Workplace Accidents

Many work places are covered by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulations which are designed to minimize risk of injury or death of employees in a workplace accident but of course something can still go wrong. If you are injured in a workplace accident and your employer has Worker’s Compensation insurance, you may have coverage for medical bills and some of your lost wages. Many people are not aware of the Worker’s Compensation benefits they may be entitled to under Florida law. Besides compensation for lost wages, someone who is injured on the job may be additionally entitled to certain medical and/or disability benefits. Florida’s Worker’s Compensation system provides that workers are entitled to certain compensation regardless of fault, or the cause of the injury, with some exceptions. In a situation where a work-related incident causes the death of a loved one, the surviving family members may be entitled to certain benefits. In exchange for getting these Worker’s Compensation benefits, workers generally may not file a lawsuit for their damages against their employer. However, there are certain situations in which an employer may be liable for damages beyond those covered by Worker’s Compensation insurance. If you have a workplace accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and fight on your behalf to enforce them. There are strict time limitations after a workplace accident which must be met in order to preserve your eligibility for benefits; notice of your injury must be provided to your employer within thirty days. Failure to do so could delay and/or jeopardize your benefits. There are also procedures which must be followed in choosing who will provide your medical care.