An unexpected injury on the job can disrupt your life, your career, and your family's financial security. Whether you were hurt at a commercial construction site near Ponce de Leon Boulevard, injured in an office building along Miracle Mile, or involved in a collision while driving for work in Coral Gables, navigating the aftermath of a workplace accident is incredibly stressful. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll of these incidents. Led by Jeffrey S. Altman, our firm provides compassionate, dedicated representation to help injured workers in Miami-Dade County hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation they deserve.
While many workplace accidents are covered by Florida's workers' compensation system, there are situations where third-party negligence plays a significant role. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver caused your injury while you were on duty, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is separate from workers' comp and allows you to seek damages for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future medical care. At Altman Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate work-related accidents to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Florida recently updated its negligence standards to a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, if you are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for your own workplace accident, you are barred from recovering damages from other negligent parties. If your fault is 50 percent or less, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of blame. This makes gathering strong evidence, such as safety logs, witness statements, and surveillance footage from the Coral Gables accident scene, absolutely critical. We work diligently to build a compelling case that accurately reflects the facts of your accident.
Time is of the essence when pursuing a third-party claim for a work-related injury. Florida law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, which is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file your claim within this legal window can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. Additionally, prompt action allows us to preserve critical evidence before it is lost or destroyed. If you have suffered a work-related injury in Coral Gables, consulting with an attorney early in the process is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your future.
Yes, in certain circumstances. While workers' compensation generally prevents you from suing your direct employer, you can pursue a personal injury claim if a third party, such as a negligent driver, an independent contractor, or a defective equipment manufacturer, caused your workplace injury. This allows you to seek damages not covered by workers' comp, such as pain and suffering.
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Next, report the accident to your employer in writing as soon as possible to preserve your workers' compensation rights. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness contact information, and then contact an attorney to discuss your legal options regarding potential third-party liability.
Florida's modified comparative negligence system means you cannot recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if you are determined to be more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but the total amount will be reduced proportionally by your percentage of responsibility.
For third-party personal injury claims arising from a workplace accident, Florida's statute of limitations is generally two years from the date the injury occurred. Because building a strong case takes time and evidence can disappear quickly, it is highly recommended to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after your accident.
If you have been injured on the job in Coral Gables, contact Altman Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. Call (305) 373-3730.