Around 20 percent of on-the-job injuries are caused by slip and fall accidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Slip or trips and falls can cause significant injuries and are more likely than not covered by Florida workers’ compensation.
When you’ve sustained a work injury due to a fall, it’s important to receive the necessary medical treatment and the compensation required to fully recover. At Berlin Law Firm, we are ready to provide legal protection, ensure your full recovery and support you through your Florida workers’ compensation case. Contact us for a free consultation now.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Coverage – How it Works
Under Florida law, workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for all employers with four or more employees. To be eligible for workers’ comp benefits in Florida, you must be classified as an employee–either full or part-time–not an independent contractor.
If you file for Florida worker’s compensation benefits after a slip and fall accident at work, this will likely impact your ability to sue your employer for additional damages to cover pain, suffering and emotional distress.
Since workers’ compensation in Florida is a no-fault system, you do not have to prove employer negligence to obtain benefits. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or disregarded company policies when the slip and fall occurred, this would diminish your ability to receive benefits.
It’s important to note that you can still seek worker’s comp benefits even if you were not engaged in an employment task at the time of your accident. To be clear, the injury must arise out of the scope of your employment but does not preclude slips and falls while taking a restroom or lunch break.
Slips and Fall Accidents at Work – Common Causes
Many situations lead to slips and fall accidents on job sites. The following is a small sampling of slip and fall work injury causes:
- Slick or wet flooring
- Tripping hazards
- Poor lighting
- Unmarked changes in elevation
- Lack of handrails
Slip and Fall Accidents – Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A workers’ compensation claim can provide financial relief for medical costs and wage replacement. Medical coverage includes expenses related to hospitalization, doctors’ visits, diagnostic testing, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy and assistive devices. It will also cover transportation costs to receive treatment.
If you are unable to work after a slip and fall, then you are also entitled to wage replacement benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). These benefits may be partial or full but are generally two-thirds of your regular salary. The amount awarded will depend on the type and severity of your injuries and your long-term prognosis.
Seek an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Insurance companies use various methods to deny legitimate slip and fall work accident claims. Having a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer on your side will go a long way toward a successful recovery. If you or a loved one were injured on the job, you can count on our team at Berlin Law Firm to protect your legal rights. Call our Florida workers’ comp attorneys now for a free consultation and sound legal guidance. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall at Work
After a slip and fall injury at work in Florida, take these steps to protect your health and your right to workers’ compensation:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt medical treatment, even if the injury seems minor, and follow the doctor’s instructions. Your employer’s insurance may require you to visit an authorized provider.
- Report the Accident: Notify your employer of the injury within 30 days to ensure your claim isn’t denied for late reporting.
- Document the Incident: Record details about the slip and fall, including the location, time, cause, and any witnesses. Photographs of the scene can strengthen your case.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Complete the necessary paperwork through your employer or insurance company to begin the claims process.
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your benefits.
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Falls at Work?
Common work accident causes include:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors without proper warning signs.
- Cluttered Walkways: Objects left in walkways, such as tools, boxes, or debris, increase trip hazards.
- Uneven Flooring: Damaged tiles, loose carpeting, or cracks in the floor.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate illumination in hallways, staircases, or work areas obscuring hazards.
- Unsafe Stairs or Ladders: Missing handrails, broken steps, or improperly secured ladders.
- Weather Conditions: Rainwater or mud tracked into buildings, creating slippery entrances.
Slip and Falls at Construction Sites
Slip and fall accidents at construction sites are often caused by various hazards specific to the nature of the work. Uneven surfaces, such as exposed rebar, loose gravel, or unfinished flooring, create significant trip risks. Wet or slippery areas from spills, mud, rainwater, or concrete mix further increase the likelihood of accidents.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
When you’ve been hurt on the job, you need an advocate with extensive experience to get positive results. At Berlin Law Firm, our attorneys specialize in Florida workers’ compensation law. Our practice focuses strictly on workers’ comp claims, and our goal is to protect your rights.
Unlike injury lawyers who only take workers’ comp cases on occasion, our legal team is up to date on the latest statutes, defense strategies, and procedural requirements.
We have worked in the legal departments of major workers’ compensation insurance providers and know the tactics used to deny valid claims and minimize payouts, such as the following:
- Claim Denials: If your employer’s insurance denies your workers’ compensation claim by arguing that your injury did not occur at work or isn’t covered.
- Disputed Injuries: When the insurer contests the severity of your injuries or the need for specific medical treatments.
- Delayed Payments: If your medical bills or wage replacement benefits are not paid promptly, causing financial strain.
- Employer Retaliation: When your employer takes adverse actions against you, such as termination or demotion, for filing a claim.
When delays or denials put your recovery at risk, our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers are here to fight on your behalf. Whether you have yet to file or are facing challenges with an ongoing claim, our lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure your claim progresses smoothly and that you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
Discuss Your Work Injury Claim for Free
Learn the types of compensation you may be eligible for and have your questions answered. Call today.
