Construction workers face a variety of significant dangers each time they set foot on a job site. There are risks associated with trip-and-falls, falling from a distance, trench collapse, falling objects and burns/explosions, just to name a few. These scenarios often result in acute injuries associated with a specific accident, and the corresponding dangers are well-documented (though still sadly common). What many workers aren’t aware of, however, are the long-term effects associated with construction work. Bodily “wear and tear” from construction work can be significant over time, and there are even certain injuries associated with long-term use of power tools that vibrate.
If you’re thinking that you may have a medical condition associated with your long-term use of vibrating power tools, you may be right. Construction workers are generally tough individuals and may be reluctant to seek medical attention and legal guidance related to their long-term injuries. However, it’s important to speak with a work injury lawyer Boca Raton, Florida residents trust instead of dismissing your medical challenges outright. Speaking with the team at Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt doesn’t commit you to filing a workers’ compensation claim or otherwise taking action. However, discussing your circumstances with an experienced Boca Raton work injury lawyer will allow you to make an informed decision about your legal options at this time and moving forward.
The Risks of Excessive Vibration
Most tools used on a construction site create vibration on purpose or as a byproduct of other functions. Tools that rely on vibration include plate compactors and jackhammers. But nearly every tool creates some vibration as a byproduct of use – even battery-powered drills. When using such tools, most of that vibration gets absorbed into your hands, arms, torso and back.
Some amount of vibration is fine, but excessive amounts (over a prolonged period of time) can lead to a condition known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) that disrupts circulation and nerve function in your upper limbs. This condition is estimated to impact more than half a million construction workers in the United States.
Symptoms and Health Effects
HAVS often begins with fingers turning white. You may also feel numbness or tingling in the fingers, hands and arms. Over time, the pain could increase significantly, you may suffer a severely reduced sense of touch, you might lose grip strength/range of motion and suffer damage to the muscles and bones throughout your upper limbs.
Once you recognize symptoms of HAVS, you can stop the progression (by ceasing working with vibrating tools), but the damage is usually irreversible. It also leaves you at an increased risk of developing a similar condition known as Raynaud’s Syndrome.
Other Work Injuries
HAVS isn’t the only reason you’d want to contact a work injury lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida. There are many other serious injuries you can experience on a job site, and they’re all challenging to get through. Working on a construction site is risky, and injuries happen – but some are perfectly avoidable, and might be caused by negligence. Some common work injures include:
- Falls: Any time you have to go up on a scaffolding, there’s a chance you’ll fall. Proper safety briefs and communication can minimize the risks of falling, and ensuring a scaffolding is assembled securely can prevent severe accidents. Does your employer have the proper safety measures in place?
- Electrocution: Construction sites are full of hazards, including exposed wires, generators, batteries, and power tools. t’s common to get shocked, but it is preventable with proper safety precautions – including the right protective equipment.
- Burns: Is there welding equipment on your job site? What about gas lines? These are common sources of burns on the job, and negligence can make these injuries even worse. As with many other injuries, some burns are completely preventable, and shouldn’t happen in the first place.
- Slip and falls: Slip and falls can happen anywhere, and are even more prevalent in an outdoor worksite with uneven footing. While a slip and fall might seem minor at first, they can develop into more severe medical issues if left untreated. Work injury lawyers in Boca Raton, FL, are well-versed in slip and falls, and can provide more information.
- Overexertion: Construction workers oftentimes go above and beyond to make sure the job is done. However, being pressured to over-perform in an unsafe and stressful environment can mean overexertion. Dehydration and heat stroke are all possible if left unmanaged.
If you’ve been injured on a job site, your primary focus should be recovery. This can be a challenge for anyone, and in the case of a work-related injury, it can be even harder. You’ll have to battle with insurance companies, pay medical bills, and miss work, and all of these additional challenges can make your recovery much more painful than it should be.
The Cost of Recovery
You would think that insurance companies would want to get you your money as soon as possible in the event of an accident – after all, isn’t that what you’re paying them for? Unfortunately, many insurance companies make money by holding onto money for as long as possible so they can profit from interest. This means you might be kept hanging until the last minute to finally pay for your medical care.
Additionally, chances are you won’t be able clock in at work every day if you’re bouncing between hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and medical procedures. Getting the proper medical care so you can make a full recovery means missing work, and missing wages. We rely on our paychecks to make ends meet: that’s why it’s important to contact a lawyer about your lost wages due to a work injury.
Fortunately, a work injury lawyer in Boca Raton, FL, can help you secure the compensation you deserve. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get your payout as soon as possible, and they’ll make sure you’re well looked-after if you have to miss work and are struggling to meet financial obligations due to your injury.
Don’t battle your work injury alone: contact Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for a free consultation, and see how we can help you get through your recovery as smoothly as possible.
Seeking Workers’ Compensation
HAVS and Raynaud’s Syndrome are both medically recognized conditions. As such, if you develop one or both, you should be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Because the damage done is irreversible and you may be considered partially disabled, part of your benefits may need to include retraining for other work.
