Slip and Falls at Work

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.

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.

Workers’ Comp Coverage for Workplace Falls

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.

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.