Workplace Accident Lawyer Palm Beach
Under Florida law, every employer is required to provide a safe working environment for all employees, however, accidents can still happen even in the safest of environments. One of the most common types of workplace accidents is falling objects. These falling objects incidents also include equipment and machinery falling on workers. If you have been injured at work, contact a workplace accident lawyer in Palm Beach to find out what workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to.
What are some of the common falling object accidents that occur?
Some of the most common incidents of falling machinery and objects that injure workers include the following:
- Defective machinery
- Failure to barricade hazardous areas
- Failure to post warning signs
- Failure to secure or incorrectly secure lumber
- Failure to secure tools
- Failure to store or incorrectly store materials
- Failure to train workers in the correct safety precautions and protocol
- Heavy boom loads
- Heavy crane
- Hoist too heavy
- Machinery hitting unsecured beams, falling on or striking workers
- Malfunctioning machinery
- Tools stored incorrectly
What are some of the most common injuries caused by falling objects in work accidents?
A Palm Beach workplace accident lawyer knows that any falling object can cause an employee to sustain injuries that range from minor to severe. There are also tragic accidents where the workers are killed by the falling object. While hard hats may protect workers, there are also many situations where the force of the falling machinery or object is just too severe. The higher the object is falling from, the more forceful impact it will have when it hits a victim.
The most common injuries include:
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Lacerations
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractured bones
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Blood clots
- Paralysis
- Death
Do injured workers qualify for workers’ compensation in these types of accidents?
If a worker is injured by falling equipment or other object, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while they recover from their injuries. It is important for any injured worker to report the injury immediately to their supervisor or manager. While it may be okay to notify your employer verbally of the injury, it is also a good idea to follow up with an email notification, providing you with an electronic trail in case the employer tries to deny the claim on grounds you didn’t notify them.
Under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, all of your medical treatments and expenses are covered. There is no co-pay or other out-of-pocket expenses. This not only includes actual doctors’ appointments and treatments, but also medications, medical equipment, and devices, and even mileage and travel expenses to get to and from your appointments.
You will also be entitled to receive a percentage of your weekly wage or salary. The amount you receive and how long you receive them will depend on a number of factors, including whether or not the injuries have left you temporarily disabled, partially disabled, or permanently disabled. In the event a worker is killed in a workplace accident, their family would then be entitled to death benefits under Florida law.
Call to Learn More
To learn more about what benefits you may be entitled to, contact a Palm Beach workplace accident lawyer from Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.