If you work in an environment where no physical labor is involved, you may assume that you are safe from sustaining a serious injury while on the job. But the truth is that there is always a chance for a serious workplace accident to occur no matter your occupation. If you have been injured on the job, continue reading to learn how an experienced Tampa work injury lawyer of Merricks Law Group can help you in filing either a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party claim.
What are the most common types of workplace accidents in the state of Florida?
Firstly, construction is a comparatively dangerous field of work, making construction site accidents the most common type to occur in the state of Florida. Examples of such read as follows:
- Structural collapses.
- Trench cave-ins.
- Multi-story falls.
- Ladder accidents.
- Defective scaffolding accidents.
- Crane accidents.
- Blade and saw accidents.
- Injuries from falling debris.
- Electrocutions.
- Explosions.
- Chemical burns.
- Toxic fume inhalation.
- Exposure to loud noise.
- Exposure to hazardous materials.
Though construction sites are the most common places where workplace accidents occur, they can occur in other work environments such as at the office or in a retail setting. Examples of such include slip and fall or trip and fall accidents, muscle strain injuries, repetitive motion injuries, etc.
Under what circumstances would I file a workers’ compensation claim?
If you were injured while on the job, your first instinct may be to seek workers’ compensation benefits to cover the cost of your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. In the state of Florida, most employers are required to carry this form of no-fault insurance.
When would I file a third-party work injury claim?
If your workers’ compensation benefits do not cover all of your damages, then you may want to consider filing a third-party claim. It is important to note that this claim is only applicable if your injury was a direct result of the negligence of a third party, such as a subcontractor, architect, equipment manufacturer, or designer.
If you pursue this option, your employer’s insurance company may issue a lien towards your future compensation to recover the money distributed to you for the medical bills and lost wages you already claimed.
With all this in mind, you must bring attention to your claim as soon as possible to avoid being permanently barred from suing. In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is usually two years from the date of your accident. If you require assistance throughout this process, do not hesitate in reaching out to a skilled Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer today.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm
Merricks Law Group handles a wide array of injury claims, including injuries sustained in auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. Contact Merricks Law Group today.
