One moment you're working in one of the biggest and most prosperous defense and homeland security industries in the country, and the next minute you get injured in a work-related accident. As a defense or homeland security employee, you know that these industries use a wide range of powerful types of machinery and technologies that can lead to severe accidents.
In this article, we're going to focus on:
- Facts that define Florida's defense and homeland security
- Correlated risks that stem from working in this field
- Legal info you need to start getting your legal issue resolved
What Injuries Are Common in Florida's Defense and Homeland Security Industry?
With a wide network of suppliers and contractors, the defense and homeland security industries provide a varied range of products and technologies for the military and various government departments.
In a nutshell, some of the most common on-the-job injuries you can sustain as a defense and homeland security employee, are:
- Lifting and bending injuries. Bending to lift and lifting heavy objects repeatedly, especially without the aid of a safety belt or proper instruction, can lead to serious injury. The point is that the shoulders, back, and neck, as well as the legs and hips, can suffer considerable stress leading to herniated or ruptured discs or pulled back muscles.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Certain body parts can suffer undue strain and stress from performing repeated activities. All in all, repetitive motions involving the use of large machinery can cause injuries to the nerves, joints, and tendons.
- Crushing injuries. Workers who operate heavy machinery and transport vehicles are subjected to potential crushing injuries. In fact, these can occur when a large heavy object - a piece of equipment - falls upon an individual or when someone gets stuck between two objects, such as a wall and a forklift truck.
- Slips, trips, and falls from high elevations. Workers across many industries experience falls that result in injuries. This is also true in the defense and homeland security industries. Falls from tall ladders - required to service many large and heavy machines - is one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries.
- Toxic material exposure. Machinists, engineers, and mechanics in the defense industry may either work with or become exposed to dangerous materials from time to time. For instance, this can occur when engineers perform site visits or when workers are on the job at a facility. And, of course, the inhalation of certain compounds can severely irritate the lungs, and in some cases lead to cancer.
Third-Party Workplace Accident Claims
You probably know that if you're injured at work, you usually pursue a workers' compensation claim to get benefits from your employers.
So you might be thinking:
- "What if workers' compensation won't pay for my surgery?" or
- "What if workers' compensation isn't paying my medical bills?"
In certain instances, when you get injured at work you can bring a claim separate from the workers' compensation claim.
Here's what you need to know: you may be entitled to file a claim for a workplace accident involving third-parties, also known as third-party claims. A third-party might be a contractor, someone who works for a company other than your employer, or a manufacturer.
For example, the following are a few scenarios that might lead to a lawsuit against a third party:
- A truck or a car accident caused by another driver while you're on the job
- Slip and fall accidents caused by someone working for another company
- Exposure to chemicals used by another company.
It boils down to this: if you were injured on the job or a loved one died due to third-party negligence while on the job, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against that entity or individual.
That said, successfully filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit can be complicated. That's why you must have an experienced Florida personal injury attorney by your side. But first, some facts about Florida's defense and homeland security industries.
A Few Fine Points About Florida Defense and Homeland Security Statistics & Companies
Florida's extraordinary defense and homeland security industries aim to ensure protection against terrorism, natural calamities, and other possible dangers that threaten our country. Both industries produce a wide range of products, from encrypted technology and warfighter supports to biometrics and missile defense systems.
In fact, former NASA employees work side by side with more than 70K active-duty officers and other military personnel to gather intelligence in Florida.
Let's dive in:
- There are approximately 194K employees in Florida's Defense and Homeland Security companies
- Florida is home to more than 2.1K aerospace and aviation companies
- 1.7K homeland security and defense companies are located across the state
- The state ranks 2nd in space and defense systems manufacturing in the U.S.
- The state ranks 2nd in aerospace and parts manufacturing in the U.S.
- 5th state in terms of Department of Defense contract awards
- 6th among the best states in aviation industry manufacturing
- There are 20 major military installations in our state
- Florida has 3 unified combatant commands: Central, Southern, and Special Operations
- Some of the areas of excellence in our state's defense and homeland security industry include:
- Defense electronics
- Logistics/ warfighter support
- Missiles and missile defense systems
- Aircraft and aircraft component
- Electro-optics and lasers
- Rugged communications equipment
- Cyber-security and systems integration
- Biometrics
Moreover, Florida's complex defense and homeland security industry is aided by:
- Skilled territorial workers, such as L-3 Crestview Aerospace, BAE Systems, and others that maximize the economic output/profit
- Highly technologized military installations with R&D and testing associated with Elgin AFB
- Diversified transportation opportunities (Interstate 10, multiple ports, international air service, Class I and Class III rail access)
Due to its competitive spirit and technical expertise, Florida's workforce ensures high-quality products for the defense and homeland security companies in our state. Moreover, these companies can benefit from a business environment that promotes initiative and development.
Some of Florida's top defense companies whose activity and products have a great economic impact, not only for our state but also for the entire nation are:
- Boeing
- BAE Systems
- DRS/Finmeccanica
- General Dynamics
- Honeywell
- ITT
- Lockheed Martin
- L-3
- Northrop Grumman
- Pratt & Whitney
- Raytheon
- SAIC
- Sikorsky
Some of the best-known homeland security companies in Florida are:
- Authentic
- Cross Match Technologies
- General Dynamics Itronix
- Harris
- Motorola Solutions
- SRI International
- Sypris
- Thales e-security
- Tyco Fire and Security
Who Can Be Sued?
In the tragic case of a family member losing their life in a workplace accident, first and foremost, we extend our condolences. Second, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Trying to get compensation for a third-party workplace accident in Florida can sometimes be complicated. It can be difficult to know if you have a third-party claim, and also when it comes to recovering compensation from the negligent third party.
That's why you need an attorney with experience in product liability, personal injury, or wrongful death cases, who has good reviews, a good reputation, and a good winning record.