Common Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers in all industry types are at risk of certain accidents. For workers in some industries such as construction, the risk of being involved in a severe accident may be higher than for other workers.

When an employee in Orlando sustains an on-the-job injury, workers’ compensation is designed to provide that employee with the benefits he or she needs to pay for medical expenses and to make up for lost wages.

A workers’ compensation attorney can work on your behalf to improve your chances of your claim being approved and your benefit amount being paid in full.

The following is look at some of the most common types of workers’ compensation claims and injuries as well as what to do when you are injured at work:

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents affect workers in a wide variety of industries, affecting healthcare workers, construction workers, teachers and more. Slip and falls can cause head and brain injuries, neck and back injuries, hip and knee injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations and other external injuries.

Overexertion

Overexertion injuries are another very common cause of workers’ compensation claims. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overexertion is the most common cause of injury and the most common type of workers’ compensation claim. In fact, the BLS reports that in one recent year, overexertion accounted for 35.6 cases per 10,000 full time workers, making it the leading cause of occupational illness or injury that year.

Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents are another top type of workplace accident. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that more than 1,766 deaths amongst workers occur per year as the result of transportation accidents. In fact, transportation accidents account for two out of every five fatal workplace accidents recorded in the country.

Falls from Heights

Different than slip and falls, falls from heights are a leading cause of worker deaths each year in the U.S. In fact, OSHA reports that among construction workers, falls accounted for 349 (39.9 percent) out of 874 total construction worker deaths in one recent year. Many of these falls are caused as a result of a violation of workplace fall protection standards. When falls are not fatal, they can leave a worker seriously impaired or permanently disabled.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries are those injuries that are incurred as a result of the consistent overuse of a body part or muscle group. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is considered to be a repetitive motion injury. Repetitively typing, sewing or using your hands in a certain position can cause it. Other types of workplace injuries that may be caused by repetitive motion include tendinitis and bursitis. OSHA reports that repetitive stress injuries comprise more than 100 different types of job-induced injuries and illnesses.

Workplace Violence

While workplace violence is not the most common cause of workplace injury, it does happen. In fact, OSHA reports that out of the 4,679 fatal workplace accidents that occurred in one recent year, 403 of them were workplace homicides. Types of workplace injuries that can result from workplace violence include internal injuries, cuts or lacerations, broken bones, bruising and facial injuries.

Applying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits After a Workplace Injury

The above lists some of the common types of workers’ compensation claims and types of workplace accidents, but the list is by no means inclusive. Countless other causes of workplace injuries exist.

If you live in Florida and have been involved in a workplace accident, the good news is that if you are an employee (not an independent contractor), you are likely covered under workers’ compensation insurance.

According to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, an injured worker should report the injury to his or her employer as soon as possible after the accident occurs but no later than 30 days after. If you wait more than 30 days to report the accident, you may be barred from workers’ compensation benefits.

After you have reported the injury to your employer, your employer has seven days to report your injury to his or her insurance company. From there, you will receive an informational brochure about what to do next from your insurance company within three days’ time.

Why Injured Workers Should Get Help from an Attorney

Unfortunately, claims are sometimes denied. A claim may be denied if:

• Your status as an employee is disputed
• It is asserted that your injuries did not occur while on the job
• Your injuries are not found to be authentic or work-related.

If your claim is denied, it is essential that you have the assistance of an experienced Orlando workers’ compensation attorney who can help you appeal a denied claim and establish why you deserve workers’ compensation benefits.

An attorney can help you to gather evidence, prove the extent of your injuries and help you to seek the benefit amount that you deserve. If a third party caused your injuries, an attorney can also provide you with information concerning your rights to file a third-party liability claim for damages.

Contact an Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

There are many common types of workers’ compensation claims. If you have been injured while working in Florida and have questions regarding whether you should file a workers’ compensation claim, do not wait to call us.

Orlando workers’ compensation attorney Frank M. Eidson is ready to represent you. We can help you to file your claim, appeal a denied claim and assist you with the experience you want when attempting to obtain benefits that will greatly impact your future. Call today or contact us online now.