Workers’ Compensation For Fort Lauderdale Service Industry Workers: Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
Fort Lauderdale service industry workers are on their feet for eight to ten hours a shift, lifting heavy trays, cleaning hotel rooms, and performing other physically demanding work. Over time, your body starts to show it. Maybe your back gives out one morning, or your shoulder finally stops cooperating after one too many overhead lifts.
Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries are among the most common and often disputed injuries in the service industry. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains how they happen and your rights to benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Service Industry Injuries in Fort Lauderdale
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 30 percent of all workplace injuries happen due to overexertion and repetitive stress. Service industry workers, including bartenders, servers, hotel housekeepers, and cleanup staff, are especially vulnerable.
When these injuries occur on the job, workers’ compensation can help cover your costs. Common overexertion and repetitive stress injuries among Fort Lauderdale service industry workers that may qualify for benefits include:
- Back and spine injuries from repeatedly lifting heavy loads, pushing carts, or bending during housekeeping duties.
- Shoulder injuries caused by overhead lifting, carrying trays, or repetitive reaching in kitchen or banquet settings.
- Carpal tunnel and other wrist or hand conditions from repetitive gripping, cutting, or carrying.
- Knee injuries resulting from extended periods of kneeling, squatting, or working on hard flooring.
Benefits available through workers’ comp in South Florida can help cover medical evaluations, specialist visits, surgery, physical therapy, and lost wages. However, you must see an authorized treating physician assigned by your employer’s insurer.
How Service Industry Workers Can Protect Their Rights To Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Repetitive stress and overexertion claims are often challenged. Insurers may try to argue that your injury developed gradually and cannot be tied to a single workplace event. However, under the Florida Statutes, you may still be eligible. Take these steps to protect your rights to Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation benefits:
- Inform your employer in writing as soon as you notice any pain or limitations, and keep a copy for your records.
- Request treatment from an authorized physician immediately and follow all their instructions.
- Make sure your doctor understands how your job duties contributed to your injury and puts it in your file.
- Keep all medical records and a journal detailing your symptoms, the physical demands of your role, missed workdays, and medical care.
If your employer or their insurer attempts to dispute or deny your claim, get professional legal help right away.
Service Industry Injuries? Contact an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Have you suffered an overexertion or repetitive stress injury working in Fort Lauderdale’s service industry? At the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer acts as a strong ally on your side and fights to get you the benefits you need to cover your medical expenses and lost income. For trusted legal help, call or contact us online. Request a consultation at our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office today.
Source:
bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/case/ostb5544.pdf https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.13.html