When a Heart Attack Happens on the Job in Fort Lauderdale: Does Workers’ Compensation Apply?

You are in the middle of a shift when you notice chest pressure, pain radiating into your arm, and shortness of breath. Having a heart attack at work in Fort Lauderdale is terrifying and can leave you feeling powerless. In the aftermath, concerns about medical bills and lost income create additional stress.

Fortunately, cardiac events at work are covered under Florida workers’ compensation. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains when a heart attack qualifies for benefits and the factors that complicate these claims.

When a Workplace Heart Attack Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Fort Lauderdale

Florida workers’ compensation does not automatically cover heart attacks that happen on the job in Fort Lauderdale. Under Section 440.09(1) of the Florida Statutes, a cardiac event must be the result of unusual strain or overexertion beyond the worker’s normal job activities, or it must be directly and proximately caused by the employment, to qualify. Examples include:

• Sudden extreme physical exertion beyond what the worker’s job normally requires, such as emergency lifting, physical confrontation, or working in unusually high heat.
• A heart attack that occurs during a work activity that places documented abnormal cardiovascular stress on the worker, given their assigned role.
• Cardiac events experienced by first responders, firefighters, or law enforcement officers under conditions covered by Florida’s presumption statutes for certain occupational diseases.
• Cases where medical evidence establishes a direct causal link between specific work activities and the onset of the cardiac event.

The burden of proving that work caused or significantly contributed to the heart attack falls on the injured worker. Thorough medical documentation is key.

Why Fort Lauderdale Workplace Cardiac Claims Are So Complex

Suffering a heart attack on the job in South Florida is not like having a broken leg or other injuries. There’s no direct cause-and-effect, making it harder to prove it’s work-related. Factors that make these claims complex include:

• The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation has a high legal standard for proving that cardiac events are work-related.
• Pre-existing high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of cardiac conditions gives insurers reason to deny your claim.
• Medical evidence goes beyond a standard diagnosis and typically requires a cardiologist to attest that physical exertion and workplace stress caused or contributed to your heart attack.
• Expert medical testimony is often necessary, especially if the insurer retains their own cardiologist.

Firefighters, the police, and other first responders operate under different legal standards. Whatever your occupation, if you suffer a heart attack on the job in Fort Lauderdale, get professional legal help right away to protect your rights to benefits.

Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Heart attacks can happen on any job site, leaving you unable to work for months or even years to come. At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer helps workers get the compensation they deserve. To request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office, call or contact us online today.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.09.html