Common Office Injuries That May Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Contrary to popular belief, work-related injuries are not limited to high-risk jobs in the construction and manufacturing industries. In fact, even an office worker can be injured at work and may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.
However, before filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is best to speak with an attorney to review your particular case and determine whether your injury qualifies for workers’ comp. In some cases, injured office workers can pursue a personal injury claim against third parties. For example, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the office chair if it was defective and caused your office injury.
The Most Common Office Injuries to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Below, we provide a list of the most common office injuries that may qualify for workers’ compensation in Florida.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are the most widespread type of workplace injury among office workers. These work-related injuries, which are also known as repetitive stress injuries and cumulative trauma, take years to develop when an office worker performs repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
Symptoms of repetitive motion injuries may go unnoticed for years. Nonetheless, an office worker may be eligible to collect workers’ comp benefits if they can prove that their repetitive stress injury is work-related.
Common types of repetitive motion injuries among office workers include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Back strains and sprains
- Tendonitis
- Trigger finger
If you believe that your repetitive stress injury is related to work, do not hesitate to speak with a Tampa repetitive motion injury attorney to help you collect workers’ compensation benefits.
Slip and Fall Injuries
When surfaces in the office are slippery, slick, or wet, workers are likely to suffer slip and fall injuries. Also, office workers can trip and fall when there are loose cables or equipment in their way.
A fall from slipping or tripping in the office can lead to injuries such as bone fractures, sprains, brain injuries, contusions, bruising, and many more. When a slip and fall injury is serious and affects the worker’s ability to work, they may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries occur when a worker is carrying, pulling, lifting, or holding heavy objects. While these tasks are not common for a typical office worker, some employees can develop overexertion injuries when kneeling, bending, twisting, and performing other basic movements that require exertion of strength. The risk of injury is greater for office workers who sit all day.
Being Struck by Equipment
While this type of accident is more common among construction and factory workers, they also occur in offices from time to time. An office worker is likely to suffer serious injuries when being struck by a piece of equipment.
Contact a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney if you have a work-related injury. Our lawyers at Kobal Law will help you file a workers’ compensation claim to collect benefits for your office injury. Also, you may be able to seek compensation via a personal injury claim if a third party was to blame for your injury. Call at 813-873-2440 to get a consultation.
