Port Everglades Worker Severely Injured In Forklift Accident
A worker at Port Everglades had his leg partially severed in a catastrophic forklift accident, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, believed to be in his 40s, was hurt while offloading a conveyer belt when a metal fragment of the forklift used in the operation broke off and landed on his leg, crushing and partially severing the limb.
The accident took place around 9:30 am near the 4000 block of McIntosh Road. Emergency responders transported the victim, an employee of shipping company Sun Terminals, to Broward Health Medical Center in critical condition. Broward county authorities expect the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate the incident.
This accident is the latest in a series of catastrophic accidents at Port Everglades, some of which resulted in loss of life. In February 2016, a worker was killed in an accident with a big rig as he left the job site for the day. Another tragic accident took place in 2013 when a scissors lift toppled over, killing a pair of workers.
Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation disability claims
While authorities have provided little information about the victim’s condition, given the nature of the accident it may be possible the worker could suffer from some sort of long-term disability preventing him from earning wages as he once did. In these situations, Florida law allows victims to file workers’ compensation claims against their employer to recover important benefits.
One important provision of Florida’s workers’ compensation laws is providing income benefits to victims that incur a permanent disability. Workers with permanent disabilities caused by an industrial accident may be entitled to up to two-thirds of their income until the age of 75.
Florida workers disabled to the point they are unable to perform even sedentary work within 50 miles of their home may be eligible for these long term benefits. Workers must show they suffered a catastrophic work accident and are unable to find gainful employment.
Types of injuries that may warrant permanent disability benefits include:
- Severe paralysis of an arm, a leg, or abdomen caused by a spinal cord injury;
- Amputation or loss of function in hands, feet, arms, or legs;
- Serious brain injuries;
- Second-degree or third-degree burns covering 25 percent of the victim’s body; and
- Total blindness.
Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers
If you or a loved one was hurt in a workplace accident, help ensure you and your family get all the benefits you are entitled to by retaining an experienced and dedicated Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer of The Pendas Law Firm. Our lawyers represent clients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Contact our office for a free consultation about your case.
