Our Lawyers Help Injured and Sick Workers in Fort Lauderdale Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits. 

Each day you go to work, there is a chance that you will get sick or injured on the job. This is true regardless of your occupation, your health condition and how long you have been working in your chosen profession. From exposure to illnesses and toxic fumes to traumatic accidents such as falls and vehicle collisions, all types of work-related risks can lead to medical bills, loss of income and other losses.

At the Maus Law Firm, we represent Fort Lauderdale residents in workers’ compensation claims. We handle claims involving all types of illnesses and injuries, and we have nearly 30 years of experience recovering compensation for our clients’ job-related losses. We can help you collect the benefits to which you are legally entitled under Florida law, and we encourage you to contact one of our attorneys promptly so that we can begin working on your claim right away.

15 Common Job-Related Illnesses and Injuries

In Florida, as long as you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits, you can file a claim regardless of the nature of your job-related illness or injury. Workers’ compensation covers all types of illnesses and injuries, including (but not limited to):

1. Broken Bones

Many types of work-related accidents can result in broken bones. Broken toes and fingers are particularly common and can often result from relatively minor accidents, while broken ribs, clavicles, and arm and leg bones tend to result from more-serious falls and collisions.

2. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries – injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons – can range in severity from strains and sprains (which can heal on their own) to tears (which may require surgery). We help individuals collect workers’ compensation benefits for soft tissue injuries resulting from overexertion, overuse and traumatic accidents.

3. Severe Lacerations and Punctures

Severe lacerations and punctures requiring sutures or other invasive forms of treatment can lead to significant losses. Not only can the costs of treatment be substantial, but individuals who suffer these types of injuries will often be unable to work until their injuries are fully healed.  

4. Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are among the most-common causes of work-related injuries. Whether you fell on a construction site, in your office building or in any other job location, our attorneys can help you collect the medical, disability and rehabilitation benefits to which you are legally entitled.

5. Injuries from Vehicle Collisions

Along with slips, trips and falls, vehicle collisions account for the majority of workers’ compensation claims involving traumatic injuries. While commuters generally are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, if you were driving as part of your job duties, then any injuries you sustained in your accident should be covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

6. Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)

Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are work-related injuries that result not from traumatic accidents, but instead from wear and tear over time. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis and epicondylitis (tennis elbow). If you are experiencing symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, it is important that you consult with an attorney about your workers’ compensation rights promptly.

7. Concussions and Other Forms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. Generally, rest is necessary for recovery, and returning to work too soon can greatly increase the chances of suffering a second, and potentially worse, TBI.

8. Herniated Discs

Herniated discs are common work-related injuries that can result from trauma or repetitive stress. Back pain is usually the first symptom, often followed by weakness or numbness in either the arms or legs depending on the specific location of the injury.

9. Lower Back Pain and Neck Pain

Lower back pain and neck pain are symptoms of potentially-serious or chronic injuries that should not be ignored. Once your doctor diagnoses the specific cause of your pain, our attorneys can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

10. Overexertion and Overuse Injuries

Common overexertion and overuse injuries include sprains, strains, tears and fractures. From using tools to twisting and bending, various types of work-related activities can cause debilitating injuries that require treatment and recovery.

11. Exposure to Illnesses, Toxic Chemicals, Fumes or Mold

Exposure to illnesses, toxic chemicals, fumes and mold can cause potentially-serious medical conditions, including lung damage, brain damage and cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms of an illness or exposure to a toxic substance or mold, you should see a doctor and consult with a workers’ compensation attorney right away.

12. Electrocution Injuries

Electrocutions are common accidents on construction sites, but they can occur in various other job settings as well. If you were exposed to a dangerous energy source on the job, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits regardless of the nature of your occupation.

13. Burns from Fires and Explosions

Burn injuries can range greatly in severity, and victims’ treatment and recovery needs will vary as well. As your workers’ compensation law firm, we will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available under Florida law.

