If you suffered a slip, trip, or fall at your place of employment, understanding your legal rights in these matters is critical. You are generally eligible to pursue a workers’ compensation claim following a slip and fall in Florida, so long as you were performing duties related to your job. As such, workplace slip and falls can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and traumatic brain injuries, so recovering workers’ compensation is critical to helping you recover funds to pay for medical treatment and supplement lost wages. The following blog explores some of the most common hazards that can lead to these accidents, as well as the importance of working with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim for the funds you are entitled to.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Coverage After a Workplace Slip and Fall
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation in Florida:
- You suffered an accident while performing work-related duties
- The injury occurred on company property or during a work task
- You were acting within the scope of your employment at the time of the injury
- The injury required treatment by a medical professional or caused you to miss work
Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, meaning you are still eligible to seek compensation even if you contributed to the accident and subsequent injuries. This is because filing a workers’ compensation claim means you relinquish your right to file a claim against your employer, with limited exceptions.
In Florida, most employees are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system, which allows injured workers to seek compensation for accidents, regardless of fault. However, to ensure your eligibility, you should report the injury, adhere to medical advice, and document the accident.
Benefits commonly awarded in a workers’ compensation claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Partial loss of wages
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits for catastrophic or chronic injuries
What Are Common Causes of a Workplace Slip and Fall?
Unfortunately, there are a considerable number of hazards that can result in a slip and fall that can occur in any workplace, from a hospital or government office to a construction site or retail store. Regardless, it’s imperative to understand some of the most common causes to help you recognize and avoid hazards when possible.
Common Workplace Slip and Fall Hazards
- Wet spots on the ground (from spills, leaks, cleaning, or rainy weather)
- Broken floorboards
- Debris or material on the ground
- Unsecured cords and wires
- Inadequate lighting
- Unanchored carpeting
- Loose tiles
- Unsafe stairs
- Missing handrails
Florida Industries With Higher Slip and Fall Risks
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Healthcare and nursing
- Maritime and dock workers
- Warehouses and logistics
- Retail and restaurant workers
- Janitorial services
What Injuries Can I Result from a Florida Workplace Slip and Fall?
In the event you are the victim of a slip and fall, there are a considerable number of injuries you can sustain as a result. While slips and falls may not seem serious, OSHA estimates that these cause around 700 workplace deaths annually.
Broken Bones and Fractures
One of the most common injuries you can sustain following a slip and fall in the workplace is a broken bone. When you slip, you may land on one of your limbs, and the weight of your body on the bone may be great enough to result in a break. These injuries commonly impact:
- Wrists
- Arms
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Hips
This commonly impacts the wrists, as many people’s first instinct is to put their hands out to brace the fall.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
You may also find that slips and falls can often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). When you fall, you may hit your head multiple times, depending on how the fall occurs.
For example, if you slip while restocking a shelf, you may strike your head on the way down, and then again on the floor. In some instances, the force of the fall can cause your head to bounce off the ground before it hits the floor again. Unfortunately, this can result in serious brain injuries.
Symptoms of a TBI can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in vision
- Memory issues
Back, Neck, and Spinal Cord Injuries
Though broken bones and TBIs are among the most common injuries, you may also suffer neck and spinal cord damage. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Herniated discs
- Lower back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Nerve compression
- Chronic pain issues
What Should You Do After a Workplace Slip and Fall in Florida?
Sustaining an injury on the job can be overwhelming, as you may be in pain and unsure how to proceed. That is why it’s imperative to understand the steps you should take after slipping and falling while on the job, to protect not only your health but also your right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Slip and Fall
- Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Take photographs and videos of the hazard
- Adhere to all authorized medical treatment
- Cather the contact information of witnesses
- Keep medical records
- Do not provide statements without consulting an experienced attorney first.
Why Prompt Reporting Matters for Florida Workers’ Comp Claims
It’s critical to understand that Florida workers’ compensation claims have strict reporting deadlines. As such, delays in reporting can result in:
- Complications in your claim
- Disputes regarding how the injuries occurred
- Delayed medical treatment
- Increases in risk of denial
Contact a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
As you can see, these accidents can be incredibly severe and must be taken seriously. If you have sustained an injury as a result of a slip and fall in your place of work, it’s critical to connect with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. At the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore, our team understands the impact these injuries can have, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for you. When you need help, contact us to learn how we can fight for you.
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