Learn About the History of Florida's Workers' Compensation

Workers in today's workplace have endless rights. In fact, employers are required by law to uphold employee rights failure to which they may face legal and financial sanctions. The origin of these rights can be traced back to the 1800s. Initially, workplace safety was the responsibility of the worker. After a number of protests by workers and other stakeholders, new laws were enacted, and as a result, workers are now guaranteed prompt and fair benefits. Workers compensation lawyer

The main objective of workers' compensation is ensuring that injured employees as well as those who develop illnesses due to their workplace duties receive monetary compensation and benefits. The advent of the industrial revolution helped workers, employers and lawmakers come up with a system that was called fair workers' compensation. This was a result of rapid expansion of production outlets, increasing demand for goods and services, and use of heavy machinery, which led to an increase in workplace injury incidents.

At the time, injured employees and employers did not have a solution to the problem. As a result, they engaged in costly and time-consuming court battles with overcrowded courtrooms. These court battles were prolonged and the aggrieved parties did not have a guarantee that they would be compensated. Most injured workers at the time had to pay their own medical bills. As a result, most injured workers ended up on welfare. Workers compensation attorney

The Entry of Workers' Compensation

The fight for fair compensation and employee rights started in Europe in the 1800s. In Germany, a law was passed in 1838 to protect the rights of passengers injured in railroad accidents as well as the rights of railroad workers. Later on, the "Employer's Liability Act" was passed in England, bringing into existence "Workingmen's" compensation. This is what has come to be known as workers' compensation insurance. At the turn of the century, Canada and the United States unveiled laws for workers' compensation. These pieces of legislation focused on providing workers in high risk industries with different types of benefits that were fair, prompt and guaranteed. Among the benefits were also death and burial benefits.

Regardless of who caused the accident, these laws ensured that injured workers get quality medical attention as well as monetary payments in the form of temporary or permanent disability benefits. These are only paid for the duration of the recovery period. To enjoy the benefits offered by workers' compensation, employees must give up their right to sue their employer for the injuries sustained. Workers comp lawyer

Formulation of Workers Compensation Laws in Florida

It took much longer for workers' compensation laws to be enacted in Florida due to the smaller workforce in the state at the time compared to neighboring states. Before the Great Depression, the state of Florida did not have any manufacturing companies. Any established companies at the time did not report serious issues, but legislators and investors wanted to make Florida seem more attractive to both workers and investors. After a gruesome campaign, the population in Florida rose quickly.

In July 1935, the workers' compensation law was enacted in Florida. Also created at the same time was the Florida Industrial Commission. In just over 12 months since the laws were passed, more than 10,000 cases were reported with over $300,000 in benefits due to injured workers. Workers comp attorney

Call a Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Florida for Help

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how the workers' compensation laws in Florida were enacted. Every worker needs to understand their rights. If you have been injured at the workplace, it is crucial you seek legal assistance from a workers compensation lawyer.