Work Injuries WINNING CASES FOR 20+ YEARS

MILLIONS RECOVERED ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS

  • $25 Million Wrongful Death

    Wrongful death verdict against restaurant/bar for over-serving alcohol to a customer who caused a DUI automobile accident which resulted in death, the record verdict in the State of Alabama for a dramshop case.

  • $4.8 Million Wrongful Death

    Wrongful death settlement with road construction company and engineering firm for negligent road design and maintenance.

  • $2.8 Million Personal Injury

    Personal injury settlement against electric utility company for negligent construction and maintenance of power lines.

  • $1.6 Million Automobile Accident

    Personal injury settlement involving an automobile accident caused by a commercial truck.

  • $1.2 Million Rear End Collision

    Personal injury settlement involving a rear end collision with a school bus and an injured child.

  • $1.1 Million Automobile Accident

    personal injury settlement involving an automobile collision caused by a semi-truck

  • $1 Million Wrongful Death

    Wrongful death and personal injury policy limits settlement involving an automobile collision caused by a semi-truck.

  • $1 Million Personal Injury

    Wrongful death settlement involving an automobile collision caused by a semi-truck.

  • $623,103 Personal Injury Settlement
  • $500,000 Automobile Collision

Marianna Work Injury Lawyer

Injured on the Job in Jackson County? Call Us!

Work accidents can happen in any work location—from a retail store to an office building to a construction site or while driving or walking to a location for work duties. Most work injuries are covered by workers’ compensation law which entitles you to wage and medical expense benefits. However, in some cases, a third party may have been responsible for your work injury in which case you will need legal assistance in making a third-party personal injury claim. Call the Law Offices of B. Shannon Saunders, PA for a free consultation with a work injury lawyer in Marianna.

Injured at work? Need to make a claim against a third party? Call the Law Offices of B. Shannon Saunders, PA at (850) 800-9088 or contact us online.

What Is a Workers' Comp Third-Party Personal Injury Claim?

A third-party claim is filed against a negligent or reckless entity whose actions or omissions led to your work-related injuries. This is someone other than your employer or a co-worker. While proof of fault is not required in a workers’ comp claim, you must prove negligence in the case of a third-party claim.

Types of Work Injuries

1. Construction Accidents
Construction sites are high-risk environments where workers often face injuries such as:

  • Falls: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are common and can lead to serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries.
  • Equipment Malfunctions: Heavy machinery or power tools that malfunction can cause severe injuries, including crush injuries or amputations.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Workers may be exposed to harmful chemicals, asbestos, or gases, leading to long-term health problems or fatal injuries.

2. Office Injuries
While office environments may seem safe, workers can still suffer from:

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Typing or using a computer mouse for extended periods can cause strain on the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, loose carpeting, or cluttered hallways can cause employees to trip and fall, often leading to sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
  • Accidents Involving Office Equipment: Injuries can occur from using office equipment, such as printers, paper cutters, or filing cabinets, resulting in cuts or back strains.

3. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Workers who drive as part of their job are at risk of:

  • Collisions with Other Vehicles: Accidents with other drivers can lead to serious injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, or head trauma.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Drivers on the job can also hit pedestrians, causing significant injuries to both parties.
  • Hazardous Road Conditions: Poor weather, construction zones, or poorly maintained roads can increase the likelihood of accidents.

4. Industrial and Manufacturing Accidents
These workplaces often involve hazardous environments that can result in:

  • Heavy Machinery Accidents: Injuries can occur from improper operation or malfunction of industrial equipment.
  • Chemical Exposure: Handling dangerous chemicals or gases can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health effects.
  • Unsafe Working Conditions: Lack of proper safety measures can lead to accidents involving falls, electrocution, or fires.

5. Warehouse Accidents
Warehouse workers face common injuries like:

  • Lifting Injuries: Lifting heavy items improperly can result in back or neck injuries.
  • Falling Objects: Items stored improperly or stacked too high can fall, injuring workers below.
  • Forklift Accidents: Forklifts can cause crushing injuries or accidents if not operated correctly.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

1. Medical Coverage
Workers' compensation provides coverage for necessary medical treatment, including:

  • Hospital Visits and Surgeries: For serious injuries requiring emergency care or surgery.
  • Physical Therapy: Essential for rehabilitation after surgery or an injury.
  • Medications: Workers may have coverage for prescribed medications to manage pain or aid in recovery.

2. Wage Loss Benefits
Workers' compensation also provides wage loss benefits, which include:

  • Temporary Total Disability (TTD): For workers who are completely unable to work for a temporary period.
  • Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): For workers who can still perform some tasks but are earning less than before the injury.
  • Permanent Disability: For workers whose injury results in permanent inability to perform the job.

