What should I do if I am injured while working as a security guard?

If you are injured on the job, immediately report the incident to your supervisor or employer, as this is crucial for workers' compensation claims. Seek medical attention to document your injuries properly, even if they initially appear minor. Some symptoms may develop or worsen over time. After addressing your immediate health concerns, contact a lawyer who focuses on handling workers' compensation and personal injury matters. An experienced Miami security guard accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing your injury claim and protect your rights throughout the proceedings.

Can I sue someone other than my employer if I am injured on the job?

Yes, besides workers' compensation claims against your employer, you may have the right to sue any third parties responsible for your injury. If a negligent contractor, faulty equipment manufacturer, or another party's actions led to your injuries, you could file a third-party lawsuit. This type of claim can provide you with additional compensation for damages that aren’t covered by workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering or full lost wages. However, it is also a more complex legal matter. You’re going to need a knowledgeable Miami security guard accident lawyer on your side.

What types of compensation can I receive?

As an injured security guard, you might be entitled to different types of compensation through the workers' compensation system. These types of compensation may include coverage for all medical expenses that are related to the injury, a portion of your lost wages while you recover, and benefits for any resulting permanent disability or impairment. In cases involving third-party claims, you may also receive compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and decreases in your future earning capacity.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Florida, you usually have two years from the date of the injury to file your workers' compensation claim. However, there are benefits to acting quickly: early filing can help ensure that evidence in your case is preserved and that your claim is processed smoothly. For third-party lawsuits, the statute of limitations may differ, and specific deadlines can depend on the type of claim and the involved parties. Consulting with a Miami security guard accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident is crucial to maintaining your legal rights.

Miami Security Guard Accident Lawyer | Security Guard Workplace Injury Attorney Miami, FL

Security Guard Workplace Injury Attorney in Miami, FL Focusing On Occupational Safety in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Throughout Florida

Security guards in Miami face numerous risks on the job, from physical assaults to accidents involving equipment. At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., we understand these risks and have dedicated our practice to providing the highly experienced legal services necessary to assist injured security guards.

Common Types of Security Guard Accidents in Miami

Security guards encounter various hazards that can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Common accidents that occur on the job in this demanding profession include:

Physical attacks and violence: When confronting individuals suspected of trespassing, theft, or other unacceptable behavior, security guards may face outright violence. Such encounters can result in injuries ranging from mild physical assaults to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Injuries from breaking up fights: Security guards often intervene in physical disputes to maintain safety on the premises. These actions can lead to injuries such as bruises, cuts, or even more severe harm like concussions or broken bones.
Slip and fall accidents: While patrolling the premises, security guards can sustain fall injuries, often due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit areas. Injuries from a fall can range from sprains and fractures to more severe injuries like head trauma.
Chase-related slip or trip and fall accidents: While pursuing a suspect, the dynamic and hurried nature of the chase can increase the risk of falling. The speed and unpredictability of a chase give rise to more dangerous circumstances compared to slips and falls that occur in other contexts and can also increase the likelihood of severe injuries.
Equipment-related injuries: Significant injuries can result from faulty or improperly maintained equipment such as firearms, metal detectors, surveillance equipment, and defective restraints.
Car accidents: Incidents involving vehicles, including those caused by drunk drivers or patrons leaving the premises, can result in whiplash or more severe trauma.
Hit-and-run accidents: When suspects attempt to flee the scene, they sometimes strike security personnel in the process.
Exposure to harmful substances: Contact with hazardous materials, which is particularly likely to occur when a security guard is managing an environment that contains such materials, can lead to chemical burns, respiratory issues, and other health problems.

Common Injuries Security Guards Sustain in Work Accidents

An accident that occurs on the job can leave security guards with serious injuries, such as:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis
Broken bones
Herniated discs
Damage to the muscles and tendons (soft tissue injuries)
Cuts and lacerations, which may be deep enough to require stitches
Severe bruising
Psychological trauma

For these and other significant injuries acquired on the job, you deserve compensation. By focusing on the unique needs of security guards and leveraging our legal knowledge, Miami security guard accident lawyer Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. ensures that every client receives the robust legal representation required to navigate these challenging cases.

Legal Rights and Protections for Injured Security Guards

Workers' compensation laws are designed to provide necessary benefits to employees injured on the job, including security guards. The workers' compensation program in Florida covers both medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages for employees injured on the job. The workers’ comp program is designed to help injured workers recover and return to work.

The system operates on a no-fault basis. This means that employees can collect their benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury, but they typically waive any rights to sue their own employer for damages related to the injury. Although you aren’t required to have legal representation to file a workers’ compensation claim, the guidance of a skilled security guard workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL, can be invaluable for recovering the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Additionally, security guards may have claims against third parties. Third-party injury claims allow injured workers to pursue compensation outside of the workers' compensation system when their injuries are caused by someone other than their employer. Scenarios in which a security guard might have a third-party claim include:

Injuries due to defective equipment, in which you might have a claim against the manufacturer
Property owner negligence, in which you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation against the property owner who allowed unsafe conditions on the premises
Third-party violence cases, especially those involving inadequate security measures, in which you may be able to pursue a claim against the individual who assaulted you
Motor vehicle accidents, in which you could seek damages from the at-fault driver

These third-party claims can provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, full medical expenses, and lost wages not fully covered by workers' compensation. A third-party claim is often complicated and may require professional legal navigation from a seasoned security guard workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL.

How We Can Help Injured Security Guards

Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. offers comprehensive services for security guards injured on the job. With our extensive experience filing workers' compensation claims and pursuing third-party lawsuits, we can explore all avenues for compensation. We assist clients with all aspects of their work injury legal matters. You can count on your security guard workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL, for everything from gathering documentation and filing claims to appealing denials, commencing litigation, and negotiating settlements.

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you're injured on the job, it's crucial to:

Report the injury to your employer immediately.
Seek medical attention quickly, even if the injury seems minor.
Document the accident scene, witnesses’ accounts, and everything related to the incident and your injuries.

As soon as you have taken these critical actions, it’s time to consider your legal options, starting with a consultation with a skilled security guard workplace injury attorney in Miami, FL.

Why Choose Orlando R. Murillo, P.A.

When you’re looking for a Miami security guard accident lawyer, turn to Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. Our firm brings years of experience in workers' compensation and personal injury law, with a track record of substantial settlements and verdicts.

We are fully dedicated to advocating for security guards injured on the job in Miami, with a commitment to securing the compensation and support you deserve. Our client-centered approach ensures personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique situation.

Do not hesitate to reach out to Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. for a free initial consultation. Timely legal representation is essential in security guard accident cases, so you need a Miami security guard accident lawyer who is prepared to provide immediate assistance.

Miami Security Guard Accident Lawyer