Healthcare Worker Injuries In South Florida: Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you work in healthcare, you already know the job can be physically and mentally demanding. You lift patients, move quickly, handle emergencies, and often work long shifts without breaks. Injuries are unfortunately common, but many healthcare workers push through pain instead of reporting it.
That can cost you. If you get hurt on the job, Florida workers’ compensation can cover your medical care and lost wages. You have the right to report your injury and get help, even if the injury seems minor at first. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer is proud to help healthcare workers in these cases and explains common ways injuries can happen and your rights to benefits.
Common Injuries South Florida Healthcare Workers Face on the Job
Based on reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the healthcare industry get injured on the job more than workers in any other occupation. Each day on the job, they face a variety of potentially dangerous situations that put them at risk.
Healthcare worker injuries don’t just happen due to major accidents or in emergencies. They often occur while performing routine, daily tasks that are simply part of the job. Common types of injuries and why they happen include:
- Back and shoulder injuries due to lifting or transferring patients.
- Neck and spine injuries from repetitive strain or awkward movements.
- Slips and falls on wet floors or in cluttered hallways.
- Needlestick and sharps injuries that expose you to infection.
- Burnout-related physical strain from long hours and short staffing.
These injuries may develop slowly or occur suddenly. Either way, they can affect your ability to work and carry out daily activities.
Your Workers’ Compensation Rights as a Florida Healthcare Worker
If your injury occurred while you were on the job, you may be entitled to benefits through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. It generally doesn’t matter who was at fault in order to file a claim. What matters is that the injury is work-related. Benefits you may be entitled to include:
- Medical care through authorized providers, including follow-up treatment and physical therapy;
- Wage replacement benefits while you recover;
- Payment for any permanent disabilities your injuries result in.
- Job retraining, if you are unable to return to your prior position.
Healthcare workers often hesitate to file claims because they don’t want to burden coworkers or disrupt patient care. However, delaying a report can lead to denied benefits, leaving you to pay out of pocket.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
You take care of others every day. When you get hurt, you deserve the same level of care and support.
At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer helps healthcare workers across South Florida get the benefits they deserve. For personal attention and proven results, call or contact us online. Request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office today.
Sources:
bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/health-care-and-social-assistance-had-562500-injuries-and-illnesses-in-2023-fewer-than-in-2022.htm
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc