Everyone knows that construction jobs—including those involving heavy tools and machinery—are dangerous work environments. However, seemingly less dangerous work environments, including an office, can also present workers with hazardous conditions.
If you have sustained an accidental injury or illness while on the job, you likely have the right to file a claim for compensation under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. Under Florida law, an employer must maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage in case an employee is injured. However, this does not mean that the insurance company will go out of its way to award you monetary compensation in the event you sustain injuries while on the job.
The experienced Clearwater workers’ compensation lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA understand that on-the-job injuries can be frustrating. Our knowledgeable team of lawyers can review the circumstances surrounding your injury and may be able to file a claim on your behalf.
Dangerous Jobs outside the Office Setting
Some jobs in Clearwater, Florida expose workers to heavy equipment and machinery. These jobs are dangerous because they have inherent hazards and dangerous conditions associated with them. For example, construction workers can fall from rooftops, scaffolding, or equipment—or they may sustain electrocution injuries if they come into direct contact with overhead or underground power lines or exposed wires. Construction workers can also become entangled in equipment, causing them to lose an arm or appendage.
Truck drivers who operate tractor-trailers or big rigs face similar hazards. Trucks are large and fast vehicles, and when they are involved in an accident, their operators can sustain severe injuries and damages.
Farm workers may sustain injuries if they become caught in a piece of equipment or if they are operating equipment that overturns. Maintenance workers are exposed to chemical hazards and other toxins and may sustain injuries if they slip and fall on hard surfaces.
Finally, factory workers may injure themselves with their tools or equipment, may have crush accidents involving factory machinery, or may be exposed to contact with dangerous chemicals or explosives which are present in the factory. Factory workers also work long shifts and perform very repetitive tasks every day while on the job. This tedium can lead to the increased chance of accidents and injuries while on the job.
Injuries Sustained in the Office Setting
Although most office environments do not expose workers to heavy machinery and similar equipment, some offices do present the potential for injury. Office injuries can include:
- Repetitive Use Injuries – These injuries usually include carpal tunnel syndrome caused by performing repetitive tasks (i.e. typing) day-in and day-out.
- Soft tissue injuries – Soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains—usually involving the neck, back, or knees. These injuries can also come about from remaining in the same position for hours on ends, such as from slouching and crouching in a desk chair while performing typing and other administrative tasks.
- Eye Strain – Most office employees perform a great deal of work on their computers. Everyone knows that staring at a computer screen for hours on end is not good for the eyes. Overtimes, this activity can lead to degenerative eye conditions and the need for high cost-corrective eye surgeries and other procedures.
- Slip and Falls – These accidents may occur in the office when wet floors and other slippery surfaces are not properly marked. These accidents also happen when maintenance staff fails to remove office clutter from high-traffic areas.
- Poorly Maintained Office Equipment – In some offices, chairs, furniture, and windows are not properly maintained and kept in good working condition. When that happens and an injury occurs, the accident victim may have a workers’ compensation claim against his or her employer.
Basis for Bringing a Workers’ Compensation Claim against an Employer
Workers’ compensation benefits are awarded without regard to fault. Specifically, the injury:
- Must be accidental
- Must have occurred while the worker was on the job
- Must have occurred while the worker was acting within the scope of and in the course of his or her employment
Workers’ compensation benefits may provide coverage for medical costs, a percentage of the employee’s lost wages, temporary disability benefits, rehabilitation, and permanent disability benefits where applicable.
If you have sustained an injury while on the job, reporting the accident and all of your injuries to a work supervisor is important. This will allow the employer to report the accident to the employer’s insurance carrier and begin the claims process. You should also seek immediate medical care and treatment and continue treating for all of your injuries on a consistent and regular basis. You should also keep good records about your medical treatment and document any time missed from work. This is necessary in case your employer raises a lost wage dispute later on down the line.
Call a Clearwater, Florida Workers’ Compensation LawyerToday for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
On-the-job injuries often occur when you least expect them. Moreover, these injuries are not merely confined to the construction or maintenance settings. Work-related injuries are equally common in an office environment.
On-the-job injuries are never pleasant experiences. They can cause injuries and damages and you may also have to take time off work while you are in treatment and recovery for your injuries. All of this may be compensable under the law.
If you have suffered injuries as a result of an on-the-job injury, you may be eligible to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can help to compensate you for the time you were required to miss from work (i.e. lost wages), medical and physical therapy bills which you were forced to incur, and permanency. If you are no longer able to work in the same capacity as a result of your on-the-job injuries, you may be eligible to take part in vocational rehabilitation training.
The experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA can determine all of the benefits to which you may be entitled. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a Clearwater workers’ compensation lawyer, please call us today at 727-451-6500 or contact us online.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33756 727-451-6900