14. Strokes and Heart Conditions

Strokes, heart attacks, and other sudden and unexpected health risks can be especially dangerous in the employment setting. They can result from various job-related factors; and, even if you had a pre-existing condition, you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

15. Anxiety, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress

Suffering a job-related injury will leave many individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and other psychological disorders. If you experience psychological or emotional changes after suffering a work-related illness or injury, it is important that you seek help promptly.

Common Causes and Types of Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

Under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, employees who suffer occupational illnesses and diseases have the same rights as those who suffer job-related injuries. But, proving that you are entitled to benefits for an illness or disease often presents additional challenges. As a result, it is especially important to have an experienced attorney on your side.

Common Causes of Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

An occupational illness or disease is defined as an illness or disease that results from exposure to harmful substances or harmful conditions in the workplace. This includes both natural and manufactured exposure risks. For example, some of the most common causes of occupational illnesses and diseases (which are all generally covered by workers’ compensation) include:

• Hazardous Materials – Exposure to hazardous materials such as chemicals for cleaning and manufacturing processes is a common cause of occupational illnesses in Florida. Exposure to infectious diseases in the workplace is a common risk as well.
• Hazardous Environmental Conditions – Extreme heat, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and other hazardous environmental conditions can cause serious and potentially life-threatening occupational illnesses and diseases. These are particular risks for construction workers and others who spend long hours working in the Florida sun.
• Loud Noises – Loud noises from construction, power tools, equipment, heavy machinery, and other sources can cause short-term or permanent hearing loss. This can result from a one-time exposure event (such as an explosion) or from prolonged exposure to loud noise over time.
• Fumes, Dust and Particulates – Fumes, dust and particulates can cause various types of occupational illnesses and diseases. While companies should provide their workers with adequate safety protection (i.e., face masks and respirators), they, unfortunately, fail to do so in many cases.

Common Types of Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

These common workplace hazards (among many others) can lead to various types of occupational illnesses and diseases. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with any kind of harmful exposure, you should see a doctor promptly, and you should talk to a lawyer about your legal rights as soon as possible.

Some of the most common types of occupational illnesses and diseases include:

• Skin Diseases – Exposure to hazardous materials and ultraviolet (UV) light can cause squamous, melanoma and basal cell cancer. It can also lead to various other types of skin diseases and infections, which can require intensive treatment and long-term recovery.
• Hearing Loss – Even when companies provide workers with hearing protection, it is still possible for these workers to suffer from hearing loss. Of course, those who do not have hearing protection are at far greater risk for suffering significant and permanent damage to the inner ear.
• Respiratory Diseases – Respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can result from exposure to harmful fumes, dust and particulates in the workplace. While some workers can recover from these conditions (or at least cope with their symptoms), many types of respiratory diseases present fatal risks for workers in Florida.

Two of the main challenges injured workers often face when seeking benefits for an occupational illness or disease are: (i) proving that their conditions are job-related and (ii) proving that they have filed their claims on time.

In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits are only available to employees whose medical conditions are job-related. When you file your claim, your employer may argue that you cannot prove where you became sick. You will need to prove that you got sick at work—and this can be easier said than done.

But, it is possible with the help of an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer. At Maus Law Firm, we are experienced in helping employees collect benefits for occupational illnesses and diseases. We can present evidence to show that you were exposed to risk at work, and we can build a solid case to prove that you are entitled to benefits.

With regard to timing, Florida law requires employees to notify employers of their job-related injuries and illnesses within 30 days. For most types of injuries, this 30-day time period runs from the date of the accident. But, for occupational illnesses and diseases, determining the deadline to file can be more challenging.

Employers will often seek to deny their employees’ occupational illness and disease claims for this reason. However, when seeking benefits for an illness or disease, you have 30 days from “the date the doctor says you are suffering from a work-related [condition].” As a result, these denials can often be overcome as well, and you may be able to avoid a denial entirely with the help of an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney. 

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Workman’s Compensation Lawyer for Free

If you would like to speak with a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer about your claim for benefits, we encourage you to get in touch. We can file your claim for you, and we can use our experience to help make sure you receive the full benefits to which you are legally entitled. To get started with a free and confidential consultation, call us at 855-999-5297 or tell us how we can help online today.