Work-Related Injuries: What to Do
Regardless of whether you work at an office or a factory, the possibility of you getting injured at work is always something to worry about. Clearly, your chances of getting injured increase exponentially when you work in a high-risk environment, such as in construction, factory, or other manual labor type of jobs that require impeccable attention to detail, cooperation, and safety precautions.
Failure to ensure state and federal laws and other safety regulations are complied with may cause serious injury at a work site. In 2012, 55 of 209 reported work-related deaths in Florida were the result of construction-work accidents. Nearly half of the 209 deaths were transportation-related; the others involved falls, slips, or contact with dangerous equipment.
Certain state and federal regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aim to protect workers’ rights and safety. Private organizations such as Safety Alliance for Excellence also strive to maintain workplace safety in Florida. The Safety Alliance points to inexperience, disorganization, and lack of communication as some of the predominant reasons for construction-related accidents in Florida. Regardless of how careful a worker is, they cannot control the actions of those around them, or the safety of their equipment.
Construction Accidents and You
If you or someone you know has been involved in a construction accident or any work-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and financial losses. The first thing to do if you are in a work-related accident is to report it to your employer immediately. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits – a type of insurance that most employers are required to have to ensure the safety of their employees. This type of insurance may pay up to two-thirds of your salary in the event you are severely injured at work. This type of insurance has strict reporting requirements and may even require you to visit certain doctors before benefits can be paid out to you and your family. Your individual workplace may have additional requirements besides those mandated by state and federal law.
If the injury was due to your employer’s failure to take adequate safety precautions or if there was a defective piece of equipment provided by a manufacturer, it may be a better legal option to bring suit against them for negligence. This type of action would be against your employer or supervisors directly, or even the companies that put you in the position to use defective equipment. This is one of many legal options you may pursue in the event of a workplace injury.
There are many legal remedies an injured employee has and many avenues such a person can take. Speaking to knowledgeable attorneys in the construction injury area of law can greatly improve your chances of recovery, increase the amount of your monetary award, and ensure you have nothing to worry about except getting back on your feet. Our experienced Miami work injury lawyers have nearly half a century of experience in dealing with OSHA safety violations, product defects, and negligence at the workplace. At Alan Goldfarb, P.A. you can rest assured that you have experience and passion on your side, and that we will work hard to get you the best possible result. Do not hesitate to contact our Miami-based offices today to learn more about your legal rights if you have been in a work-related accident.
