- Work-Related Injuries
When you think about on-the-job injuries, you probably think about people working in construction, mining, or manufacturing, but not office workers. This is not surprising since the dangers these professions present are apparent. However, tens of thousands of office workers suffer work-related injuries or illnesses every year. Few people think about the hazards that these office workers face.
Even though offices seem safe when compared to construction sites or factories, they present some unique dangers. Working in a seated position, typing document after document, or holding a phone to the ear for hours can lead to pains and strains of various types. Also, people in any environment can fall or get struck by an object, even office workers.
If you’re an office worker in Florida, you can draw on the workers’ compensation system in the same way as any other worker. To ensure that you get fair compensation for a work-related injury, you should contact a workers’ compensation attorney in Florida. Below, we’ll discuss some of the injuries that office workers like you often sustain.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
It is incredibly easy to slip or trip and fall whether indoors or outdoors. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls are the leading cause of lost days from work. Moreover, they are the main reason employees in the United States file workers’ compensation claims and the primary cause of workplace injury for people age 55 and over.
Falls can occur because of spilled liquids, wet floors, uneven floors, clutter, loose carpets, and exposed cords. Rain can also make parking lots, stairs, and walkways hazardous. If you slip and fall in the course of your work, you need to seek prompt medical attention and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about who’s at fault for your scaffolding accident injuries, visit this FAQ page
Repetitive Strain Injuries
A lot of office work is repetitive. Some workers discover over time that simply carrying out their assigned tasks causes them pain. Sometimes the pain is so debilitating that they have to take time off work. The most well-known repetitive strain injury is carpal tunnel syndrome which results from repetitive typing.
However, the term repetitive strain injury refers to any pain in muscles, nerves, and tendons that’s caused by repetitive movement and overuse. Bursitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis all fall into the same category. Repetitive strain injuries can affect the wrist and hands, forearms and elbows, or neck and shoulders.
Symptoms include:
- Tenderness
- Cramp
- Weakness
- Tingling or numbness
- Stiffness
- Swelling
These symptoms can limit a person’s ability to carry out their job.
Injuries Caused by Lifting
Office work can involve some level of manual labor. Some people have to lift electronics, furniture, or heavy boxes of supplies. Improper lifting techniques or a lack of supportive equipment can lead to serious injuries and some workers develop chronic conditions. If you got injured while lifting something in your office and had to see a doctor or take time off work, you may be able to claim compensation.
Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
Falling objects aren’t just a problem on construction sites or in warehouses. If an item falls off a high shelf or out of a cupboard and strikes you on your head or even your foot, the injury can be serious. Falling objects are especially dangerous when the victim doesn’t see them coming.
What to Do If You’re Injured in the Office
Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or you slipped and fell and hurt yourself. As long as your job caused your illness or you were injured in the course of your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you need to follow the right steps, starting with notifying your employer at the earliest opportunity and filling out the necessary forms.
Your employer carries insurance for situations like this so you shouldn’t be afraid to seek the benefits you deserve. While it’s not mandatory that you hire a workers’ comp lawyer, it is certainly highly recommended for office workers.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Work Injury Rights Today!
Let the seasoned Florida workers’ compensation lawyers at Work Injury Rights help you to get compensation for your workplace injury or work-related illness. There’s no need to deal with medical bills or lost wages on your own. Even if you’ve already had a claim denied, we can look into the matter and assist you with filing an appeal if necessary. Call us today to book a consultation and learn about the next steps available to you.
