In Florida, workers’ compensation settlements typically fall into two categories: lump-sum and structured Scaffolding accidents on Tampa construction sites often lead to serious, life-altering injuries. Workers’ compensation is intended to provide benefits for medical treatment and partial wage replacement. However, insurance companies often use tactics to protect their bottom line and reduce the value of valid claims. That’s why it’s essential to have a lawyer with experience in Florida workers’ compensation law—someone who understands how to navigate the system, challenge unfair claim decisions, and fight to secure the full benefits you’re entitled to under Florida law.
If you are looking for a skilled workers’ compensation law firm to handle your Tampa scaffolding accident, trust that Berlin Law Firm will work tirelessly on your behalf. Our attorneys and staff provide the highest level of advocacy while simultaneously protecting your job, easing your financial and emotional burden, and attending to the specific needs of your case in a timely manner. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
Why Injured Workers Choose Berlin Law Firm
At Berlin Law Firm, workers’ compensation is all we do—and we do it with highly experienced insight. Our founder, Stephen Berlin, established the firm after seeing firsthand how insurance companies delay, deny, and underpay valid workers’ comp claims. With many years of experience managing legal operations for Florida insurance carriers, we know the defense tactics used to minimize benefits—and we know how to beat them.
At Berlin Law Firm, you pay no upfront costs. Consultations are free, and we only get paid if you win. When you need a knowledgeable, relentless advocate who understands both sides of the system, we’re ready to fight for you.
Types of Scaffold Accidents in Florida’s Growing Construction Industry
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states, “Scaffolding hazards continue to rank high on the list of the most frequently cited standards in the construction industry.” Regulations require that scaffolds be properly constructed, regularly inspected, and equipped with essential safety features such as guardrails, stable platforms, and adequate fall protection systems. Compliance with OSHA standards is critical to protecting workers at elevation.
Yet, scaffolding accidents remain a persistent hazard in Florida’s fast-growing construction industry, where rapid development can sometimes outpace strict adherence to safety standards.
The most common causes include:
- Scaffold Collapses. Structural failures due to overloading, improper assembly, or the use of defective components can cause scaffolds to collapse without warning. These incidents often lead to catastrophic injuries such as fractures, spinal cord trauma, crush injuries, and traumatic brain injuries from sudden falls or entrapment beneath falling platforms.
- Falls from Scaffolds. Falls are among the most frequent and dangerous scaffold-related accidents, typically caused by the absence of guardrails, unsecured platforms, or inadequate fall protection. Such falls can result in severe injuries, including head trauma, broken bones, internal bleeding, and permanent disabilities like paralysis.
- Falling Objects from Scaffolds. Tools, construction materials, and debris that are not properly secured can fall from elevated platforms, endangering workers and others below. Even with hard hats, falling objects can cause serious harm, including concussions, skull fractures, and other impact-related injuries.
Our dedicated Tampa workers’ comp attorneys know how to anticipate and counter insurance companies’ tactics to minimize the severity of your injuries, ensure your rights are protected, and prioritize your recovery at every stage of the process.
Workers’ Comp Benefits in Florida
Injured construction workers who qualify for workers’ compensation benefits are generally entitled to wage replacement equal to two-thirds (66.67%) of their average weekly wage, subject to a state-mandated maximum. As of 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,260.
There are different types of wage replacement benefits depending on the nature and duration of the disability:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Paid when the worker cannot work during recovery.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Paid if the worker can return to work but earns less than 80% of their pre-injury wages.
- Impairment Income Benefits (IIB): Paid once the worker reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) but has a permanent impairment.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Paid if the worker is permanently disabled.
These benefits are typically not taxable, and eligibility begins after a seven-day waiting period unless the disability lasts more than 21 days, in which case the first week is retroactively paid.
Medical Benefits
In Florida, injured construction workers are entitled to medical benefits that cover all authorized and necessary treatment related to their work injury. This includes emergency care, doctor visits, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment. Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments is also included.
All treatment must be provided by medical professionals authorized by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Workers are not responsible for any out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or deductibles. However, they typically cannot choose their own doctor unless the insurer fails to provide timely care. These benefits ensure injured workers receive proper medical treatment without the financial burden.
How Berlin Law Firm Can Help
A Tampa construction accident lawyer can play a pivotal role in the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. At Berlin Law Firm, we have devoted our legal careers to advocating for injured workers across Tampa and neighboring Florida communities. We prepare and submit all necessary paperwork, meet critical deadlines, resolve disputes with insurers, and represent you in all legal proceedings. We actively protect your rights, pursue the full compensation you deserve, and guide you forward with confidence after a construction site injury.
Schedule a Free Consultation
At Berlin Law Firm, our goal is to help people as they deserve to be helped through fair representation, honest work, and a relentless pursuit of bettering this community. We personally and meticulously go through each case file and keep the client informed at every step of the process. As a result, we are among the highest esteemed workers’ compensation lawyers in Florida. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
