Unfortunately, people have to work in order to survive. Because of that, workplaces should be relatively safe. Sadly, that’s not the case. Many professions have high injury and fatality rates. Staff members don’t always feel safe working. Thankfully, compensation is usually higher to make up for the potential for injury.
On top of that, these workplaces often have something called workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program built to help workers who are injured on the job. When someone is injured, the workers’ compensation program pays for their medical bills, missed wages, and more. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not as simple as submitting a request and cashing out.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers employees who are injured at work or become ill because of work-related situations. Illnesses occur because of exposure to environments, chemicals, and more. However, there are certain qualifications that need to be met in order for employees to be eligible for these benefits. Those qualifications include the following:
- The employee was injured while performing their job duties
- The employee wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they were injured
- The employee didn’t injure themselves on purpose
However, not all workplaces are required to have workers’ compensation benefits in place for their employees. Workplaces that have four or more employees must have workers’ compensation coverage. For workplaces that have less than four full-time employees, workers’ compensation coverage is optional.
Most Dangerous Professions in Florida
In 2018, 322 people died on the job in Florida. Because of this, the WFLA looked into the eight most dangerous jobs in the state of Florida. They found that the most dangerous jobs included:
- Construction and extraction
- Transportation and material moving
- Building, grounds cleaning, and maintenance
- Installation and repair
- Protective service
- Farming, fishing, and forestry
- Production
While these professions accounted for the 322 deaths in Florida in 2018, there are many more professions that can cause injury. Actually, an injury can occur at any workplace, even in an office or coffee shop.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries are caused by tons of different problems, from failing machinery to repetitive motion. The most common causes of workplace injuries include the following:
- Overexertion
- Repetitive motion
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Distractions
- Messes and clutter
- Caught between or crushed by machinery
- Negligence
- Improper training
- Weather conditions
- Chemicals
- Explosions
- Misuse of tools
Thankfully, the workers’ compensation system doesn’t take fault into account. That means that even if you’re injured because of an accident you caused, you can still receive compensation. However, suppose another person was at fault for your injuries, such as the workplace for failing to train an employee properly or the manufacturers of a defective product. In that case, you may be able to sue for further damages. Because of these circumstances, it’s important to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Types of Injuries that Occur in the Workplace
Any injury can occur in the workplace, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. The cause of the injury plays a huge part in the outcome. For example, if a worker is caught between objects or struck by something, they’re likely to suffer from crushing or internal injuries. If an employee is injured due to repetitive motion or stress on a body part, they likely have a soft tissue injury. Other common workplace injuries include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries, like whiplash or a herniated disc
- Traumatic brain injuries, like concussions or more severe damage
- Amputation
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
Unfortunately, in some circumstances, a workplace injury may result in death. Death may occur at the scene of the accident or later on down the line because of complications. If a loved one has passed away because of a workplace injury, you may be able to claim workers’ compensation or wrongful death benefits on their behalf.
Damages You Can Recover for Your Injuries
There are two different types of damages you can recover, economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to losses with an attached monetary value, while non-economic damages are the opposite.
Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and other bills you may have had to pay because of your injury.
Non-economic damages cover loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Loss of earning capacity compensation is the most common, as some injuries leave people unable to return to the same field and make the same amount of money. This compensation helps with that loss.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help Me?
Our talented team of workers’ compensation attorneys will help guide you through the process of submitting your claim, receiving medical treatment, and receiving your benefits. If you meet the qualifications for workers’ compensation, you have the right to submit a claim and receive compensation. Working with an attorney will help ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. With help from KMW, you won’t get hung out to dry.
What if My Tampa Workers’ Compensation Claim is Declined?
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are denied all the time. Insurance companies will try to find any reason to lowball settlements and outright decline claims. If it saves them money, they’ll do it. However, by choosing to work with KMW, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that we’ll fight hard for your compensation. If your claim is denied, we’ll help you submit an appeal, and we’ll negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Contact KMW to Speak with an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you or someone you love was injured in a workplace accident, it’s time to get the compensation you deserve. In most circumstances, you have 30 days to file a claim after the injury occurs or is discovered. So don’t wait. Contact KMW as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation. We don’t ask for any money upfront and will only take a fee once you’re paid for your damages. Contact us today online or at (561) 295-5825.