Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron 2026-10-07T15:30:18Z https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1401766/2021/02/KellyACambron-site-icon.png On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Holiday workers should know about their rights to workers’ comp]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46805 2026-10-07T15:30:18Z 2026-10-07T15:30:18Z Less safety training Employers often don’t put the same time and effort into safety training for their temporary employees (many of whom are working part-time). That can leave them – and other employees – at greater risk. That’s why it’s critical for these employees to ensure that they get the training they need – and to ensure that they get the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need. This can be anything from gloves to masks to reflective vests and more.

Long hours increase the risk of injury

As noted, many people who take holiday jobs are already working a full day or week before they go to that second job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a person’s risk of injury increases by 37% if they work over 12 hours in one day. The risk is 30% greater in jobs that involve working at night. A person who works five days a week and then works at a second job on the weekend has no real time to unwind and relax. Too many Floridians don’t realize that they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if they work part-time, as we’ve discussed here before. Workers’ comp requirements are based on the type of industry and number of employees in a company – not the status of the employee. Anyone who suffers an injury on the job should know their rights and how to assert them. That’s often especially true if an employer makes it difficult to file a workers’ comp claim or if a claim is denied. This is where having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference to the outcome of a truly stressful injury-related situation.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Can Florida deputies get workers’ comp for PTSD alone?]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46803 2026-09-30T14:34:31Z 2026-09-30T14:34:31Z You answered a call you still can't shake. Weeks later, you can't sleep, the scene replays in your head and you dread your next shift. You have no broken bones, so you might assume workers' compensation can't help. But whether you patrol Vero Beach or elsewhere in Indian River County, state law gives deputies an important exception. Here is how it works and what it takes to qualify.

Florida's PTSD exception for first responders

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after you experience or witness serious trauma. Under Florida's general workers' comp rules, a mental injury usually must come with a physical injury before you can collect benefits. In 2018, Florida created an exception for first responders who work for state or local governments. It covers law enforcement officers, including sheriff's deputies, along with firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Detention deputies who work in county jails may fall under a separate correctional officer definition, which can affect whether the rule applies. If you qualify, you can receive benefits for PTSD without any physical injury.

Events that can trigger PTSD coverage

Not every hard call counts. Your PTSD must stem from one of the qualifying events in Florida's first responder statute. The law covers several types of traumatic encounters, such as:
  • Coming upon the body of a child or watching a minor die
  • Watching another person die in a homicide
  • Encountering a death involving extreme injuries that meet the law's conscience-shocking standard
Certain events involving a victim who died before or upon reaching the emergency room also count. If your PTSD grew from years of built-up stress rather than a listed event, this rule may not apply. You may still get medical care, but wage benefits generally require a physical injury in that case.

Medical proof and reporting deadlines

A licensed psychiatrist must examine you, in person or by telehealth, and diagnose PTSD. The psychiatrist must also have approval to provide your care through the workers' compensation system. This mirrors the authorized doctor rules that apply to most Florida claims. Your diagnosis must rest on clear and convincing medical evidence, a stricter standard than most claims face. You must also give notice within 52 weeks of the qualifying event or your diagnosis, whichever comes later. Since symptoms can appear months after a call, this later start date can give you more time.

Medical care and wage benefits may be available

When PTSD meets these requirements, Florida treats the condition as work-related for workers' compensation purposes. That can make both medical treatment and wage benefits available. The insurer generally cannot reduce your benefits because you had PTSD before. The usual caps on mental injury benefits also do not apply. A carrier may still argue that your event does not qualify or that your diagnosis falls short.

Next steps after a call that stays with you

Florida recognizes that PTSD can be a real work injury for deputies, even without a scratch. Coverage depends on a qualifying event, a diagnosis from an authorized psychiatrist and timely notice. If a call keeps following you home, write down the date, location and case number while the details are fresh. Report your symptoms to your agency and ask for an evaluation. Acting early puts you in a stronger position to meet each requirement.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[What is a permanent partial disability?]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46801 2026-09-23T01:39:15Z 2026-09-23T01:39:15Z Many work injuries are temporary medical issues. With proper treatment, people can regain lost function and return to work. Occasionally, work injuries are more serious and may cause lasting functional limitations. Some people sustain injuries on the job that are so severe that they can never return to work. They may have permanent total disabilities to address. Others may be able to work but may find that they have lasting consequences. Understanding permanent partial disabilities is important for those seeking benefits for treatment expenses or wage replacement.

When is a disability permanent?

