Slip and Fall Accidents at Work

Slip-and-fall accidents are not uncommon at a workplace. In cases where that fall results in serious injuries, victims may pursue medical benefits and lost wages. To get workers' compensation payments for a slip-and-fall injury, you must notify your employer, file a claim, and, if your claim is refused, file an appeal with the insurance company. Workers' compensation is a "no-fault" system, as opposed to a personal injury case, in which you must typically establish that another person was at blame for causing your injury. This implies that, as long as your accident occurred while you were working, you can typically receive workers' compensation benefits even if you were at blame for causing your injury.

Florida workers' compensation benefits are meant to protect injured workers and their families, but many claims are denied, and many injured victims face unnecessary financial hardships. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on the job, it is critical that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options.

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary of 2009, fatal falls declined by 12 percent in 2009 -- from 700 in 2008 to 617 in 2009. In 2007, there were 847 fatal falls in the nation's workplaces. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in minor injuries, moderate injuries, or even major injuries, causing the worker to miss work and undergo significant medical expenses. Workers are also faced with the cost of continuing treatment such as physical therapy.

Slip and fall incidents can simply be accidents. Many workplace falling accidents, however, could be prevented had the property owner or employer properly followed safety precautions. A few types of slip and fall accidents include:

• Uneven Flooring: Cracks in the sidewalk and floor can cause serious trip and fall accidents. It is the legal obligation of the property owner to properly mark and repair any dangerous conditions.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, and rain commonly contribute to dangerous falling accidents. Florida employers may not have to deal with icy conditions very often, but properties should be designed and maintained in a way to prevent flooding and slippery conditions.
• Poorly Lit Walkways and Stairs: Premises owners should provide adequate lighting so that workers can see where they are going.
• Rippled Carpet: It doesn’t take much to cause a serious accident. A bump or ripple in the carpet can turn into a serious falling accident.
• Obstructions: Employees should have reasonably safe walkways to navigate their way through the office. Obstructions placed in the way of workers may cause unexpected falling accidents.

Workers may file for workers' compensation benefits following slip-and-fall accidents. Compensation may be available for time away from work, hospital expenses. Victims may consider using the services of a skilled workers' compensation attorney to receive benefits as allowed under the law.

The Miami personal injury attorneys at the Law Office Ruth E. Johnson protect the rights of injured workers throughout Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured in the workplace, please call our office today for a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.