Working with an experienced Boca Raton work injury lawyer is a great way to make the process easier and ensure that your needs are adequately addressed by your employer and the insurance company.
Contact a Work Injury Lawyer Boca Raton Trusts
Our firm is proud to represent Florida workers injured on the job. We offer experienced guidance in all aspects of workers’ compensation. To learn more about how we can help you, please give us a call to arrange an initial consultation with a Boca Raton work injury lawyer who really cares.
Five Ways A Work Injury Lawyer Can Help You
When you experience a workplace injury, navigating the complex landscape of workers’ compensation can be overwhelming, and our Boca Raton work injury lawyer is here to help make the process easier for you. Our experienced lawyer can assist you with every step of your case, allowing you to focus on your physical and mental recovery after an injury.
Our firm has over 200 years of combined experience assisting thousands of clients and procuring millions of dollars in settlements every year. We treat each client with the care, compassion, and personalized service that they deserve, and we are ready to fight for you and your rights after a work injury. For more information on how we can assist you with your case, contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation.
Professional Guidance And Legal Advice
Our knowledgeable work injury lawyer will provide you with experienced guidance throughout the entire process. We understand the intricacies of workers’ compensation laws and can help you navigate the legal system effectively. By working with our Boca Raton work injury attorney, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions and taking the right steps to protect your rights.
Accurate Documentation And Filing
One of the most crucial aspects of a successful workers’ compensation claim is proper documentation. Our work injury lawyer helps you gather all necessary medical records, accident reports, and other relevant documents. They ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and filed on time, reducing the risk of claim denial due to technical errors or missing information.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting and difficult. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our skilled Boca Raton work injury attorney knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They advocate on your behalf, using their experience to counter any tactics the insurers may use to undermine your claim.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Our team will work diligently to maximize your compensation. With your assistance, we will assess the full extent of your injuries and calculate all potential damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future rehabilitation costs. By presenting a comprehensive case, we will increase the chances that you receive a fair and just settlement that covers all your needs.
Representation In Legal Proceedings
If your claim is denied or if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our work injury lawyer will represent you in your appeal and any necessary legal proceedings. We will prepare your case for hearings or trials, presenting evidence and arguments to support your claim. Having our experienced work injury lawyer by your side increases your chances of a favorable outcome in court.
Receive Professional Representation Today
If you have been injured on the job, don’t navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. We are ready to help you fight for your rights and receive the justice and compensation that you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation and allow us to begin assisting you with your work injury case.
A work injury lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida understands that the type of temperatures that a worker has to do their job in can actually be dangerous and put them at risk. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) discovered that heat stroke is the most serious consequence of working in hot weather and often leads to workers’ compensation claims.
If you face heat stroke and it remains untreated, you may be left with disability or even death. Therefore, if you work outside in the heat, be sure to adhere to the following hot weather work safety tips. If you do suffer heat stroke because of the poor working conditions or other employer negligence, contact a Boca Raton work injury lawyer for assistance.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is considered a serious type of heat injury that can damage the brain and other internal organs. While it typically affects individuals over 50 years old, it can hurt younger individuals as well. Heat stroke often leads to symptoms including:
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Throbbing headache
• Hot, red, and dry skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
How Can Heat Stroke Be Avoided on Hot Days
Fortunately, heat stroke can be predicted and prevented. By taking the following steps, you can reduce your risk of heat stroke while working in hot weather:
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF and reapplying it every two hours
• Drink plenty of water to help the body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature
• Be cautious when taking certain medication as some may affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated
• Spend time outside during cooler parts of the day like the early morning or evening
How Employers Can Help Prevent Heatstroke
There are a variety of ways employers can help their employees avoid working in dangerous heat and prevent heat stroke. The NIOSH recommends:
• Offering heat stress coaching services
• Assigning new workers lighter work and longer rest periods
• Scheduling more employees for outdoor work
• Reserving outside repair jobs for colder weather
• Providing plenty of water
• Promoting rest periods
What to Do in the Event of a Work-Related Heatstroke
If you suffer from heatstroke at work, understand that you are covered under Florida workers’ compensation laws. Be sure to notify your employer and seek medical attention right away. Then, contact a Boca Raton work injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt who can assist you in filing a claim so that you may collect benefits for your medical bills and lost wages.
Let a Boca Raton Work Injury Lawyer Help You
If you suffer from heat stroke while on the job, you should contact a highly skilled work injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine what type of benefits you may be entitled to. An attorney can also help if your employer or their worker compensation insurance company contests or tries to deny your claim.
To get the assistance you need, call a Boca Raton work injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today.
Client Review
“I want to thank Lisa, Kim and Eric for their great work in getting my settlememt completed. They where always there if I needed anything or had a question. I would highly recommend them if you need help with a Workers Comp Case. Again thanks for your professionalism and hard work. “
Kevin Clark
