Workplace injuries are some of the most difficult when it comes to fighting for and receiving just compensation due to an accident. Florida has a lot of blue collar workers, and blue collar workers are more susceptible to injury than those who work behind a desk in an office.

In Florida, employers with four or more full or part-time employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. Any type of illness or injury that was the direct result of your job could potentially make you eligible for a workers’ compensation lawsuit. Unfortunately, insurance companies (and sometimes employers) often attempt to pay out the minimum amount to employees filing for workman’s comp. If you have been injured and are looking to investigate if you are being treated fairly, you may want to call a personal injury attorney. They will be able to inform you of your rights and help you understand the grounds for your case.

There are some industries that seem to produce the most nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. These include:

Health care
Manufacturing
Food services
Retail
Waste removal services
Recreation, fishing, hunting
Warehousing and transportation
Technical services

Most Frequent Types of Injuries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 2,800,000 nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses reported annually. 900,000 of these resulted in the employee missing at least one day of work.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in the workplace, according to their research.

Traffic Accidents: Of all of the workers’ compensation claims, vehicle injuries are among the most common. From semi-truck crashes to minor accidents, injuries sustained while driving (or even walking) are always high on the list of most common workplace injuries.
Brain Injuries: Accidents on construction sites and other hazardous premises often cause a severe brain injury. They typically happen when a worker slips or is struck by an object. These are difficult cases which can be drawn out.
Mesothelioma from Asbestos: While the number of asbestos and mesothelioma cases have decreased, the risks are still present. Car mechanics, attic insulation experts, carpenters and firefighters run a greater risk of employees being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos causes mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer.
Burn Injuries and Smoke Inhalation: Firefighters have the most obvious risk of sustaining burn injuries while on the job. However, other industries including chemical plants, manufacturing and industrial workplaces are also common places for workers’ compensation injury claims for burns and smoke injury. A burn injury case is complicated and expensive. Multiple skin grafts and other surgeries are often necessary, and they require a lengthy recovery period and cause infection risk. Victims are often unable to go back to work, and often need psychological counseling to deal with significant changes in their appearance and capability.
Slip & Fall Injuries: A slip or fall is typically not serious, but some work environments are conducive to serious injury. Slip and falls can happen anywhere, if there is a slippery or uneven floor. Your injuries might not be life-threatening, but can cause you to miss work or have to change careers.
Spinal cord Injuries: Any injury to your spine can result in long periods off of work. Spinal cord injuries at work can be caused by a serious accident, or by simply performing an everyday task like bending over or lifting something.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Workers who spend time outdoors or in customer’s homes have a higher risk of sustaining injuries from a dog or other animal attack. In these types of cases, there is potential for a workers’ compensation lawsuit, as well as a claim against the pet/animal owner.

Probinsky & Cole are personal injury attorneys specializing in workman’s compensation claims. Call today if you need legal representation after a workplace injury.