Tampa Workers’ Comp Claims After Falling – Multiple Stories
While a fall from any distance is serious, workers who tumble multiple stories before hitting the ground often suffer catastrophic injuries. What can you do after an incident like this? Could a workers’ compensation claim in Tampa help cover medical bills and lost income? What if the worker passed away after falling multiple stories, and they need to recover enough compensation to cover funeral costs? These are questions worth asking an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Occur After a Multi-Story Fall?
Perhaps the most obvious injury after a multi-story fall is death. When a worker falls from a certain height, fatal injuries are inevitable. Although there are a few rare accounts of people surviving long-distance falls, the truth is that the chances of survival are slim. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the chances of surviving a fall of over 100 feet are zero.
Aside from death, victims might suffer multiple fractures after falling multiple stories. These might include leg fractures, arm fractures, hip fractures, rib fractures, spinal cord fractures, and skull fractures. These fractures may take months or years to heal, and they may lead to permanent disfigurement.
A long-distance fall might also cause internal organ damage. When the body impacts a surface after falling a long distance, organs may rupture or suffer tremendous trauma. Examples include collapsed lungs, burst kidneys, and so on.
A fall can easily cause traumatic brain injuries. Even if the victim does not fall directly onto their head, the sudden “jolt” of hitting the ground can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, causing internal bruising and bleeding. Paralysis of various types is also likely after a fall.
Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim After a Fall?
Yes, you can likely file a workers’ comp claim in Tampa if you suffered fall-related injuries. You might also decide to file a claim on behalf of your deceased loved one if they passed away during an accident at work. As long as the victim was performing work-related duties at the time of the accident, it should be covered. This is true even if the worker caused their own injuries, as workers’ comp is a “no-fault” system.
The only exception is if the victim was intoxicated or engaging in horseplay before their fall. That said, it is relatively rare for workers to miss out on compensation because of these issues. Insurers may struggle to prove that the victim was intoxicated or engaging in horseplay. Your workers’ comp attorney can also push back against these allegations.
Can a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Tampa Help Me?
If you’re recovering after falling multiple stories at work, a Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help. These accidents are often associated with catastrophic injuries, and it may be necessary to pursue as much compensation as possible. Discuss your specific circumstances with The Franco Law Firm today to learn more about your options.
Source:
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3212924/
