- Workers' Compensation
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, accounting for one in every four work-related injuries. Though they are often labeled minor injuries, slip and fall accidents often lead to missed time from work.
When these types of injuries are more serious, workers may even miss weeks or months of work. In most instances, these workers are eligible for workers’ compensation. Our Tampa workers comp lawyers can help you get the benefits you deserve.
Workplace Slip and Fall Accident Statistics and Causes
From the U.S. Department of Labor to OSHA to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, government agencies agree that slip and fall accidents are common work-related accidents that employers need to take steps to prevent. Some estimate that slips and falls result in up to 25 percent of injuries that cause employees to miss work.
Slip and fall accidents can result in bruises, contusions, lacerations, abrasions, sprains, strains, and even fractures. While these injuries can happen in any occupation, they are most common among truck drivers, landscapers and tree trimmers, roofers, and carpenters.
Slip and fall accidents in the workplace are commonly caused by:
- Inadequate lighting
- Spills on smooth flooring (water, dust, grease, powders, blood, wastes, oil, or other liquids)
- Freshly waxed or highly polished floors
- Deficient or missing warning signs
- Transitions between different types of flooring
- Damaged (loose floorboards or tiles) or sloped flooring
- Cords, hoses, cables, or wiring improperly placed across walkways or hallways
- Loose, irregular walking surfaces (gravel, sand, etc.)
- Uneven, non-uniform, or damaged stairs or steps
- Loose, unanchored area rugs or welcome mats
- Ramps without slip-resistant protection
- Clutter/obstacles in workspaces or walkways
Qualifying for Workers Compensation in Tampa, Florida
For the most part, if you’re a worker in Florida, you’re eligible for workers compensation benefits. Most companies that employ at least four employees are required to carry workers compensation insurance.
However, certain workers aren’t eligible for workers compensation, including:
- Federal employees
- Railroad employees
- Domestic workers employed by a household
- Independent contractors
- Casual workers
In order to be approved for workers compensation benefits, your Tampa workers comp attorney must demonstrate that you meet the basic criteria for benefits.
Some of these requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Your injury must have taken place on company property and on company time. Of course, if you’re a remote worker or travel for work, this won’t be the case. The same is true if you’re a salaried employee.
- You must report your injury to management or Human Resources right away. Technically, you have thirty (30) days to report your injury under Florida law. However, it’s not a good idea to wait more than a day or two, at most.
- You must have been acting within the scope of your normal employment when you got hurt.
- You must agree to take a drug test. If you refuse the test, or it comes back positive for drugs, your claim will be denied.
- You must be treated by an approved workers compensation doctor.
Workers Compensation Benefits for Slip and Fall Injuries
Workers’ compensation was established as a no-fault system, meaning, if eligible, employees may be awarded benefits regardless of whether the accident was preventable.
Workers’ compensation benefits include medical expenses related to the injury as well as a portion of lost wages during your recovery and treatment. In addition to medical care, you’ll be entitled to weekly replacement wages. These will be equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages. For example, if you normally make $500 per week, you would be entitled to $333 per week in benefits.
These benefits do not start until you’ve missed at least seven (7) days from work. Furthermore, you won’t be paid for the first seven days unless you are out of work for more than twenty-one days. If that is the case, you’ll receive a retroactive payment for this first seven-day period.
How Your Tampa Workers Comp Lawyer Will Help With Your Claim
If you have been injured due to a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is important to know your rights.
Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to contact our workers comp lawyers in Tampa. We can look at whatever information you have and let you know if you qualify for workers comp benefits.
When the insurance company sees that you’ve retained a Tampa workers compensation attorney, they’ll take your claim more seriously. They know they won’t be able to take advantage of you. They’ll also be more likely to approve your claim if they know you have an attorney.
An experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer will help you with the forms and the entire legal process. Workers’ compensation insurance companies often use every opportunity to deny your claim, so ensuring everything is correct is essential.
If your claim is denied, your Tampa workers comp lawyer will file an appeal to reverse the decision and get you the benefits that you deserve.
Call Our Workers Compensation Lawyers in Tampa for a Free Consultation!
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Tampa have handled hundreds of cases. We have helped many workers in various industries who were hurt in slip and fall accidents. We are here to help you with your claim.
Contact us today for a free, initial consultation.