For the purposes of workers' compensation, an injury becomes permanent when it stops responding to medical intervention. If a physician determines that a patient has achieved maximum medical improvement, the state may treat their lingering symptoms as a permanent disability. Like temporary medical issues, permanent disabilities, even partial disabilities, can make people eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to reduce the financial harm they suffer.  Permanent partial disabilities can either continue producing symptoms that affect job performance or may limit functional capabilities, such as reducing strength and range of motion. People with permanent partial disabilities may be able to return to work. However, they may struggle to achieve the same performance they previously provided for an employer. They may have a harder time pursuing advancement opportunities or may need to change positions or professions, which can trigger a reduction in income. Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for ongoing care costs and may also help supplement reduced income. Having guidance when filing a workers' compensation claim may make it easier for professionals with permanent medical challenges to pursue the benefits they need.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[3 serious injuries caused by construction struck-by incidents]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46797 2026-09-16T14:42:31Z 2026-09-16T14:42:31Z 1. Major fractures Blunt-force trauma to the limbs or extremities can easily break bones. In many cases, the force of impact is strong enough to break a bone into many small pieces, producing a comminuted fracture. Workers who sustain particularly severe fractures or break multiple bones may have a long recovery ahead.

2. Spinal cord injuries

When struck-by incidents injure a worker's head, neck or back, they are at risk of a spinal cord injury. Workers can sustain incomplete injuries that cause functional limitations. They can also experience complete injury that may produce absolute paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries can affect future employment and may generate massive lifetime medical expenses.

3. Brain injuries

Blunt-force trauma to the head can cause a variety of problematic symptoms. People with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may experience changes in their cognition and memory. They may develop motor function challenges or issues with their sense of balance. Their personalities can also change. TBIs usually do not respond to treatment, meaning that symptoms are often permanent. Having support while filing a workers' compensation claim for a construction site injury can make the process simpler. Injured workers may need support understanding the benefits available to them and pursuing the optimal amount of compensation possible, and that’s okay.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[3 signs your Florida workers comp pay is incorrect]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46795 2026-08-28T07:54:21Z 2026-08-28T07:54:21Z Sign 1: Your average weekly wage excludes overtime or second jobs Your check relies on your average weekly wage. Insurance adjusters calculate this baseline using gross earnings from the 13 weeks before your injury. Missing earnings lead directly to underpaid checks. Insurers frequently leave out key pay sources during their review:
  • Overtime hours worked during the 13-week period
  • Bonuses and performance incentives
  • Earnings from a secondary job worked at the same time
Omitted secondary income lowers your baseline pay rate permanently throughout the life of a claim.

Sign 2: The insurance company miscalculated temporary partial disability

If your doctor clears you for light duty work with lower pay, you qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. Under Florida law, the state formula pays 80% of the difference between 80% of your pre-injury average weekly wage and your post-injury earnings. Adjusters sometimes fail to update calculations when your work hours fluctuate week to week. Underpaying this gap deprives you of income meant to bridge your financial loss.

Sign 3: Payments do not match updated statutory rate limits

Florida caps weekly indemnity payments based on state maximums tied to your injury date. For injuries occurring in 2026, the maximum weekly rate limit is $1,358 (current as of August 2026). High earners often face improper caps:
  • Applying outdated cap limits from prior calendar years
  • Taking automatic deductions without statutory backing
  • Misclassifying full total disability benefits as partial checks
Receiving less than the legal cap for your injury date indicates a calculation error.

Steps to fix wage calculation errors on your claim

Review your pre-injury pay stubs against the wage statement filed by your employer. Gathering W-2 forms tax returns and recent pay records provides proof of missing income. You can also consult with an experienced Florida workers' compensation attorney to ensure your weekly check reflects your full legal entitlement under state statutes.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[When fractures at work are classified as catastrophic injuries]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46793 2026-08-22T13:05:25Z 2026-08-22T13:05:25Z When the fracture is severe Simple fractures, where the bone breaks in one place, and stable fractures, where the bone remains properly aligned after breaking, are often relatively easy to treat and offer the best long-term prognosis. More serious fractures can cause significant medical complications. Comminuted fractures, such as spiral fractures, break a bone into many small pieces. Treating a comminuted fracture often requires surgery. People may never fully regain the strength and range of motion they had before the injury. Open or compound fractures are also likely to cause lasting complications. Between the damage to the surrounding tissue and the potential for deep infections, open or compound fractures can cause a multitude of medical complications. People who sustain severe fractures on the job may need to change professions, leaving them at risk of a reduction in their long-term income. They may also have substantial medical expenses. Injuries that are more severe than most others, such as compound or comminuted fractures, can generate more expenses and trigger more confusion during a workers’ compensation claim. Having legal support during complex workers’ compensation claims can help professionals optimize the benefits they receive.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Why countertop installers are at a risk for silicosis]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46791 2026-08-07T23:06:53Z 2026-08-07T23:06:53Z an alarming increase in the rate of workers getting diagnosed with silicosis, especially among those working with stone countertops and similar products. Why are these blue-collar professionals at such a high risk of a severe ailment?

