Educators are the heroes who shape future generations. Their dedication to fostering knowledge and growth is invaluable, but it often comes with its own set of hazards because education workers face various risks in their line of duty. In fact, education workers face one of the higher risks of workplace injury.
Many education workers are protected by unions and are covered by workers’ compensation, but it doesn’t always mean they can easily get the rightful benefits they need to recover from a work injury or illness. Flaxman Law Group works with many education workers who need extra support in their workers’ compensation claims. If you’ve been injured in the workplace, you can always contact us for a free, no obligation consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney. Your confidential, free accident consultation is your chance to ask questions, find out whether you have a case, and discuss ways you may be able to maximize your benefits and compensation.
Common Florida Education Workers Injuries
Educators, administrators, and support staff often encounter occupational hazards, including:
- Strains and sprains from lifting boxes of school supplies
- Injuries caused by violence in the schools
- Exposure to fire and hazardous materials during science experiments
- Exposure to asbestos, mold, and other hazards in older school buildings
- Sports injuries sustained while teaching children gym class or sports
- Exposure to communicable diseases children may have
- Stress-related illnesses
- Slip and fall and trip and fall accidents, caused by crowded halls and schoolrooms
The Challenges Florida Education Employees Face When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation laws in Florida are intended to provide a safety net for employees who experience job-related injuries or illnesses. Education workers are entitled to the same protections as any other profession, ensuring that they receive necessary medical treatment and financial support during their recovery.
Education professionals should promptly report any workplace injuries to their supervisors. They should also seek medical attention right away so they can start creating documentation of their injury.
In an ideal world, schools and colleges would promptly file a workers’ compensation claim and help educators get their benefits. In reality, some workers in the education sector face delays or denials when seeking benefits. Insurance companies may claim that an injury was not caused by work or that an educator was on their break when an injury happened.
In addition, employees in the education sector are classified in many ways. Schools and colleges hire part-time and full-time staff, per-course instructors, contractors, and substitute teachers. This can create confusion among workers about whether they even qualify for workers’ compensation in Florida.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the pain and difficulties of a serious injury. This is where Flaxman Law Group can help. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at our offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood can explain whether you qualify for benefits and may be able to work on your behalf to maximize your benefits. We do this for hard-working employees by building strong cases, negotiating with insurers, and even taking cases to the courts if that’s necessary.
Flaxman Law Group stands as a dedicated partner to education workers. If you’re an education professional dealing with a job-related injury, reach out to Flaxman Law Group today by calling 866-352-9626 to schedule a no cost, no obligation consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney.