Back Injury Workers Comp Attorney in Miami, FL Focusing On Spinal Health Claims in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Throughout Florida
Back injuries are among the most common and debilitating injuries in workplaces across Miami. From slips and falls to repetitive strain, the impact these injuries have on you can be profound, affecting both personal and professional lives. At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., we’re prepared to assist you as your dedicated Miami back injury lawyer, providing adept legal guidance to ensure that you receive the compensation and care you deserve.
Workplace Back Injuries Across Miami
Understanding local trends in workplace injuries in Miami involves recognizing the diverse industrial and environmental factors contributing to such injuries. With its significant construction, tourism, and transportation sectors, Miami sees a variety of workplace hazards. Workplace environments vary widely here and in the surrounding areas of Florida. From construction sites to office buildings, each distinct type of work environment presents unique risks for back injuries sustained on the job.
Construction workers in Miami, for instance, often face risks from falls, equipment accidents, and lifting injuries. In office settings, ergonomic injuries from repetitive motions and poor workstation setups are common. Seasonal trends also influence injury rates, with higher construction activity in dryer seasons leading to more frequent injuries. Orland R. Murillo’s experience as a back injury workers comp attorney in Miami, FL, positions our firm to handle cases across the spectrum of work environments, advocating for the rights of those injured on the job.
Common Causes of Back Injuries at Work
Back injuries at work are commonly caused by various hazards and actions. The types of workplace accidents with which our Miami back injury lawyer often assists clients include:
- Falls: Whether from a ladder or tripping on uneven ground, falls can cause severe back injuries by jarring or twisting the spine.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Traffic accidents can lead to severe trauma to the spine or the back more generally. Anyone who drives as part of their job duties could be at risk of sustaining back injuries in a motor vehicle accident, but people who work in industries involving transportation or who are responsible for using vehicles on job sites face the greatest risks.
- Construction vehicle accidents: In addition to the risk of vehicle collisions, construction sites often pose risks of accidents involving heavy machinery. These common construction industry accidents can lead to serious injuries.
- Crush injuries: Crush injuries encompass situations in which heavy objects fall or pin workers. A crush injury may occur when part of the body is caught between two heavy objects, often in environments such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, construction sites, mining sites, and logging sites.
- Heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects on the job is one of the most direct causes of back injuries in any field, particularly in roles where physical labor is a constant demand. These injuries often occur from improper lifting techniques or lifting objects that are too heavy without adequate support or equipment. Industries like construction, warehousing, and manufacturing, where lifting and moving heavy items are routine, see higher rates of such injuries.
- Repetitive motions: When your work involves repetitive motions such as lifting, bending, and twisting that strain the back over time, you may develop overuse injuries like strains. These repetitive movements can stress the back muscles and spinal discs. Occupations such as assembly line work, data entry, and even jobs that require prolonged standing or bending, like plumbing or retail, are especially prone to these injuries.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting may not seem dangerous, especially compared to heavy lifting and the use of heavy machinery. However, sitting for extended periods of time, especially in office settings and in setups with poor ergonomics, can lead to chronic back issues.
Whether your back injury stemmed from a sudden accident on the job or years of repetitive stress, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Having a knowledgeable attorney can help you secure the full amount of benefits you’re entitled to.
Types of Back Injuries at Work
In the workplace, different types of back injuries can occur, each varying in severity and mechanism of injury. Common types of work-related back injuries include:
- Back strains: Often caused by lifting heavy objects incorrectly or from sudden awkward movements, back strains are the most common form of back injury. These injuries typically involve the overstretching or tearing of muscles and tendons. Common symptoms of back strains can include muscle spasms, pain that worsens with movement, and difficulty bending or lifting.
- Disc injuries: Disc injuries encompass any damage to the discs that cushion the vertebrae of the spine. A herniated disc or bulging disc, for example, happens when the disc's soft inner material bulges out between the vertebrae, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe and potentially life-altering injuries can occur when the spinal cord itself is damaged, leading to the loss of function and mobility. Such injuries can result from traumatic impacts or accidents that occur while on the job. Symptoms of a work-related spinal cord injury can range from pain to complete loss of your motor function (movement) and sensation (feeling) below the site of the injury.
- Paralysis: The most severe spinal injuries can cause part or all of the body to lose muscle function. Depending on the level of the injury on the spinal cord, paralysis can be classified as paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). Paralysis requires significant legal and medical intervention and may be permanent, although improvement may be possible in some instances.
Each type of injury requires specific medical attention and may have long-term implications on an individual’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Legal Rights and Compensation
Suffering serious injuries on the job entitles you to compensation under Florida law. The assistance of a back injury workers comp attorney in Miami, FL, can help you better understand your rights and begin pursuing compensation.
Navigating Florida's Workers' Compensation Laws
An experienced attorney can guide you through Florida's complex workers' compensation laws. The workers’ compensation system provides benefits that include medical expenses, partial lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Third-Party Work Injury Claims
In cases where injuries are caused by third-party actions, the compensation can be more substantial than standard workers' comp claims. You could seek compensation for your entire lost wages and potentially for pain and suffering or any loss of enjoyment of life. We help identify potential third-party claims against entities like the manufacturers of defective equipment and negligent subcontractors and pursue the appropriate legal avenues to enhance your compensation.
The Claims Process for Work-Related Back Injury Compensation
Getting workers’ comp benefits or a third-party settlement is a process. One of the benefits of having a Miami back injury lawyer on your side is professional guidance throughout all stages of the process. At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., we keep our clients informed of what to expect at each stage, including how the legal process works and potential challenges they could encounter along the way.
From consultation to resolution, you can count on our experienced Miami back injury lawyer to assist you with all aspects of your case. The work we do for injured employees includes filing workers’ comp claim paperwork, submitting the necessary documentation, representing you in hearings, and assisting with any appeals. For third-party claims, we establish the defendant’s negligence through evidence, document the full extent of losses for which you deserve compensation, and seek to negotiate a settlement for you.
How Orlando R. Murillo, P.A. Helps Injured Miami Workers
At Orlando R. Murillo, P.A., our approach to back injury cases is to offer robust legal representation. We provide comprehensive litigation support and fight for the money you deserve through our skilled negotiations with insurers. Our credentials and the successful track record we have achieved as a back injury workers comp attorney in Miami, FL, underscore our firm’s commitment to attaining the best outcomes for our clients.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you need urgent legal assistance from an experienced Miami back injury lawyer, do not hesitate to contact us. We are ready to provide immediate help and support, starting with a free consultation.