Workplace accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of profession, from construction workers to office staff. The injuries individuals suffer at work can be life-changing, impacting their physical health and financial stability.
If you are hurt on the job, it’s crucial to understand the legal options available to seek compensation for your injuries, including workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. Contact Tomlinson Law Group today for a free consultation with one of our experienced work accident lawyers and to learn more about how our law firm can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Broward County and Martin County
Understanding the common causes of workplace accidents is the first step toward preventing them and essential for seeking compensation. Some of the most common causes include:
- Trips and Falls – Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and other hazards can lead to trips and falls, which are among the leading causes of workplace injuries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers.
- Overexertion – These injuries can occur when workers lift, push, pull, or carry something, engage in prolonged activity, or work in extreme temperatures. They are common in physically demanding jobs but can happen in any industry.
- Vehicle Accidents – Work-related vehicle accidents involve cars, trucks, or specialized equipment like forklifts or cranes. Employees who drive as part of their job are particularly vulnerable to these accidents.
- Repetitive Motion – Injuries can develop over time due to repetitive motions. Jobs that require typing, working on assembly lines, or using hand tools can lead to strain injuries.
- Equipment Malfunctions—When machinery or tools malfunction, workers can be exposed to dangerous situations that can lead to severe injuries. Equipment failure is especially common in industrial and manufacturing jobs.
- Hazardous Materials – Exposure to toxic chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous substances can cause long-term health problems.
Common Injuries Suffered in Workplace Accidents
The injuries suffered by workers can vary widely in severity. Some workers recover fully within a matter of weeks, while others may face permanent disability and ongoing medical care. Some common workplace accident injuries include:
- Broken Bones – Fractures are common in workplace accidents involving falls, heavy machinery, and equipment failure.
- Lacerations – Cuts and lacerations can range from minor to severe, depending on the depth and location of the wound.
- Crush Injuries – These injuries occur when a worker’s body part gets trapped between two objects.
- Burns – Hot surfaces, fire, chemicals, and electrical hazards can all cause burn injuries.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries – These injuries occur when a worker performs the same motion repeatedly over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis are common repetitive stress injuries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, or tendons are common soft tissue injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – TBIs occur from a blow to the head and often result from falls, equipment malfunctions, or vehicle accidents.
- Amputations – Severe accidents involving heavy machinery, vehicles, or equipment malfunctions can result in the loss of limbs or digits.
- Occupational Illnesses – In some cases, workers can develop illnesses due to long-term exposure to hazardous materials. These illnesses, like mesothelioma or chemical poisoning, may not appear immediately but can have devastating long-term effects.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Florida?
Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. These benefits typically include:
- Coverage for medical expenses during the worker’s recovery
- Partial compensation for time missed from work due to the injury
- Impairment benefits if the injury results in temporary or permanent disability
- Reemployment services
- Compensation for surviving family members if the workplace accident results in a death
While workers’ compensation is enough for many injured workers, it may not cover all losses associated with an injury, including losses like pain and suffering. For long-term or permanent disabilities, the workers’ compensation payments may also not be enough to cover the full extent of your medical expenses.
Third-Party Liability in Workplace Accidents
In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent employees from being able to sue their employer for their injuries. However, injured workers can sometimes sue third parties, such as contractors, manufacturers, or property owners, for the role they played in the injury. For example:
- If a contractor working on your job site causes your injury, they may be liable.
- If defective machinery caused your injury, the manufacturer may be liable.
- If you’re working out of a location not owned by your company and suffer an injury due to a hazard on the property, the property owner may be liable.
A personal injury lawsuit can help injured workers recover compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides.
Why You Need a Workplace Accident Attorney
Taking on the legal process after a workplace accident can be overwhelming, especially while you’re still recovering from your injury. A Coral Springs workplace accident attorney can help in the following ways:
- Investigating the incident to determine whether any third parties may be liable for your injury
- Gathering evidence that supports your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if there are additional liable parties and workers’ compensation doesn’t cover all your losses
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries
- Representing you in court if the insurance companies don’t offer a fair settlement or if there are difficulties in getting the workers’ compensation benefits you’re owed
Contact a Coral Springs, Florida, Workplace Accident Lawyer
If you suffered an on-the-job injury in Coral Springs, it’s essential to speak with an experienced workplace accident lawyer. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and navigate the legal process, from filing for workers’ compensation to pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Tomlinson Law Group today for a free consultation with a member of our team. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and set you on the path to recovering the compensation you deserve.
