While there are some industries where on-the-job accidents occur more frequently, the truth is that workplace injuries are a threat to employees in any market sector. Data compiled by the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (FL DWC) reveals that there are more than 64,000 total cases of work-related medical conditions reported every year, many of which involve days off work, a job transfer, or restrictions on activity. For injured employees and their families, the physical, financial, and emotional losses hit hard.
Two sets of laws apply to job-related accidents, and most employees will qualify for benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation system. However, you may have rights under state personal injury laws in some cases. It is important to trust a Miami workplace injuries attorney for advice and counsel on remedies, as well as assistance with the legal process. Some information on the top on-the-job injuries is also helpful.
- Back Injuries: Coming in third place is harm to the back, including injuries from the cervical to the sacral spine. Almost 8,700 of all workers’ compensation claims involve these injuries, many of which are incurred through trauma. Strain from repetitive movement, especially in the lower back, is also a source of injuries.
- Lower Extremities: Ranking second on the list of top workplace harm is injury to the lower extremities, including the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet. More than 17,000 of the total cases recorded by FL DWC involve injuries to the lower extremities. One of the most common accidents that cause trauma to the lower body is workplace falls and getting stuck between objects or equipment.
- Upper Extremities: Injuries to the shoulders, arms, elbows, hands, and fingers are the number one reason Florida employees seek workers’ comp benefits. Every year, more than 20,000 claims are filed based upon harm to the upper extremities, amounting to approximately one in three recordable cases.
Legal Options for Injured Workers
Whenever an employee is injured on the job while performing work-related tasks, the remedy will almost always be filing a workers’ comp claim. The advantage of this option is that you do not need to prove employer’s fault to recover medical costs, wage replacement, disability, and other benefits. The downside is that you are not eligible for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
In some cases, however, you might qualify to pursue a personal injury case. If there is a third party to blame for causing harm, you can sue in civil court and seek noneconomic damages. A frequent scenario is when an employee is injured in a work-related transportation accident.
Speak to a Miami Workplace Injuries Lawyer About Remedies
While most job-related accidents will be covered by workers’ comp laws, there are significant benefits if you qualify to file a personal injury claim. To learn more about your options, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. You can call (305) 371-6000 or visit us online to set up a free consultation with a skilled workplace injuries attorney.