Factory Workers and Workers’ Compensation
Local 10 News recently reported that tens of thousands of auto workers are finally going to return to the factories that have been closed since mid-March due to fears of spreading coronavirus. Approximately 133,000 workers are expected to go back nationwide which represents just over half of the workforce that existed in this industry before the pandemic began. While this represents a positive step toward reemployment for some of the millions of workers throughout the country who have been unemployed for the last few months, this doesn’t change the fact that a significant amount of people are going back into a hazardous work environment that can, unfortunately, lead to workplace injuries.
Understanding the Risk for Factory Workers
Without the hard work and effort put forth by factory workers, the reality is that many of the conveniences we all take for granted simply would not exist. In addition to putting in long hours to produce goods for consumers, factory workers also inherently face hazards any time they head in to work. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has asserted that over 300 workers employed in the manufacturing sector died as a result of workplace accidents and injuries in 2017 alone.
Common Injuries Among Factory Workers
There is unfortunately a heightened chance of factory workers suffering a serious injury because these workers frequently work with dangerous objects and equipment. Many of these injuries eventually develop because of a worker repeatedly performing a repetitive task or because of ongoing exposure to toxic substances. Common injuries among factory workers include:
- Lumbar and back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skin disorders
- Respiratory problems
- Poisonings
- Hearing loss
- Knee injuries
- Lacerations
- Vision loss
Legal Options for Compensation
Fortunately, like virtually all other workers in the Sunshine State, factory workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for job-related injuries. This is a type of no-fault insurance which covers almost any kind of work-related injury, regardless of whose negligence caused the injury. However, many injured factory workers struggle to receive the compensation that they are rightfully entitled to. Injured workers are too often surprised at how insurance companies seemingly specialize in paying out as little as possible and the fact that even an employer with whom the worker has a good relationship may try to deny the claim in order to keep their premiums low. Obtaining the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible after a workplace injury can help you ensure you are compensated to the fullest extent of the law and greatly increases your odds of success for obtaining compensation in the first place.
We Are Available to Help
If you or a loved one was injured or killed while working in a factory, you may have a legal right to obtain benefits and compensation. As the Miami personal injury attorneys at Payer & Associates, we are dedicated to helping workers throughout the state of Florida recover compensation for injuries and illnesses they suffer from their work. We offer free consultations and we charge no fees unless you recover compensation so there is no reason why you should hesitate to reach out for help today.
Resource:
local10.com/news/2020/05/14/auto-workers-tenuous-return-a-ray-of-hope-in-jobs-crisis/
https://www.payerandassociates.com/understanding-wrongful-death-claims-in-florida/
