Fractures and Broken Bones

Whether caused by a fall, machinery malfunction, vehicle accident, or repetitive stress, fractures and broken bones are among the most common injuries suffered on the job in Florida.

These injuries can affect every aspect of a worker’s life—from mobility and strength to earning potential and emotional well-being.

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, we’ve helped countless workers across Florida recover compensation for broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, and other fractures sustained in workplace accidents.

If you’ve suffered a broken bone on the job, understanding your rights under the Florida workers’ compensation system is key to protecting your health, income, and future. Call us at (863) 355-4204.

Common Causes of Broken Bones at Work

No matter the industry, workers are exposed to injury risks every day. In physically demanding jobs, the chance of suffering a broken bone is even higher. Some of the most common causes of workplace fractures include:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms
• Slips and trips on wet or uneven surfaces
• Forklift and warehouse equipment accidents
• Falling objects in construction zones or storage areas
• Vehicle collisions involving delivery drivers or bus operators
• Being caught in machinery or equipment
• Violent incidents involving patients or customers
• Overuse of stress fractures from repetitive tasks

These injuries are not limited to high-risk industries. While fractures are more frequent among construction workers, warehouse employees, landscapers, and road crews, they also affect nurses, housekeepers, teachers, and administrative staff. A simple misstep on a wet floor can lead to a painful and debilitating injury for anyone.

Types of Work-Related Fractures

Broken bones vary in severity, treatment requirements, and recovery time. Workers may suffer:

• Closed fractures, where the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin
• Open or compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection
• Comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces
• Greenstick fractures, common in younger workers, where the bone bends and cracks
• Stress fractures, small cracks caused by repetitive force or overuse
• Displaced fractures, where broken pieces of bone do not line up properly and require surgical intervention

The most commonly fractured bones in workplace accidents include:

• Arms and wrists (especially from trying to break a fall)
• Legs, ankles, and feet (frequent in warehouse and construction injuries)
• Ribs (often from falls or being struck by objects)
• Hips and pelvis (serious injuries requiring long-term recovery)
• Hands and fingers (common in trades and assembly work)
• Clavicle or shoulder fractures (from lifting accidents or falls)

Symptoms and Treatment

A broken bone is usually obvious, but not always easy to detect. Some stress fractures develop gradually, with mild pain that worsens over time. Other symptoms include immediate, sharp pain at the injury site, swelling, bruising, or tenderness, limited range of motion, an inability to bear weight or use the affected limb, and deformity or visible displacement in the injured area.

Treatment for fractures often involves immobilization using a cast, brace, or splint. More severe breaks may require surgery, metal rods, plates, or screws, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and time off work for recovery. Recovery can take weeks or months, and in some cases, workers may experience permanent limitations or chronic pain.

Does Workers’ Compensation in Florida Cover Broken Bones?

Yes. If your fracture occurred while performing your job duties—even if the accident was your own mistake—you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law. Florida’s workers’ comp system is no-fault, meaning you do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong.

Covered benefits may include:

• Medical expenses, including surgery, imaging, physical therapy, and prescriptions
• Wage replacement, usually at 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage (up to a state cap)
• Temporary total disability, if you’re unable to work at all during recovery
• Temporary partial disability, if you return to work with restrictions and lower pay
• Permanent impairment benefits, if the injury causes lasting limitations
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from doctor appointments

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, we help injured workers across all industries—from hotel housekeepers and bus drivers to healthcare workers and first responders—obtain the full range of benefits they’re entitled to after a fracture.

What If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

Unfortunately, even with clear X-rays or medical records, some fracture claims are denied or delayed by insurance companies. Reasons for denial may include:

• The employer disputes that the injury happened at work
• The claim wasn’t reported within 30 days
• The insurer claims the injury was pre-existing
• The doctor chosen by the insurer says you can return to work sooner than expected
• Paperwork errors or incomplete medical documentation

If this happens, don’t panic. We’ve helped injured workers reverse denied claims, recover lost wages, and get proper medical care. We gather evidence, communicate with doctors, and represent clients in hearings when needed.

Your Legal Rights Matter

Workers with fractures often feel pressured to return to work too soon or accept a lowball settlement. In physically demanding jobs, going back too early can lead to reinjury or permanent damage. Don’t let the insurance company rush your recovery or undervalue your case.

You have the right to choose a one-time change of physician, get a second opinion on surgery, dispute the insurer’s decisions or denials, pursue permanent impairment benefits if applicable, and file a claim even if your injury developed gradually over time. Our legal team is here to ensure your voice is heard, your medical needs are prioritized, and your benefits reflect the true impact of your injury.

Talk to Our Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers About Your Fracture Claim

A broken bone can leave you sidelined for weeks or months, and sometimes for good. Whether you slipped in a warehouse, were hit by a vehicle while driving a bus, or were injured in a hotel kitchen or construction zone, you deserve strong legal representation.

At Smith Feddeler & Smith, we’ve been helping Florida’s injured workers since 1968. We understand how difficult it is to recover while bills are piling up and the insurance company delays or denies your claim. Our mission is to take the pressure off your shoulders and help you get the full compensation you need to move forward.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one suffered a work-related fracture or broken bone, call Smith Feddeler & Smith today at (863) 355-4204 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case. Let us fight for the medical care and financial support you need to recover and rebuild.

Office Location

Lakeland

832 Florida Avenue South
Lakeland, FL 33801

(863) 688-7766

Brandon

202 E Brandon Blvd. Suite 107
Brandon, FL 33511

(863) 688-7766

Kissimmee

1101 Miranda Lane
Ste1331, Kissimmee, FL 34741

(863) 688-7766

Tampa

100 S Ashley Drive
Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33602

(863) 688-7766

Orlando

4700 Millenia Blvd
Orlando,FL 32839

(863) 688-7766

Clearwater

13575 58th St North #200
Clearwater, FL 33760

(863) 688-7766

$1,200,000.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a tree guy and a giant limb fell on him. Claimant developed CRPS and ended up wheelchair bound. Our firm was successful in obtaining many benefits to the Claimant prior to settlement, including multiple home modifications, wheelchair ramps, authorization of medical specialist, and implantation of a spinal cord stimulator.

$350,000.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a bus driving and during an evacuation she jumped off the bus causing her to fall resulting in a serious back injury.

$269,671.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked performing clerical type job in an office. She was asked to carry a box down stairs when she slipped and fell down the flight of stairs injuring her head, neck and lefts arm / wrist / hand.

$220,100.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked for a temp service. He was helping to unload a trailer when his foot went through a board on the floor of the trailer causing his to fall, shattering his pelvis, and causing serious injury to his back, hip and head.

$1,223,423.00
Workers’ Compensation

Claimant worked as a selector / forklift driver. This case involved a specific injury to her right leg / knee. She continued to work which resulted in repetitive and cumulative trauma to the right knee and CRPS.

$630,000.00
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Claimant worked for a transport company. One day he was forced to get under a trailer and while he was lifting and twisting, the Claimant injured his back and knee, which was left untreated until he retained representation and filed Petitions for Benefits. Unfortunately, the severity or the injury coupled with the delay in treatment caused the Claimant to developed CRPS.