Florida Workers Compensation Laws

2. I Work as a Landscaper and got Injured on the Job On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | Florida Workers Compensation Laws In a recent year, the landscaping industry was home to 12,380 incidences of nonfatal injuries and illnesses. If you have suffered a landscaping injury, you may be experiencing both a financial and emotional struggle, which can make recovery even more challenging. Different legal options will be available to you depending on your employment status. Our Port St. Lucie workplace accident attorneys are here to provide you with legal counsel during this time.

3. Common Landscaping Injuries Cuts and Amputations Hardscape construction landscapers are responsible for building retaining walls, hard surface patios, and decks. Known as hardscape construction, these contractors often use power tools, such as table saws, putting them in danger of cuts and amputations. When performing routine maintenance on equipment, workers should double-check that the machinery is powered all the way down. Lifting-Related Injuries More common in planting landscaping, workers may suffer lower back pain from lifting heavy equipment and tools. Lifting-related injuries may require physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments. Chemical Exposure Long-term exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals can result in neurological deficits, respiratory illnesses, and birth defects. Additionally, your body may have a weakened immune response, which will make you more susceptible to infections

4. Hearing Loss Gardening equipment can injure your ears. Even 24-hour exposure to equipment that is only 70 decibels (the volume of a laundry machine) can produce minimal hearing loss. Electrical Hazards Those who work in hardscape construction are at risk of coming in contact with power lines. This may happen when a landscaper is focused on the task at hand, not aware of their immediate surroundings. Landscapers also face an electrocution risk if using a faulty outlet. It is wise to invest in a GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter), which will prevent electrical shock. Compensatory Damages If you are employed as an independent contractor, you may be entitled to certain reimbursements for your losses, known as damages. Damages serve the purpose of making your life “whole” again. Damages for actual losses are known as compensatory damages. These damages may be either economic or noneconomic. Whereas economic damages are those losses that directly take money out of your pocketbook, noneconomic damages are intangible losses that affect your quality of life. Economic damages may include: • Lost wages • Lost earning capacity • Doctor visits • Prescription costs • Physical Therapy Noneconomic damages may include: • Pain and suffering • Mental anguish • Loss of consortium • Disfigurement and scarring • Loss of companionship

5. Note on Workers’ Compensation If you are an employee, you will likely be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. It is an employer-provided insurance that covers employees who have suffered a job-related illness or accident. Workers’ compensation will cover lost wages, medical expenses, and funeral costs. If a physician determines that your injury or illness prevents you from working entirely, then you will receive 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage (AWW). Contact a Port St. Lucie Workplace Accident Attorney Today Landscaping can be both a rewarding and lucrative career. Physical labor comes with risks, and landscaping is no exception. Suppose you have been injured while landscaping; do not hesitate to contact our Port St. Lucie workplace accident attorneys. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by calling 866-640-7117.