Work Injury Lawyer St. Lucie County

Common Types of Work Accidents and Injuries

A work injury attorney knows that there are some types of work-related injuries that occur more frequently than others. At the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, although we handle all kinds of work-related injuries and illnesses, there are certain conditions that we have seen time and time again representing clients in St. Lucie County.

Common Work Injuries

Across the United States, regardless of occupation, the most common work-related injuries are:

• Chronic illness
• Contusions
• Cuts
• Fractures
• Inflammation
• Punctures
• Sprains
• Strains

When a worker sustains these injuries, they may be unable to work while they recover. It can take anywhere from one to three months before the individual is well enough to come back to work. If complications arise, then that amount of time could be extended.

In some cases, a doctor may allow a worker to return to work on a part-time basis and/or on limited or light duty. Any of these types of restrictions can be discussed with your work injury lawyer in St. Lucie County to ensure that you are well enough to return to work.

Unfortunately, there are also injuries that can leave workers with long-term or permanent disabilities. In many of these cases, the individual is no able to return to their prior position, or they might not be able to work at all. Examples of these types of injuries include:

• Amputations
• Crushing
• Dislocations
• Electric shock
• Multiple traumas

Common Work Accidents

Just as there are common work injuries that a St. Lucie County work injury lawyer frequently sees, there are also common types of accidents that cause these injuries. The most common are:

• Handling of products or material
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Falling from heights
• Being hit by an object or colliding with an object
• Accidents with tools
• Strain injury caused by doing the same repetitive movement
• Trauma from overuse

Workers who are in the manufacturing or retail industries suffer the most injuries from handling products or materials. Workers who suffer the most injuries from falling from distance of heights are in the construction and retail industries. Construction workers, along with those in the manufacturing industries, also suffer the most eye injuries.

Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a benefits package that is available to most employees through their employer. The laws for workers’ compensation eligibility can vary depending on the state in which you reside. Workers’ compensation is a no fault system that provides financial support to employees who have been injured on the job. There are some limitations to this, including when an employee was injured because they were under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. Workers’ compensation allows an employee to receive financial assistance for:

• Wages lost from time away from work (usually only a percentage of wages)
• Medical expenses
• Long term medical care
• Funeral costs and death benefits

It may be beneficial to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer St. Lucie, FL employees recommend from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt.. With our assistance, you may be able to obtain the maximum amount of benefits possible.

Pre-Existing Conditions
For some, it is possible to experience a worsening of a pre-existing condition while on the job. Pre-existing conditions can be complicated because it can be hard to prove the severity of your injury, especially if you were already experiencing problems. It is important to note that if you are receiving disability benefits from your injury, a workers’ comp claim may have a long term impact on the level of compensation you could receive. Seeking legal advice from a workers’ compensation lawyer St. Lucie, FL employees turn to from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can provide you with trusted guidance throughout the process.

Subsequent, Repeat Injuries at Work
Dealing with a work-related injury can be disheartening, especially when your injury requires a lengthy recovery period. If you were injured at work and then received another injury on the job, you will likely have a number of questions. If you have been injured multiple times at work and believe that your employer is at fault, you may need to take legal action to protect your rights and safety. A workers’ compensation lawyer St. Lucie, FL residents recommend from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can review the details of your case and provide you with the resources you need.

Questions to Ask a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were injured at work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. These benefits pay for the medical costs, lost wages and other damages associated with work-related injury. This type of claim can be difficult to navigate on your own, so it may be in your best interest to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in St. Lucie County. But how do you choose the right one? Here are some important questions to ask before hiring a workers’ compensation attorney:

Do you focus on workers’ compensation cases?

Some attorneys handle several different types of cases in a single day. One day they may deal with a divorce case and the next day they may have a workers’ compensation case. That is why you should ask the lawyer what types of cases they tend to concentrate on. A lawyer who focuses on personal injury cases and has experience handling workers’ compensation cases in St. Lucie County may be the right choice for your case.

How many years of experience do you have?

If you have a complex workers’ compensation claim, you might want to hire an workers’ compensation attorney who has more experience handling cases similar to yours. However, keep in mind that the right workers’ compensation lawyer for your case isn’t always the one with the most experience.

How do you stay on top of workers’ compensation laws?

Workers’ compensation laws are constantly changing, so it’s important to find a lawyer who is dedicated to learning about how personal injury legislation is evolving. During your meeting, don’t hesitate to ask if he or she regularly reads news articles and other literature about workers’ compensation laws.

Do you believe I have a strong case?

In the beginning stages of your case, it is helpful to find out what you’re up against. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney should be able to assess your case and determine if you have a good chance of recovering the damages you’re seeking.

How many cases are you currently working on?

Before you hire a workers’ compensation attorney, you might want to find out how many cases they’re currently handling. A law firm like the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can have many ongoing cases at the same time, but we also have a team of dedicated St. Lucie County lawyers and staff members to work on these cases. If you believe that your claim will take a lot of time and energy, it’s good to discuss with a workers’ compensation lawyer before getting started.

Let a Work Injury Lawyer Advocate for You

When an employee suffers a work-related injury, in can be a frightening and stressful time. Not only is there worry about the injury and how much damage may have been caused, there is also the stress about being unable to work. Workers’ compensation insurance is in place to cover medical expenses and lost wages. However, there are many cases where an employer or insurance company either attempts to deny the claim or puts pressure on the worker to return to work before they are physically capable.

This is why you need an aggressive work injury lawyer fighting for you and ensuring that your legal rights are protected. To set up a free case evaluation with a seasoned work injury lawyer St. Lucie County has to offer, call the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today.