Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries In Fort Lauderdale: What Florida Workers’ Compensation Covers
Falling objects on construction sites, a slip and fall on a wet warehouse floor, or a car crash while making deliveries are all common ways that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can happen on South Florida job sites. Even head injuries that seem minor at first can develop into serious, long-term medical conditions.
TBI is among the most complex and costly workplace injuries in Florida. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains the benefits available and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Brain Injury Awareness: How TBI Happens On South Florida Job Sites
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) reports more than five million people live with brain injuries in the United States, and the workplace is one of the most common places for them to happen.
Section 440.13 of the Florida Statutes requires employers and their insurers to cover all medically necessary treatment for workplace injuries, including TBIs. Common types of work-related head and brain injuries among Fort Lauderdale workers that may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Concussions caused by falls, struck-by incidents, or vehicle accidents during work duties.
- Contusions and skull fractures resulting from impact with equipment, structures, or the ground.
- Diffuse axonal injuries caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration forces during a workplace accident.
- Acquired brain injuries from oxygen deprivation following an electrocution or workplace medical emergency.
Benefits available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation can help cover emergency treatment, neurological evaluations, imaging, surgery, cognitive rehabilitation, and lost wages. However, you must see an authorized treating physician assigned by your employer’s insurer.
Work-Related TBI: How To Protect Your Rights To Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Insurers frequently dispute traumatic brain injury claims, as symptoms such as mood changes and memory loss, are difficult to measure objectively. To protect your rights to Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation benefits, take these steps:
- Report your head injury to your employer in writing immediately, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
- Seek emergency medical care right away and make sure your doctor documents all neurological symptoms.
- Ask that all cognitive and psychological symptoms be included in your medical records from the start.
- Keep a detailed log of how your symptoms change or worsen over time, including their effect on your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
If your employer or their insurer attempts to minimize your injury or deny your claim, get professional legal help right away.
Contact Us Today To Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a South Florida workplace accident? At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer guides injured workers through the claims process, deals with insurers on your behalf, and fights for the full amount of benefits you are owed.
To schedule a consultation, call or contact us online today. We serve clients throughout South Florida at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach offices.
Sources:
biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.13.html