The Most Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can lead to a multitude of serious consequences that impact you and your family. These consequences can be immediate and long-term, affecting your physical, psychological, and financial well-being.
If you were recently injured at work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright could review the details of your potential claim and explain what legal recourse is available for the most common workplace injuries.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?
In Florida, workplace injuries encompass a wide range of incidents and health conditions that occur while employees are performing their duties. These can range from minor injuries to severe—and even fatal—accidents and illnesses. Commonly reported work-related incidents and injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Falling objects
- Machinery and vehicle accidents
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Occupational illnesses
Most work-related injuries are covered under workers’ compensation, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Workers’ compensation provides a range of benefits for employees injured while working, including 100 percent of necessary medical costs and generally two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage. Additionally, it may provide educational retraining and disability benefits if the injury results in permanent impairment.
Workplace injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries, such as fractures, burns, amputations, and death. While workers’ compensation benefits typically cover job-related injuries, legal representation is crucial, particularly if the insurance company denies the claim or disputes liability or if the injuries are severe.
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Your compensation eligibility generally depends on three main factors: employer coverage, employee status, and a work-related injury or illness. Employers with four or more employees, or any construction company regardless of employee count, must carry workers’ compensation insurance. You must be a payroll employee, either full-time or part-time, to qualify for benefits. Independent contractors are generally excluded, but there are exceptions.
The injury or illness must occur at work or be directly related to your job duties. This includes injuries sustained during work-related activities outside the workplace, such as during business trips. You must report the injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident or from the date you discover the injury or illness. However, you have up to two years from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida.
Contact an Attorney Today About Typical Work-Related Injuries
Our attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright help people with workers’ compensation claims in Orlando and throughout the state. We handle a variety of cases where employees sustained injuries at work and need assistance navigating the workers’ compensation system.
Our goal is to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve so you can focus on your recovery. Most of our cases are referred to us by fellow lawyers and past clients. Our recent victories for workers’ compensation clients include a $782,000 settlement for a worker who suffered severe back and shoulder injuries and a $12.5 million settlement for a client who sustained spinal cord injuries and paralysis from a job incident.
Contact The Florida Firm today to explore your legal options during a personalized and free case review.
