Some workplaces are more dangerous than others. Manufacturing, trucking, construction work, and other sectors all have high levels of injury. Perhaps surprisingly, healthcare and education have some of the highest levels of injury in the private sector. However, every workplace, even the quietest office, can result in a job injury or illness.
Common Causes Of Job Injuries
Job injuries can happen for many reasons, including:
- Poor safety policies
- Sick building syndrome, including exposure to toxic mold and asbestos in a workplace
- Poorly maintained buildings
- Spills or debris on the floor that don’t get cleaned up
- Negligent co-workers or employers
- Lack of access to personal protective equipment
- Lack of employee training
- Outdated or poorly maintained work equipment
- Workplace violence
- Incorrectly stored chemicals and other hazardous products
These issues can cause many types of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains
- Traumatic head injury
- Lacerations
- Cancer and other work-related illnesses
- Repetitive strain injury
- Slip and fall injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Fatalities
How Can Workplaces Prevent Job Injuries?
Employers have an obligation to provide safe premises for visitors and for their employees. Workplaces can help make their premises safer by hiring security, properly maintaining all equipment and the building itself, and by instituting safety policies and training.
Many workers’ compensation insurance companies provide wellness programs and safety programs that can help employers uncover and target any safety issues in their workplace before they cause an injury.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured on the Job?
If you’re injured on the job in Florida, chances are you’re protected by workers’ comp. Under Florida law, employers who have qualifying employees must pay for this coverage for their workers. Even many part-time workers are covered, with a few exceptions.
The idea behind workers’ compensation is that if you’re injured on the job, you can easily get benefits, including wage loss replacement and medical benefits, without having to sue your employer. Unfortunately, many workers who are injured find they have a hard time getting benefits. Insurers may delay or make lowball offers. In some cases, employers do not carry insurance as they are required to.
For all these reasons, it can be useful to speak to a workers’ compensation attorney in Florida. If you’ve been injured, an attorney can evaluate your injuries and help you understand what your rights are and how much your injuries may be worth. Your attorney can help negotiate with insurers.
An attorney can also review your situation to tell you whether you may have a claim after all. While workers’ compensation limits your ability to sue your employer, you may have a third-party claim. If a piece of work equipment, for example, was defectively manufactured or designed, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. The role of your attorney is to make sure that no money is left on the table, and you get the support you need.
Best of all, it may cost you nothing to speak to a personal injury attorney before you make any decisions about your workers comp’ or injury claim. Flaxman Law Group, for example, is pleased to offer free accident consultations to anyone who is injured. All you need to do is call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to schedule your free accident consultation.