Inhaled silica is dangerous

The process of manufacturing stone countertops or installing them in a customer's home generally requires cutting and sanding the fabricated stone. That process produces fine silica particulates. The visible dust and trace amounts of silica in the air are small enough for people to easily inhale. The silica damages the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory symptoms. There is no cure for silicosis, and it can result in not just a cough and shortness of breath but chest pain, tiredness, a loss of strength and fluid in the lungs. Professionals who handle manufactured stone products, such as quartz-style countertops, are at especially high risk of developing silicosis due to their workplace functions. Those sickened due to workplace exposure to hazardous materials may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Reviewing one’s employment history and medical records with a workers' compensation attorney can help ill people understand their rights and file a claim. Benefits can help pay for medical care and can replace the income of a professional undergoing treatment or dealing with respiratory symptoms that limit their ability to perform job functions.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Even without direct trauma, tools can end construction careers]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46789 2026-07-31T12:41:26Z 2026-07-31T12:41:26Z Vibration exposure harms the body The vibrations produced by tools and equipment can cause damage to people over time. Gripping and using power tools can cause medical symptoms related to hand and arm vibrations. Working with or near heavy machinery can expose workers to whole-body vibrations. Vibration injuries can reduce workers’ grip strength, cause nerve damage and impede work functions. In some cases, the symptoms caused by vibration exposure can leave professionals unable to continue their careers. Medical issues that affect their strength and range of motion may interfere with the performance of basic job functions. They may struggle to perform job tasks safely or may no longer be able to meet their employer’s performance standards. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost income if job-related medical conditions develop, even if there is no traumatic injury at issue. Filing a claim can be a difficult process, and professionals concerned about their finances may want to consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to support them during the evolution of a claim accordingly.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Do Florida workers have legal protections from heat stress?]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46780 2026-07-23T11:42:49Z 2026-07-24T11:36:51Z No specific state laws While other states may mandate heat breaks, fresh water and shade above specific temperatures, Florida has no similar laws. There are currently no state or local laws outlining heat illness prevention for outdoor workers. In fact, Florida law (HB 433) prevents local governments from passing their own heat-exposure laws. Workers in the construction, agriculture, and delivery sectors face vulnerability because of the nature of their job. The legal debate is still ongoing over whether Florida should consider dedicated laws on heat protections. As a worker, you need to rely on federal standards and workers’ protections for heat-related issues.

OSHA protections

Florida employers must still follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Duty Clause. It compels employers to provide workers with a workplace free of serious hazards. This includes protection from extreme temperatures by implementing specific measures. Federal OSHA uses its General Duty Clause to address dangerous heat conditions, even though it does not currently have a specific federal heat standard. Employers can meet this duty by providing drinkable water, short breaks and training to recognize heat exhaustion.

Florida workers’ comp

If you sustain a heat-related illness while on the job, you can become eligible for workers’ comp benefits. You must notify your employer within 30 days of discovering the injury. An employer can provide you with a list of authorized medical providers. Your employer’s insurance carrier will provide coverage for a portion of lost wages and necessary medical expenses. Florida’s workers’ compensation law requires companies to provide no-fault insurance for work-related injuries.

Addressing denied claims

An insurance carrier may deny a heat injury claim. They may dispute the relationship between the injury and the work conditions. Carriers will look at pre-existing conditions or unrelated lifestyle choices as causes. If the insurance carrier denies your workers’ compensation claim, you must act fast. You can formally dispute a denial by filing a Petition for Benefits (PFB) with the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC). The office reviews and resolves issues with workers’ compensation claim disputes. Documenting medical treatments, tracing sources and compiling evidence can help you challenge your denial. You may want to consider hiring a legal professional if you decide to contest a denied claim. Navigating this process requires knowledge of legal steps and strict rules.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Kelly A. Cambron <![CDATA[Why doesn’t a commute qualify for workers’ comp?]]> https://www.cambronlawoffices.com/?p=46778 2026-07-17T13:41:15Z 2026-07-17T13:41:15Z As a general rule, if you get injured during your commute to work, you are not going to be covered by workers’ comp benefits. If another driver runs a stop sign and you get injured in a car accident, for example, you certainly may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. But your employer is not going to pay workers’ comp benefits, even though you were driving to work at the time. The reason for this is the going and coming rule. It essentially establishes a system where workers are covered for compensation when they are on the clock and/or performing the duties they have been assigned as an employee. Since a commute falls outside of those parameters, workers are still on their personal time and cannot seek workers’ comp benefits for an injury.

Exceptions to consider

As with most rules, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Notably, if you are given job-related duties during your commute, then you may deserve workers’ comp benefits. An example could be picking up supplies before you get into the office in the morning. If it is related to your employment, then you are acting as an employee. Another exception is if you are driving during the day and it is a necessary component of your employment. Say that you work for a roofing crew that finishes up a job and moves to the next property. If you get into a car accident while driving to the second job site, you may be covered by workers’ comp benefits. This is much different from your initial commute to or from the office. Car accidents do injure workers frequently, and it is important for them to know when they qualify for workers’ comp benefits and what steps to take.  ]]>