West Palm Beach Legal Blog

There is no way to predict when an accident will occur in a Florida workplace. Some jobs are more dangerous than others, to be sure. However, even a person who spends hours behind a desk or at a cash register can also suffer injury that results in a need to file a workers' compensation claim. Many times, workers encounter challenges in the process, especially if an insurance agency tries to deny a claim.

Florida's workers' comp program provides benefits to injured workers in numerous ways. For instance, a recovering worker can use such benefits to help pay medical bills or to replace lost wages while he or she is unable to return to the workplace. In some cases, a worker may also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if he or she is permanently restricted or unable to return to work because of on-the-job injury.

Most people don't ever imagine getting injured on the job. But, workplace accidents can occur unexpectedly and leave you feeling lost and confused. It's never a bad idea to seek clarification on state laws and to learn as much as you can about workers' compensation, as well as your particular employer's accident plan, in case you suffer an injury on the job.

Some jobs are undoubtedly more dangerous than others, but that doesn't mean you're immune to a workplace accident. Even if you work at a desk all day, there's still a risk of injury. You could slip and fall on a wet floor that was not marked on your way to the restroom. A heavy object could fall on top of you, or you could develop a repetitive stress injury, especially if you spend hours typing or work on an assembly line. There are several things your employer should do to help you stay safe and to respond if you're involved in a workplace accident.

If a Florida driver loses control of steering or becomes distracted and drifts out of a travel lane, disaster can strike quickly. If there are other vehicles or pedestrians nearby, the risk of an accident increases. A 62-year-old tow truck driver recently struck a parked construction vehicle. Truck accident injuries are often severe, and those involved in collisions often face financial distress because of medical bills or lost pay from time off work during recovery.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. The construction vehicle was parked on the side of the road, just beyond a sign marking off the construction site. Although no details were provided as to the exact reasons for what happened next, the tow truck driver lost control of his vehicle, which then struck the back end of the other vehicle.

Workers in all industries in Florida face occupational hazards almost every day. Even seemingly insignificant risks can cause injuries with long-term health and financial consequences. Although providing a safe work environment and protecting your safety and health are your employer's responsibilities, it might be a good idea to learn about the hazards in your workplace.

Once you can identify risks, you can take precautions to avoid injuries that will have you facing medical bills and lost wages. Although each industry has unique hazards, there are a few basic risks that exist in all workplaces.