Many Florida workers assume that workplace injuries only result from sudden accidents, like slips, falls, or equipment failures. However, not all work-related injuries happen in a single moment. Some develop over time due to repetitive motions or long-term strain, only developing into significant health concerns later on. Overwork and overexertion should be avoided at all costs to keep Florida workers safe, healthy, and able to support their families long-term.
Florida workers’ compensation laws recognize these types of injuries and provide benefits to affected workers. However, proving these claims can be more complex than traditional workplace accidents with an obvious negligent party or accident. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to repetitive stress or chronic overuse at work, contact Probinsky & Cole today to discover your options.
What Injuries Can Overwork or Overexertion Cause?
Millions of Floridians work hard at their job every day, but some of them are forced or pressured into working too hard, suffering injuries both small and large. Some of the injuries most commonly associated with overwork and overexertion include:
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Typically occurring due to small, repeated motions, causing comparatively larger damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves. Microscopic injuries accumulate, with some of the most common RSIs including tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, various types of RSIs are among the leading causes of workplace ergonomic injuries.
Overexertion Injuries: Occurring when workers push their bodies beyond their physical limits to life-heavy objects or power through long hours of strenuous work. Overexertion comes in all forms and, therefore, causes a range of injuries, such as muscle strains, back pain, and herniated discs. Overexertion is more common in professions with high expectations and responsibilities, such as nursing and construction.
Fatigue-Related Conditions: Overwork that doesn’t directly lead to physical injuries can still cause problems. When workers continue to work while exhausted, it increases the risk of workplace accidents and long-term health problems. Serious health concerns, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, can impact a worker’s health for months at a time, and mental health issues developed due to fatigue can last a lifetime.
Fortunately, Florida workers’ compensation laws recognize overexertion injuries, making it possible for employees to receive benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Probinsky & Cole is here to help if you are dealing with an injury in Florida.
What To Do If You’re Injured Due to Overwork or Overexertion
So, what can you do if you suspect that your job duties have led to an overexertion injury? To protect your right to workers’ benefits in Florida, follow these steps:
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: While not mandatory as a first step, the earlier you contact an attorney, the better. An attorney can give you advice throughout your claim and help you avoid any mistakes that jeopardize your claim.
Report the Injury Promptly: Florida law requires workplace injuries to be reported within a month of discovery.
Seek Medical Attention: You need actual documentation of your injury in order to receive approval for your workers’ compensation claim. A physician will evaluate your condition and document the injury as work-related.
File a Detailed Claim: Your employer should submit a claim to their workers’ compensation insurer on your behalf. Attorneys can speed along the process and ensure nothing goes wrong.
Keep Detailed Records: Anything related to your injury, such as documentation of your medical visits and symptoms, should be gathered to rebut any issues that appear later on.
Before it’s too late, contact Probinsky & Cole to get help with your overexertion injury and protect your rights as a worker in Florida.
