Falls are not simple incidents you can ignore. Many workers suffer severe injuries after a fall and some even lose their lives. Do not ignore workplace falls, but follow the correct procedure to file a workers comp claim. An experienced Sunrise workers comp lawyer at Work Injury Rights will give you reliable legal advice and assistance during the entire process.
Here’s what you should know about how to get workers comp benefits after a fall.
Industries With a High Risk of Fall injuries
The average person would say that the construction field has the highest risk of workplace falls because employees work at a height on scaffolding. This is true. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also identify other industries where employees can suffer falls for various reasons:
- Nursing and residential care services
- Ambulance services
- Transportation and material moving
- Building cleaning and maintenance.
According to the most recent CDC data, 802 employees died as a result of workplace falls in 2020 and 211,640 workers suffered injuries that required time off work.
Common Causes of Workplace Falls
Falls in the workplace can be caused by many factors, including:
- Wet, oily, or slippery floors
- Loose carpeting
- Uneven floors
- Unsecured cables
- Poor lighting
- Unsafely positioned or damaged ladders.
One of the most important things an injured worker needs to know is that, unlike personal injury cases, they do not have to prove that they were not at fault for the accident in a workers comp claim.
The workers’ compensation system ensures that workers get their medical care costs and wage replacements covered. It is a no-fault system. All that you need to prove is that:
- You were on the clock when the accident happened.
- You were performing activities within your scope of employment.
- You were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Claiming Workers Comp for a Fall
An experienced Sunrise workers comp lawyer knows that insurance companies will always try to find a reason to deny claims. Thus, you must not give them any reason to doubt your claim. To do that, follow these simple steps.
1. Notify Your Employer Immediately
Tell a supervisor about your fall immediately after it happened. In most cases, they will administer a drug and alcohol test before you can go to the hospital. According to Florida workers’ compensation law, the employer has the right to administer the test. If you refuse to take it, your claim will most likely be denied.
2. Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
Use your mobile phone to take photos of the unsafe or hazardous conditions at the workplace that caused your fall. Make sure to include close-ups that will show even fine details. Also, photograph any visible injuries on your body, as well as torn clothing.
At the same time, look for any colleagues who saw you falling. Ask them to give you a short statement and to agree to talk to your workers comp attorney.
3. Go to the Nearest Hospital
Do not wait until the end of your shift to see a doctor after a workplace fall. You could have sustained severe spine or head injuries that need immediate medical attention. Also, your employer cannot claim that your injuries are the result of an unrelated accident that happened after you clocked out.
Don’t worry about lost wages – if your injuries keep you from work for more than 7 days, you will receive 2/3 of your average wage as workers comp benefits.
4. Schedule a Free Case Review with a Sunrise Workers Comp Lawyer!
The final, but most important step is securing legal representation for your claim process. Insurance companies have skilled adjusters who know the law and interpret it against you. An experienced Sunrise workers comp lawyer knows the law even better and knows how to use it and the available evidence to prove your case.
As a new client, you benefit from a free case evaluation, so call us today at 954-388-8616!
