cleaning equipment across large properties.
- Fall injuries due to wet pool decks, freshly mopped lobby floors, and slick kitchen surfaces in high-volume food service areas.
- Knee and hip injuries from prolonged kneeling, crouching, and stair climbing during housekeeping and maintenance duties
- Hand and wrist injuries from repetitive cleaning, data entry, and other tasks.
- Concussions, burns, and other injuries caused by falling equipment, hot surfaces, and crowded work conditions.
Benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation provide a safety net for injured hospitality workers in Fort Lauderdale. However, they are paid through insurance companies, who are quick to dispute, downplay, and deny claims.
What Hotel and Resort Workers Should Know About Filing a Claim in Fort Lauderdale
Florida workers’ compensation benefits can help cover emergency treatment, diagnostic testing, ongoing care, physical therapy, and other medical costs when hospitality workers in Fort Lauderdale suffer on-the-job injuries. It can also cover portions of your lost income and any long-term disabilities, but it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights in a claim. These include:
- Report the injury the day it happens, regardless of severity.
- Take photos to help document how it happened and get contact info for witnesses.
- Request immediate medical care, as delayed treatment is a common reason for denied benefits.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding work and other activity restrictions.
If insurers try to dispute your claim or you face retaliation from your employer for seeking benefits, get professional legal help immediately.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale hotel and resort workers face serious risks each day on the job. When injuries happen, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your losses. Our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer protects your rights in a claim and fights for the maximum amount you deserve.
To request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office, contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. today.
Sources:
bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/93800-nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-in-full-service-restaurants-in-2019.htm
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.13.html