- Workers' Compensation
Workers’ compensation injuries come in a wide variety of classes. Work-related injuries are serious issues. They can significantly alter an employee’s life trajectory and prospects. Florida workers’ compensation attorneys handle several compensation claims. So, they understand the effects of job injuries. Notably, too, several factors contribute to employee injuries in Florida. However, there are primary factors that business owners and their workers must consider.
Whatever causes your injury, it’s always best to hire a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer after a job accident. An excellent lawyer can help you institute legal action to recover compensation for your wounds. In addition, a good lawyer would ensure you get all the benefits your condition demands.
Top 3 Causes of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
There were 2.7 million non-fatal work injuries and diseases in the private sector in 2020. This data is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2020 data. Below, we’ll explain the top causes of these injuries.
Overexertion
Overexertion is the most common cause of workplace injuries. It results from excessive physical exertion towards an outside source. In addition, repetitive action tasks can result in severe injuries. This is often the case when an employee has to lift heavy items continually. Other activities that result in overexertion work injuries include:
- Pushing
- Turning
- Carrying
- Throwing
- Holding
These activities typically cause non-impact injuries to the concerned employee. You can minimize injuries from overexertion by carefully handling tasks that require strenuous physical activity. In addition, working with equipment that minimizes fatigue is also crucial.
Slip or Trip and Falls
Slips or trips and falls are the second most common causes of workers’ compensation injuries. Notably, two types of falls are referenced here. They’re falling on the same level and falling to a lower level. Employee falls on the same level cause fewer work-related injuries than falls on lower levels. Falling on the same level includes:
- Falling while sitting
- Falling on something on the same level
- Tripping
- Slipping
- Falling against objects on the same level
- Falling while sitting down
Conversely, falling to a lower level includes:
- Employees falling from ladders
- Falling from roofs, scaffolding, and other structures
- Falling through surfaces
- Workers falling from collapsing structures
We can also class jumping to lower levels under this heading. However, this would be an intentional action. Therefore, the employee may not qualify for workers’ compensation.
Contact With Objects and Work Equipment
Physical contact with objects can also cause serious workers’ compensation injuries. For example, the employee may hit a stationary object. On the other hand, a moving object may strike the worker. Workers may also bump into, step on, or kick fixed objects or equipment. Conversely, some force may push or throw the employee onto the object.
These types of injuries could be worse. This would be the case where a worker is squeezed, compressed, or crushed between moving objects. These objects could be work equipment, ropes, or stationary objects. Falling structures or equipment could also severely injure an employee. These kinds of workers’ compensation injuries would be more prevalent in the construction sector.
Most Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries From These Three Causes
The factors above can cause Florida workers several types of wounds. However, the top injuries from total claims are:
- Sprains
- Cuts or punctures
- Contusions
- Inflammation
- Fractures
Surprisingly, though, the costliest injuries weren’t the most common ones. Instead, the following injuries cost the most:
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Electric shock
- Crushing bones and flesh
- Multiple trauma
So, if you sustain any of these injuries, don’t settle for meager work comp benefits.
What to Do After a Work-Related Injury?
Once you suffer a job accident, the next step to take must be medical treatment. Medical care would ensure that the wound doesn’t worsen. In addition, it provides a link between your injury and the work accident. Once you finish receiving this initial medical treatment, it’ll be best to report your injury then.
Florida’s workers’ compensation law mandates wounded employees to inform their employers of their injury. However, this notification must come pretty early. The law gives you thirty days from the accident date to notify your employer. If you disregard this legal obligation, you may lose your right to compensation.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Want to Help You!
Have you sustained a work-related injury in Florida? Then, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation isn’t a fault-based system. So, you’ll get comp benefits, except you intentionally injured yourself. First, however, you need the best Florida workers’ compensation lawyers.
Fortunately, our lawyers at Work Injury Rights have spent several decades getting compensation for wounded employees. In the process, we’ve gathered much experience in getting the maximum benefits for our clients. Hiring our attorneys thus means you’re getting the best. Therefore, call us today for a FREE initial consultation.
