Workplace Injuries
Most businesses in Florida are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that injured workers will be able to get benefits that cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
Workers’ compensation benefits are not automatic though. People frequently have claims denied or minimized by insurance companies or employers claiming that the injuries are not as severe as the workers claim or injuries occurred outside the workplace.
It is important to understand that workers’ compensation is not always the only avenue for compensation for workplace injury victims. In certain cases, a third party—or possibly even the employer—can be liable for a worker’s injuries.
Tampa Lawyer for Workplace Injuries
Did you suffer an injury or was your loved one killed on the job in Florida? Germain Law Group represents clients in communities throughout Hillsborough County, Brevard County, Manatee County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County.
Tampa personal injury attorney Michael B. Germain has been recognized as a Florida SuperLawyer for his work fighting insurance companies. Call (813) 835-8888 right now to have him review your case during a free initial consultation.
Florida Workplace Injuries Information Center
- Under what circumstances can injured workers seem damages in addition to workers’ compensation?
- What are some of the types of injuries people most often suffer in the workplace?
- How do accidents on the job usually happen?
- Where can I find more information about injuries in workplaces?
When Workers’ Compensation is Not a Victim’s Only Recourse
Many people believe that worker’s compensation is the only form of compensation available to them following a workplace injury. Several exceptions exist though for cases in which an injured worker may be able to sue for additional damages.
A few examples of possible situations in which injured workers may be able to file lawsuits include:
- Civil lawsuits against employers who failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance;
- Personal injury lawsuits for injuries caused by the egregious conduct of an employer;
- Personal injury lawsuits for injuries caused by third parties;
- Product liability claims for injuries caused by defective products; or
- Toxic tort lawsuits for injuries caused by toxic substances.
Common Workplace Injuries
Some injuries sustained on the job are relatively minor and only cause employees to miss a few days of work. Many other injuries are much more serious and keep workers off the job for several months.
The nature of injuries varies in severity depending on the type of the accident. Some of the most common types of injuries people suffer on the job include, but are not limited to:
- Amputations;
- Back injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Burn injuries;
- Electrocution;
- Eye injuries;
- Paralysis;
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); or
- Wrongful death.
Causes of Workplace Injuries
Certain employees work in dangerous settings. Many others believe there are very few physical risks to their jobs.
Workplace accidents can occur at any time in any job setting for a variety of reasons. Common causes of these accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Defective products;
- Failure to follow procedures;
- Inadequate training;
- Lack of protection;
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Negligent co-workers or subcontractors;
- Slip and fall accidents; or
- Unsafe working conditions.
Florida Resources for Workplace Injuries
Division of Workers’ Compensation — This division of the Florida Department of Financial Services oversees the state’s workers’ compensation system. On this website, you can find databases, reports, and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also find information about benefits, reemployment services, and how to report an illness or injury.
Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities – Bureau of Labor Statistics — The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics. On this website, you can find databases, statistics, and publications about work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatal injuries. You can also find news releases, definitions, and special notices.
Find a Workplace Injuries Attorney in Hillsborough County
If you sustained an injury or your loved one was killed on the job in Florida, time is of the essence and you should immediately seek legal counsel. Germain Law Group has more than a decade of experience dealing with insurance companies who seek to minimize or deny the claims of accident victims.
Michael B. Germain is a Tampa personal injury lawyer who fights for clients all over Hillsborough County, Charlotte County, Sarasota County, St. Lucie County, Indian River County, and surrounding areas. He can provide a complete evaluation of your case so you can understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (813) 835-8888 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.