3. Vocational Rehabilitation
If an injury prevents a worker from returning to their original job, workers' compensation may help with:

  • Retraining: Programs to learn new skills for a different career.
  • Job Placement: Assistance finding a new position if the worker cannot return to their previous occupation.

Eligibility for Workers' Compensation Claims

1. Employee Status
In Florida, workers' compensation benefits are available to most employees, including:

  • Full-time and Part-time Employees: As long as the employer has workers' compensation coverage.
  • Seasonal and Temporary Workers: These workers are also covered if their employer carries the required insurance.

2. Workplace Injury
To qualify for workers' compensation, the injury must occur during work-related activities, including:

  • Injuries During Travel: Workers driving or traveling for work purposes are covered for accidents during their trip.
  • Injuries During Breaks: Workers may be covered if the injury occurs during a break while on the employer’s premises or if it’s part of the job’s normal routine.

Understanding these key points can help workers know their rights and ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to under workers' compensation laws.

Examples of Third-Party Negligence

For example, third-party work negligence claims could be based on:

  • Defects in work-related equipment, such as a truck with defective brakes used for a delivery company, a defective power tool used at a construction site, or a defective appliance used in a restaurant kitchen
  • A worker who drives as part of his job who is then hit by a drunk driver
  • A sales representative falling on a slick bathroom floor that the janitorial services failed to make known at his client’s offices

Can You Sue After Accepting Workers' Compensation?

There are some instances where you may be eligible to receive both a third-party settlement and workers' compensation settlement. However, it's important that you discuss your situation with a professional work injury lawyer before making any decisions.

In some cases third-party settlements can provide you with a higher settlement amount than a workers' compensation claim, and in other cases you may be required to pay back some expenses that were initially covered by workers' comp but are then covered again by your third-party settlement. Our third-party claim attorney can guide you through the process and get you maximum compensation!

Get Trusted Legal Guidance from Our Marianna Work Injury Attorney

Workers' compensation third-party settlements can be complicated. Without the representation of an experienced attorney, you may be facing an insurance company that will work hard to deny, delay, or otherwise limit the compensation you may be owed. The Law Offices of B. Shannon Saunders, PA understands the laws and procedures applicable to these cases and can do everything possible to help you achieve a favorable outcome. We represent clients throughout Jackson County and the Florida panhandle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I file a workers' compensation claim if I was injured while working from home?
    Yes, you can file a workers' compensation claim if you are injured while working remotely, as long as the injury occurred during the course of your work duties. It’s important to demonstrate that the injury happened while performing a job-related task.
  • Will my workers' compensation benefits cover my lost wages for the full amount?
    Workers' compensation typically covers a portion of your lost wages, usually about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state-specific limits. The amount may vary depending on your injury and the severity of your disability.
  • How long do I have to report a work injury to my employer in Florida?
    In Florida, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Failing to do so may result in a denial of benefits. It’s important to notify your employer as soon as possible to ensure that your workers' compensation claim is processed smoothly.
  • Can I sue my employer for a work injury in Florida?
    In most cases, workers cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries, as workers' compensation is designed to provide exclusive compensation for these injuries. However, if a third party (someone other than your employer or coworker) is responsible for the injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
  • What happens if my workers' compensation claim is denied?
    If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing with a judge to dispute the denial and present evidence to support your claim. A skilled workers' compensation attorney can guide you through the appeals process and help increase the chances of a successful outcome.
  • Can I receive workers' compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?
    Yes, Florida follows a no-fault system for workers' compensation, meaning that your benefits are generally not affected by whether you were partially at fault for the injury. As long as the injury happened during the course of employment, you are likely entitled to benefits.
  • What if I can’t return to my previous job due to my injury?
    If you cannot return to your previous job because of your injury, workers' compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation benefits to help you retrain for a new job or assist you in finding alternative employment. These benefits are designed to support your transition back to the workforce.

Contact our work injury attorney in Marianna, FL at (850) 800-9088 for legal assistance today. Serving all of the Florida Panhandle.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

  • Born & Raised in Our Community
    Attorney B. Shannon Saunders is committed to serving the community that served him.
  • Experience & Dedication
    We have a favorable reputation with local courts and judges.
  • Skilled Representation
    We are skilled litigators and negotiators and have recovered hundreds of millions in verdicts.
  • Focused Knowledge
    We are the only firm focusing on personal injury law in the rural counties of the Florida Panhandle.
  • Compassion
    Attorney B. Shannon Saunders takes satisfaction by helping clients resume their lives after they feel they’ve lost everything.