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According to the National Safety Council, nearly 4,115 workplace fatalities and 4 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in 2020 alone. Most workers in Florida are covered by the state's workers' compensation system. This means that if you are injured on the job, you can receive benefits to help you recover. In this post, we will discuss the five most common workers' compensation claims in Florida.
Top 5 Workers' Compensation Claims
The most common workers' compensation claims are as follows:
Harmful Exposure
Harmful exposure covers a wide range of injuries, including workers being exposed to toxic chemicals, electricity, extreme temperatures and even traumatic events. Previously the sixth most cited workers' compensation claim, harmful exposure rose to the first place due to COVID-19. About 43.5 workers in every 10,000 suffered an injury or illness due to toxic exposure in 2020.
Overexertion Injuries
These include injuries such as sprains, strains, tears, and hernias caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. They also include injuries caused by repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Overexertion injuries accounted for 21.7% of all workers' compensation claims.
Falls, Slips and Trips
Falls, slips and trips are a common cause of injury, making up 211,640 of all workplace injuries in 2020. They can often result in serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have a lasting impact on someone's health and ability to work. Falls can occur from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs and can also happen when tripping on hazards in walkways or slipping on wet or uneven surfaces.
Being Struck By Objects
This category includes injuries caused by tools, equipment, falling objects, swung objects, or flying objects. It also includes injuries sustained from being hit by a vehicle. Being struck by objects accounted for 16.7 percent of worker injuries, totaling 196,140.
Transportation Incidents
Transportation incidents include car accidents as well as accidents involving trains, planes, boats, and bikes that occur while an employee is working. Transportation incidents totaled 41,010 in 2020, accounting for 3.5 percent of all workplace injuries.
How to Seek Additional Compensation?
While workers' compensation bars workers from suing their employers, a third party may be liable for a worker's injuries in many instances. A third-party claim is a claim filed against a party other than your employer, such as a property owner or equipment manufacturer. Third-party workers' compensation claims can be complex, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that your rights are protected. With the help of a third-party workers' compensation claim, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you experienced a workplace injury and are concerned with how you will be compensated, call Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. today at (888) 499-6206 to schedule a free initial consultation.
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