One of the most frequent causes of injuries in the workplace is slip-and-fall accidents. According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the top two leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths. These falls cause over forty-six thousand fatalities every year.
If you are suffering from an injury sustained in a slip-and-fall incident at work, don’t let your employer dismiss your pain and suffering. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge. Understanding the common causes of these accidents, what compensation you might be entitled to, and your legal options is crucial to protecting your employee rights. It’s also important to recognize common slip and fall injury symptoms, such as back pain, head trauma, or joint stiffness, so you can seek medical attention and document your injuries properly.
Please read more about rights injury claims here: Understanding Pedestrian Rights in Auto Injury Claims in Florida.
Common Causes of Workplace Slip-and-Fall Injuries
When employees show up for their shift at work, they expect to get through their day safely. It’s a reasonable expectation. In fact, it’s the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe environment for every employee. That doesn’t always happen, though. There are various hazards that can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, including:
- Wet and Slippery Floors: A floor covered in a spill, or even something recently cleaned, can create a dangerous situation for employees who don’t see the hazard as they walk through. This is why proper signage must be displayed when a surface is wet or slippery.
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, loose floorboards, and torn carpets can all cause employees to trip and sustain serious injuries. Employers must correct these issues promptly.
- Poor Lighting: Dark hallways, stairwells, and work areas can create hidden hazards. If an employee cannot see obstacles clearly, a slip-and-fall accident is more likely to occur.
- Cluttered Walkways: Similar to dark areas, cluttered walkways create hazards by presenting obstacles like cords, boxes, and various equipment left in pathways. An employee might be able to see these obstacles, but maneuvering around them can be a challenge.
- Inadequate Training: According to OSHA, employees should be trained to recognize and avoid hazards. However, sometimes employers present inadequate training and do not teach employees everything they need to know to prevent injuries.
These are all prevalent issues in the workplace. Every employer should address these hazards early on before they can cause an employee to become injured. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Slip-and-Fall at Work?
In the state of Florida, workers’ compensation covers most injuries that occur in the workplace. However, the amount you can receive depends on many factors, including the severity of your injury, your pre-injury average weekly wage, the income you’ve lost as a result of the injuries, and whether you are filing a workers’ compensation claim or are eligible to file a third-party lawsuit.
Under workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to receive a variety of compensation types, including:
- Medical Expenses: This program covers doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and necessary medications.
- Partial Wage Replacement: Typically, you will receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, as long as it does not exceed the state maximum.
- Impairment Income Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment rating, you can receive money based on that rating.
- Death Benefits: In worst-case scenarios, death may occur as a result of a workplace accident. Workers’ compensation may pay benefits to eligible dependents to cover funeral expenses and educational benefits for the decedent’s spouse.
The amount you are eligible for depends on many factors. It’s best to speak to an attorney to discuss what your case might be worth. A skilled personal injury attorney will consider all the details of your case to determine what benefits you’re entitled to and will fight for those benefits on your behalf.
Can You Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Slip-and-Fall?
Florida’s workers’ compensation laws prevent employees from suing their employers after an injury. According to the Florida Senate, an employer is immune from a personal injury lawsuit if they supply workers’ compensation in compliance with the state. However, some exceptions allow legal action, such as:
- Intentional Harm: A lawsuit is permitted if an employer intentionally causes harm.
- Lack of Workers’ Compensation Coverage: Employers who do not provide workers’ compensation despite requirements to do so may be subject to lawsuits.
- Third-Party Liability: If a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or other third party contributed to the injury, they may be liable and subject to lawsuits.
If you have a reason to file a lawsuit against your employer, speak to an attorney as quickly as possible. They will determine whether you have a case and help you fight for what you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Slip-and-Fall Accident
After a slip-and-fall accident, many employees aren’t sure what to do next. Here is a simple list to keep in mind after you’ve had an accident at work:
- Seek Medical Attention: First, you should get immediate medical attention. Not only should you prioritize your health, but it will also help to have medical evidence established if anything goes wrong.
- Report the Accident: Notify your employer immediately after the accident.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the hazard that caused your accident. If there are any witnesses, gather their statements. Keep track of medical treatment documentation and correspondence between your employer and yourself.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Be sure to initiate this process as quickly as possible so you can receive timely benefits.
- Consult an Attorney: It’s always best to speak with an attorney about your workers’ compensation case. They can handle your claim for you and advise you about whether you may be entitled to file a third-party lawsuit against an outside party that contributed to your accident.
Slip-and-Fall Workplace Accident Attorney
If you are suffering the painful consequences of a workplace slip-and-fall accident in Panama City, don’t let your employer minimize your injuries or deny your workers’ compensation claim. At The Bruner Law Firm, we help employees fight for their rights.
Whether your accident involved a wet floor, poor lighting, or unsafe workplace conditions, we can gather evidence, build a strong claim, and demand the compensation you are owed under the law. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward securing the necessary benefits. Contact us today at (850) 243-2222 to schedule a consultation, and let us explain your rights. Workers’ compensation can be complicated, but you deserve the benefits you need to recover.
