Desk Jobs, Workplace Injuries, and Workers’ Compensation Claims

Many myths and misconceptions circulate about workplace injuries and the types of workers who commonly get hurt on the job. Those misconceptions can lead certain types of workers to assume that they might not be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage after a workplace injury, yet many workers in South Florida can obtain benefits if they follow the steps required by Florida law. More specifically, people make the incorrect assumption that workers who have desk jobs are less likely to get hurt at work and thus are not usually eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To be very clear, the Florida workers’ compensation system and eligibility for benefits is not determined by the relative hazards associated with your job. Rather, most employers in Florida must have workers’ compensation coverage, and employees can be eligible for benefits whether they are working at “desk jobs” or in positions that require manual labor. Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys can give you more information.

Employees at Desk Jobs Can Get Hurt at Work and Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Coverage 

Employees who work as “desk jobs,” which is a broad category of work, can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in the same way that employees in high-injury-risk industries like construction, trucking, or health care can be. It is important to keep in mind that there are a wide range of professions that involve sitting at a desk to perform most work tasks, and these professions can result in injuries during that work or while engaging in regular activities during the work day (such as using the workplace kitchen or restroom). Common types of injuries impacting desk workers including but are not limited to:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries;
• Back injuries; and
• Strains and sprains.

Steps You Should Take to Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits 

If you are injured at work while doing a desk job of any type, or if you are diagnosed with an occupational disease or condition, you will need to know about the steps to take in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. You should always discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible, but in the meantime, you should be aware of the following steps to take:

• Document the scene of your workplace injury and the injury itself with your smartphone camera, and identify any possible witnesses;
• See a doctor (you can see any doctor immediately for an emergency injury, but for non-emergency and follow-up treatment, you will need to see an approved medical provider); and
• Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can, but at least within 30 days from the date of the injury or diagnosis (that 30-day time window is the time limit set by Florida law).

Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney 

There are many misconceptions about workers’ compensation claims and who is eligible for benefits, including myths about white-collar workers and employees who have desk jobs. We want to emphasize that workers’ compensation coverage is not based on whether or not there are inherent dangers or risks associated with your job. Instead, workers’ compensation coverage is available to employees regardless of the hazards linked to their job duties. If you have questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. for more information.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.htm