Fort Lauderdale Hospital Workers At High Risk For Back Injuries: What Florida Workers’ Compensation Covers
You spend your shift transferring patients, repositioning people in beds, and lifting equipment that most people never have to touch. As a Fort Lauderdale hospital worker, your back takes a beating every single day. When it finally gives out, whether from a single lift gone wrong or years of physical strain, you have the right to workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.
Pulled muscles, herniated discs, and other painful back conditions are the most common injuries among healthcare workers in the U.S. 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 Health Care-Related Back Injuries in Fort Lauderdale
Working in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities is physically demanding. Back injuries are common and can cause chronic pain and limited mobility, affecting your job performance.
Fortunately, benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation help cover your medical bills and lost income. Common types of back and lifting injuries among Fort Lauderdale hospital workers that may qualify include:
- Herniated or bulging discs due to patient transfers, repositioning, or lifting heavy medical equipment.
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains from repetitive bending or twisting, or from sudden, awkward movements.
- Spinal fractures or compression injuries resulting from a fall or dropped load.
- Chronic lower back conditions developed from years of physically demanding patient care duties.
Under Section 440.13 of the Florida Statutes, benefits available in a workers’ compensation claim can help cover medical evaluations, specialist visits, physical therapy, surgery, and lost wages. However, you must see an authorized treating physician assigned by your employer’s insurer.
How South Florida Healthcare Workers Can Protect Their Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Back injury claims among nurses or other healthcare workers are often disputed. Whether your injury happened suddenly or built up over time, you may still qualify for benefits. To protect your rights in a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation claim, take these steps:
- Report your injury in writing to your supervisor or HR department and keep a copy for your records.
- Request an authorized treating physician immediately and describe how job duties contributed to your injury.
- Follow all treatment recommendations and do not return to work until cleared by your doctor.
- Document your symptoms, the tasks that aggravated your condition, missed shifts, and all medical visits.
If your employer or their insurer attempts to dispute or deny your claim, get professional legal help right away.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If you were injured while working in a South Florida hospital or clinic, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer provides caring support and trusted legal guidance throughout the claims process, helping you get the maximum amount you are entitled to.
To protect your rights to benefits, 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/Sections/0440.13.html