A construction worker falls from faulty scaffolding. A nurse slips on a wet hospital floor. A delivery driver is bitten by an unrestrained dog. Workplace injuries happen daily, and they can change your life in an instant. At Souder Law, we know the stakes. Led by experienced trial attorney Tavis Souder, our firm aggressively fights for injured workers across South Florida and the Treasure Coast, ensuring you receive the full justice and compensation you deserve.
What Are Workplace Injuries?
In Florida, workplace injuries remain a serious issue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 306 workers lost their lives on the job in 2023, with the leading causes being transportation incidents and falls. Thousands more suffer non-fatal injuries every year, from construction site accidents to repetitive stress injuries in office settings. A workplace injury in Florida refers to any injury or illness sustained while performing job duties, whether on a construction site, in an office building, or while driving for work. Because Florida operates under a no-fault workers’ compensation system, employees are entitled to benefits regardless of fault. However, when pursuing a workers’ compensation or third-party premises liability claim, the injured worker must generally prove:
- That they were harmed in the course and scope of employment
- That the injury or illness was caused by a work-related condition or hazard
- That the injury is the major contributing cause (more than 50%) of disability or need for treatment
- That the injury was not excluded by law (e.g., intoxication, self-inflicted harm, or willful disregard of safety rules)
Common Types of Workplace Injuries:
- Slips, trips, and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
- Fractures or broken bones from falling objects
- Back and spinal injuries from heavy lifting
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or collisions
- Cuts, lacerations, or puncture wounds from tools or machinery
- Burns from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Respiratory illnesses from inhaling toxic substances
- Electrocution from faulty wiring or equipment
- Dog bites or animal-related injuries during job duties
How We Handle Your Workplace Injury Claim
When you’ve been hurt on the job, Souder Law takes immediate action to protect your rights. We begin by thoroughly investigating how your injury occurred: reviewing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, examining safety violations, and consulting medical experts. If a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury, such as a property owner or manufacturer, we pursue claims against them in addition to handling your workers’ compensation benefits.
We aim to identify every responsible party and maximize your recovery. We also manage the critical details of your claim so you can focus on healing. That includes ensuring your medical treatment is documented, calculating lost wages and future earning capacity, and challenging any attempt by insurers to deny or reduce your benefits. From filing and negotiating to trial, if necessary, we aggressively advocate for you every step of the way.
Damages Available in Workplace Injuries
When you’re injured on the job in Florida, it’s critical to identify all liable parties to ensure you don’t leave money on the table. Workers’ compensation is available through your employer, but if a third party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, played a role in your injury, you may also pursue additional damages through a civil claim. Pinpointing every source of liability is the key to securing the full financial recovery you deserve.
With that in mind, compensation in workplace injury cases may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Vocational retraining or job placement assistance
- Pain and suffering damages (third-party claims only)
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
How Long Do I Have to File a Workplace Injury Claim?
Florida law requires that you notify your employer of your injury within 30 days, and a formal claim must typically be filed within two years of the accident. If you miss these deadlines, your right to benefits may be denied. Exceptions exist for occupational illnesses that develop over time, but timely reporting is always best to protect your rights.
Steps to Take Immediately After Workplace Injuries:
- Seek medical attention right away for your safety and documentation
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Ensure a written accident report is completed and filed
- Collect names and contact information of any witnesses
- Take photographs of the accident scene and any hazards involved
- Preserve any tools, equipment, or clothing related to the incident
- Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and treatment notes
- Write down a detailed account of how the accident occurred
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
- Contact an experienced workplace injury lawyer to protect your rights
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is relentless in fighting for injured workers across Jupiter and throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. We aggressively pursue every avenue of compensation so you receive nothing less than the full justice you deserve. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, it costs you nothing to take action. We only get paid if we win for you. Contact us for a free case review for workplace injuries and discover what your claim may be worth.
