- Workers' Compensation
Manufacturing employees and other people who work with machinery are at a much greater risk of getting hurt on the job than other workers. For eight hours a day or longer, you’re putting your body at risk of serious injury.
Our Lakeland workers comp attorneys have helped dozens, if not hundred of people get the benefits they’re entitled to. If you have a feeling you may run into problems with your own workers compensation claim, contact our office right away.
Who Is Most at Risk of Getting Hurt by Machinery at Work?
Thousands of employees in Florida work with machines that could inflict severe injuries. According to Enterprise Florida, the state is home to over 20,200 manufacturing companies that employ more than 371,000 workers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are close to 8,000 machinists in Florida. Machinists set up and operate machine tools to make parts and tools out of metal.
Besides factory and industrial workers, construction workers also use tools and heavy equipment that can be dangerous.
People who work with machinery are always at risk of getting hurt on the job. These jobs tend to require meticulous attention to detail. One false move and you can suffer life-threatening injuries.
Our Lakeland workers comp attorneys hope that this will never happen to you. However, if you’re hurt by a machine while doing your job, you deserve to have someone there to protect your rights.
Why Are These Jobs So Dangerous?
Some people wonder why people do this kind of work if it’s so dangerous. The truth is that 95 times out of 100, nothing goes wrong. If you’re trained well, there’s no reason to think that you’ll get hurt.
However, accidents do happen. Machines malfunction, and people sometimes make mistakes. Factory machines and other industrial equipment can cause devastating injuries. If you’re hurt by a machine on the job, you’ll likely have to be taken directly to the hospital for treatment.
Employees Are Working With Machines That Can Jam or Malfunction at Any Time
Even if an employee is using the machine the way they’re supposed to, they could still get hurt. Machines are not perfect. After all, they’re designed and assembled by humans. They’re also maintained and repaired by humans.
If a machine is defective, or if there’s a broken or missing part, there’s no telling what could happen. The machine could jam. Your finger or hand could get stuck in the machine, thereby suffering terrible injuries.
These Machines Are Bound to Have Sharp Parts and Components
Another reason why these machines are so dangerous is that they often have sharp or heavy parts. If you end up cutting yourself or getting your body part stuck under a heavy part, you could suffer life-changing injuries.
Our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers have represented clients who have lost limbs. Others have suffered lacerations so severe that they can never work again.
The important thing is that you seek immediate medical attention. You also have to make sure you report your injuries to your manager or Human Resources department. This is the only way to preserve your rights under workers’ compensation.
What Are the Most Common Machinery Injuries?
There are certain injuries that are more common when it comes to machine accidents. Over the years, our Lakeland workers comp attorneys have seen many severe injuries caused by factory equipment and other machinery.
When it comes to accidents with machines, the following tend to be the more common types of workplace injuries:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Crushed digits, hands, and feet
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Head injuries
There are also some people who suffer hearing loss due to the noise caused by the machines they work on. Whatever your injuries may be, it’s critical that you report them immediately.
You also want to provide your Lakeland workers comp attorneys with details about how your injuries were caused. This way, they have the information necessary to appeal your claim if need be.
Your Lakeland Workers Compensation Lawyer Will Fight to Get You the Compensation You Deserve
As long as your workers’ compensation claim is approved, your medical bills should be covered. Workers’ compensation will only pay for treatment for a work-related injury.
In addition to having your medical care covered, you’ll also be entitled to weekly benefits. These benefits are two-thirds of your average weekly wages. You will start to receive these benefits once you’ve been out of work for more than seven (7) days.
If your claim is denied, your Lakeland workers compensation lawyer will appeal and fight to make sure you receive the medical treatment and the weekly benefits you deserve.
What If You Suffer a Permanent Injury?
There are certain injuries that are treated differently under Florida’s workers compensation law.
You may qualify for permanent total disability if you suffer any of the injuries listed in Florida Statute 440.15(b), such as “amputation of an arm, a hand, a foot, or a leg.”
To claim PTD, you must not be capable of working (even in a sedentary job) within 50 miles of your home. If you do meet these criteria, you can receive benefits until you turn 75. If you are not eligible for social security benefits, benefits may continue for life.
If your injury is permanent, but it doesn’t completely prevent you from working, you could be eligible for permanent impairment benefits. An impairment rating schedule will determine how long these benefits last.
In most cases, our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers negotiate a settlement on your behalf. This way, you’ll get a lump sum upfront instead of PTD or permanent impairment benefits.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Lakeland Workers Comp Attorneys Right Away
If you work with machines at work and suffer a serious injury, you should qualify for workers compensation. It’s important that you have an experienced Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer by your side to make sure your claim is handled properly.
Our goal is to make sure our clients receive the benefits they deserve. This includes both medical coverage for your injuries as well as weekly benefits. As long as you meet the basic criteria for workers’ compensation in Florida, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Unfortunately, a lot of people who assumed their claim would be approved learned that their claim had, in fact, been denied. You don’t want to handle this alone.
Contact our office at (954) 324-COMP and schedule your free, initial consultation.
