How Common Are Traffic Accidents In Work Zones?

In 2012, Florida was one of the top three states with the most traffic-related fatalities in work zones. claimed at least 50 lives that year in Florida. In 2013, there were 67,523 work zone accidents nationwide in the United States. Even though the number of work zone accidents may have been lower in 2013 than previous years, the number of work zone injuries related to traffic accidents increased. Approximately 47,758 injuries were reported that year in work zone accidents.  […]

Common Forklift Injuries At Work

Forklifts are used in a variety of jobs in Florida. These machines are extremely useful for efficiently moving items without placing the working in danger of suffering an injury from moving heavy or bulky items. Unfortunately, forklift accidents are a common workplace injury with over 20,000 injuries and over 100 deaths being reported each year from forklifts accidents.

One of the most common causes of forklift accidents is the lift overturning. An unloaded forklift can be dangerous, but an improperly loaded forklift can be deadly. A forklift should not be overloaded or carry items that it is not designed to carry. The first step in preventing workplace accidents involving forklifts is to institute safety measures and rules for the use of a forklift. The second step is to secure the forklift when not in use to prevent unauthorized use of the forklift. Three, employers need to provide training on how to use a forklift. […]

Workers Comp Claims For Chemical Exposure Injuries

Many workers handle dangerous chemicals every day as part of their job duties. Even though strict rules and regulations are in place to prevent injuries, chemical accidents happen. Exposure to these chemicals can cause severe injuries or death. Roughly 10 percent of occupational accidents are due to chemical or environmental exposure. Because of the danger, employers must take steps to protect employees from accidental chemical exposure. These steps may include providing additional and ongoing training and providing special safety equipment, including clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, even with the best protection and precautions, chemical exposure accidents can happen. […]

What Do I Do If My Employer Says I Must Return To Work After An Injury?

Have you been injured at work? Did you become ill because of your job? Are you currently receiving workers comp benefits while you are receiving medical care for your injuries? If you are still receiving treatment for your injuries from an on-the-job injury, you need to follow the instructions of your doctor. However, what happens when your employer calls to say you are needed back at work but the doctor has not said you can return to work? […]

What Happens If I Am Hurt At Work, But I Have Two Jobs?

Many individuals are working two jobs to make ends meet. Because of this situation, the question of how to handle two jobs when you are hurt at one job is coming up more often in Florida workers’ comp cases. Our West Palm Beach workers’ comp attorneys have experience handling claims involving concurrent employment. […]

Can I File A Workers’ Comp Claim For Hearing Loss At Work?

When we think about a workplace injury, we usually think of broken bones, back injuries, head trauma, or severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Many workers are unaware that injuries and illnesses that develop over time are also covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. An article in USA Today last fall highlights one of those injuries that may go uncompensated because workers’ may not be aware it is considered a workplace injury – hearing loss at work. […]

Should I Hire A Workers’ Comp Attorney Or A Personal Injury Attorney?

If you are injured at work, you have the right to have your medical bills paid and receive other benefits pursuant to the Florida workers’ compensation laws. In many cases, your claim is approved, you receive medical care, and you return to work without any issues. However, in some cases, you may need the assistance of an attorney if your employer or its insurance company is not paying your claim or denying your claim unfairly.

When you need an attorney for a workplace injury, will a personal injury attorney be okay to hire? […]

Drugged Driving and Workers’ Comp — New Report Calls for Harder Crack Down on Drugged Driving

The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) issued a News Release last week announcing it has updated its Drug Impaired Driving: A Guide For States because of the continued increase in the number of drugged driving fatalities. According to information by the GHSA, 43% of fatally-injured drivers in 2015 tested positive for some type of drug, a much higher percent than alcohol-impaired driver fatalities for that year. The GHSA is urging states and lawmakers to take steps to crack down on drugged driving incidents. Introducing new programs, providing additional resources, training for law enforcement officers, and empowering a state-wide task force are some of the suggestions provided to states by the GHSA. […]

Two of the Deadliest Interstates Are Located in Florida

As part of its study of fatalities on American roads, The Auto Insurance Center has identified the deadliest roads in America. Two of those roads run through Florida.

According to its analysis, one person died every 16 minutes on U.S. roads during 2014. During 2014, 32,675 lives were lost in traffic accidents. The top two deadliest roads run through Florida, according to the information analyzed by The Auto Insurance Center. Interstate 10 ranked as the deadliest road in the United States with a total of 278 fatalities in 2014. It runs from Jacksonville to Los Angeles.

Interstate 95 came in at a close second with 204 fatalities during 2014. Interstate 95 runs from Miami to Maine. Anyone in Florida who travels either of these interstates knows exactly why these two stretches of road rank as the top two deadliest roads in America. […]

Motor Vehicle Comparative Negligence

Comparative Negligence Motor Vehicle Accidents

Florida Comparative Negligence and Motor Vehicle Accidents

“I was injured in a motorcycle accident. The police officer said that I was partially to blame. I disagree. Can I still receive compensation for my injuries?”

This is common in motorcycle accidents but fault can also be a problem in all motor vehicle accidents. First, the police officer’s finding of fault is not always true. The officer is basing his or her findings on the position of the vehicles and the statements of the drivers. However, vehicles are often moved in minor accidents to avoid traffic backups; therefore, the officer must then rely on the drivers’ statements which may contradict each other. […]