Workplace Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury in Florida and the United States. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that falls are also the number one cause of workplace injuries. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, 35 percent of all work-related injuries—or over 8.5 million injuries each year—are related to a fall. If you’ve been injured in a workplace fall, the dedicated Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help you pursue a claim for the compensation and medical benefits you are entitled to. For more than 45 years, Freidman Rodman Frank & Estrada lawyers have stood alongside workers, advocating on their behalf to secure the benefits they need to get back on their feet, back to work, and on with their lives.

Workplace falls can happen in all types of environments and for just as many reasons. Some of the most common causes of falls in the workplace include:

• Slippery Floors – Spills, wet floors, or recently cleaned surfaces can create a slipping hazard.
• Uneven Surfaces – Cracked or uneven flooring can cause trips and falls, as can bunched-up or worn carpet.
• Poor Lighting – Insufficient lighting makes it difficult to see obstacles or hazards, which is especially hazardous in staircases and crowded hallways.
• Cluttered Walkways – Tools, equipment, and debris left in walkways can cause workers to trip.
• Inadequate Safety Measures – In the construction industry, a lack of proper safety gear, such as harnesses when working at heights increases the risk of falls.

Regardless of what caused your fall, it may have been preventable. But, even if your employer was not to blame, you can still pursue a Miami workers’ compensation claim because the Florida workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program. This means that you don’t need to show that anyone else caused the accident leading to your injuries—and it’s even okay if your own negligence played a role.

Falls can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Miami injury lawyers have been handling workplace fall claims for more than 45 years. We’ve seen all types of fall injuries, but in our experience, most falls result in one or more of the following:

Sprains and Strains: These injuries can occur when you twist or stretch a muscle or ligament during a fall.

Fractures: Broken bones are common, particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips, as people often try to catch themselves during a fall.

Head Injuries: Hitting your head during a fall can lead to concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries.

Back and Spine Injuries: Falls can cause herniated discs, fractures or other spinal injuries that might require long-term treatment and care.

If your condition is preventing you from working or living your life the way you want to, it’s time to speak with one of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers.

Injured workers in Florida who successfully apply can recover several types of different benefits, including:

Medical Benefits

Medical benefits cover all necessary treatments related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any required medical equipment. Essentially, these benefits ensure you receive comprehensive medical care without the financial burden.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your injury temporarily prevents you from working, you may receive temporary disability benefits. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) provides compensation if you are completely unable to work during your recovery. If you can work part-time or in a limited capacity, Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) covers the difference between your pre-injury wages and your current earnings.

Permanent Disability Benefits

For lasting impairments, permanent disability benefits come into play. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) offers compensation if you cannot return to any form of work. If you can still work but have a permanent impairment that affects your earning potential, Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) provides compensation for that reduced capacity.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

When your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, vocational rehabilitation benefits can help you find new employment. This includes job training, career counseling, and job placement assistance, all aimed at helping you transition to a new role that accommodates your limitations on account of your injury.

Death Benefits

In the tragic event of a workplace death, workers' compensation provides death benefits to the surviving dependents. These benefits typically cover funeral expenses and offer ongoing financial support to the deceased worker’s family, ensuring some measure of financial stability during a difficult time.

If you recently fell at work and are not yet feeling your best, reach out to Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers. Our dedicated attorneys are immediately available to meet with you and guide you through every step of the process. We do not get paid unless and until there is a monetary recovery. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call us at 305-448-8585. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.