Construction accidents can be devastating to the injured victims and can also have life-altering effects on their respective families. Explosions, falls from scaffolding and other heights, collapsing scaffolds, falling debris, equipment failures, and electrical accidents among others can lead to severe head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, paralysis and death.
Such accidents can cause many hours and oftentimes a lifetime of lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
The Law Offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A., in Miami, Florida is dedicated to helping injured victims of construction site accidents. Oftentimes, in construction site accident cases there are a variety of potential defendants who one way or another contributed to the injuries sustained by the construction accident victim. We can help you identify all potential defendants so that you can obtain the maximum compensation available under the law.
Common sources of construction site accidents include:
Construction site falls
Explosions
Defective tools or equipment
Building collapse
Accidents with cranes, hooks, forklifts
Defective ladders
Fires and flammable materials
Failure to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements
Florida law protects victims who are injured in construction site accidents. Section 440.02 of the Florida Statutes requires employers in the construction industry to carry workers’ compensation insurance if they employ one or more workers. Subcontractors must likewise provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees under state law. Even out-of-state employers and subcontractors with employees working in Florida must provide proof of a Florida workers’ compensation policy. In cases where the employee refuses to use a safety appliance like a hard hat, goggles, or gloves, indemnity benefits may be reduced by 25% if the employee knew about, but failed to observe, safety rules.
Florida’s workers’ compensation laws cover all accidental injuries and occupational diseases “arising out of” or “in the course and scope of” employment. This includes coverage for deaths resulting from work-related injuries within specified periods of time. The law thus provides compensation to dependents of workers who die from a work-related injury, so long as they make a timely claim for benefits. Under Florida law, victims of construction site accidents are entitled to several forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost income, and other disability benefits. In most cases, workers receive bi-weekly benefit checks amounting to approximately 67% of their average weekly wage. Workers who are only temporarily disabled are entitled to temporary total, temporary partial, or a combination of the two disability payments for the duration of their disability, not to exceed a maximum of 104 weeks. Most benefits depend upon the nature and extent of the injury and whether they result in a partial or total loss of function. Workers with catastrophic injuries may thus be entitled to lifetime benefits.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, we at the Law Offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A., can help you receive the highest compensation available.