Have you been hurt in a work accident in Florida? You might be able to get money to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. But dealing with workers’ compensation claims can be tough. That’s where a good workplace injury attorney can really help.
At Shiner Law Group, our workers’ compensation lawyers are here for you. We know the challenges you’re facing and want to help you get the justice and money you need.
Key Takeaways
- Workplace accidents can lead to big medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the complex claims process. They make sure you get the most benefits.
- Shiner Law Group has a strong track record of winning cases for injured workers in Florida.
- Our attorneys offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee. This lets you focus on getting better without worrying about legal costs.
- We have the knowledge and resources to look into all possible ways to get you compensation. This includes claims against third parties.
Understanding Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation, or “workers’ comp,” is a key benefit in Florida. It helps cover lost wages and medical costs for those hurt at work. It doesn’t matter if the injury was their fault or not. All employers with four or more workers must offer this coverage.
In Florida, who was at fault doesn’t matter when you file a claim. But, some bosses might try to say the injury was fake, a pre-existing condition, or not work-related.
- In Florida, most employers with four or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
- Workers’ compensation benefits in Florida may include medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.
- Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning employees do not need to prove employer negligence to receive benefits.
- Employees have 30 days from the date of injury to report it to their employer in Florida, or the claim may be denied.
- If a claim is denied in Florida, the employee has the right to contest the decision with the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims.
“Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for employees in Florida, providing essential benefits to those who suffer from workplace injuries.”
Understanding Florida’s workers’ compensation system can be tough. But knowing the laws and your rights is key to getting the benefits you deserve.
Common Workplace Injuries and Benefits
Workplace injuries happen often and can greatly affect employees’ lives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that cuts, sprains, and fractures are the most common. Carpal tunnel syndrome and injuries from repetitive tasks are also common.
Most injuries lead to a set compensation schedule. This schedule pays for medical and disability benefits. Your benefits should be 66 percent of your average weekly pay, but not more than the maximum.
If you get hurt at work, you might get other benefits too. These include:
- Social Security Disability Benefits
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
- Permanent Total Benefits
- Supplemental Benefits
- Death Benefits
| Type of Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Social Security Disability Benefits | Provides financial assistance to workers who are unable to work due to a long-term disability. |
| Permanent Partial Disability Benefits | Compensates workers for the permanent loss of function or disfigurement caused by a workplace injury. |
| Permanent Total Benefits | Provides ongoing payments to workers who are permanently and totally disabled due to a workplace accident. |
| Supplemental Benefits | Offers additional financial support to workers who have exhausted their workers’ compensation benefits. |
| Death Benefits | Provides financial assistance to the dependents of a worker who died as a result of a work-related injury or illness. |
“Seeking legal assistance for workers’ compensation claims can significantly impact the successful approval and handling of the claims.”
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’ve been hurt at work in Florida, it’s important to act fast. You have 30 days to tell your employer about the injury. After you do, your employer must tell their insurance within a week.
After that, an insurance adjuster will contact you. They will ask for more details and guide you on what to do next. This might include an independent medical evaluation (IME) with a doctor chosen by your employer’s insurance.
The IME is to check how serious your injury or illness is. It also helps figure out if it’s related to your job.
- Report the workplace injury to your employer within 30 days.
- Your employer must notify their insurance provider within 1 week.
- The insurance adjuster will contact you to request more details and outline the process.
- You’ll need to undergo an independent medical evaluation (IME) with an approved provider.
- The IME will evaluate the nature and severity of your injury or illness.
Knowing the workers’ compensation claim process helps you get the benefits you deserve. This includes medical care and money to replace lost income. Getting help from a workers’ compensation claim attorney is also very helpful. They can guide you through the complex workers’ compensation process and protect your rights.
“Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be daunting, but with the right legal support, you can get the assistance you deserve.”
Navigating the Claims Process with a workplace injury attorney
Filing for workers’ compensation can be tough. An experienced workplace injury attorney or workers’ compensation lawyer can help a lot. They make sure you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Workers’ compensation covers your medical costs from the injury. It also includes any medical supplies and prescriptions your doctor orders. You must keep all your doctor’s appointments to keep getting benefits.
Insurance companies might argue about your injury or treatment. This can lead to denied or delayed claims. A workers’ compensation attorney can talk to the insurance company for you. They fight for fair compensation.
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | All hospital, medical, and dental costs associated with the workplace injury |
| Prescription Drugs | Medications prescribed by your doctor to aid in your recovery |
| Lost Wages | A portion of your lost income during the time you are unable to work due to the injury |
| Vocational Rehabilitation | Training and assistance to help you return to work in a new capacity, if necessary |
It’s very important to report your injury quickly and get medical help right away. Not doing so could hurt your chances of getting workers’ compensation benefits. With a skilled workplace injury attorney, you can get through the workers’ compensation claims process. They help you get the support you need to heal and go back to work.
Third-Party Liability and Additional Compensation
When you get hurt at work, the first thing to do is file a workers’ compensation claim. But, sometimes, you might also have a third-party liability claim. This could give you more money than workers’ comp alone.
Third-party liability claims happen when someone else, not your boss, caused your injury. This could be a car crash, a bad product, or a contractor’s mistake. You might sue this third party for lost wages, emotional pain, and other damages not covered by workers’ comp.
To win a third-party lawsuit, you need solid evidence. This includes witness statements, photos, and medical records. A good lawyer can help you gather this evidence and fight for your rights.
| Workers’ Compensation Benefits | Third-Party Liability Claims |
|---|---|
| Medical costs, disability payments, vocational retraining, and death benefits | Emotional distress, lost income, medical expenses, and wrongful death compensation |
Going after both workers’ comp and a third-party lawsuit can be tough. But it might be the best way to get all the money you deserve for your injury. With the right lawyer, you can get the most out of your case and start healing.
Conclusion
Workplace injuries can happen in any job and industry. If you get hurt at work, a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can help. They make sure you get the money and support you need.
The insurance company and your boss might not want to give you all the money you deserve. But, at the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we fight for you. We help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
We know how to deal with the workers’ compensation claims process. Our goal is to get you the most workplace injury compensation possible.
If you or a family member got hurt at work, call us. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker offers free, no-obligation consultations. We protect the rights of injured workers and make sure they get the benefits they deserve.
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