A majority of workers have the perception that work-related injuries only happen in technical jobs such as construction, mining, driving, and roadwork. However, the truth is that a work-related accident could occur anywhere and at any time. Overall, the important thing you need to know is that if you are injured today, you qualify for Brandon, Florida, Workers Compensation benefits.
Your right to compensation and the capacity to exercise this right are things that are legally supported by Florida law. However, to be successful, it is wise to seek the services of an experienced workers compensation attorney.
At Work Injury Rights, we have years of experience dealing with different cases involving workers compensation. If you have been injured while at work and need to consult a legal professional, call us today at 954-829-7077.
What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers comp is a type of insurance policy that is a government-mandated program that offers employees benefits when they get injured or ill at work. It is considered an effective disability insurance program that offers healthcare benefits or cash benefits.
According to Florida’s law, all non-construction industry employers with more than four employees are mandated to purchase workers compensation insurance from a state-licensed provider. Whenever an employer purchases workers insurance, they become immune to specific types of lawsuits.
How Do I Identify The Type Of Injuries Covered By Workers Comp?
If you are injured at work, you are entitled to receive compensation based on the specifics of your case and injuries. However, you need to note that there are many finer points you need to understand about the types of injuries and qualifications. The types are:
- Cumulative Injuries – These are injuries that are not easily noticed until they repeatedly occur over a longer period of time. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that appears due to repetitive motion. Another example is if you work with toxic substances, which affect the health of a person over a long period of time.
- Severe Injuries – These are injuries that are severe and are easily noticed. It does not matter if your injuries are your fault or if you were acting with malicious intent, as long as it is a work-related injury, you will be covered under workers comp insurance.
- Injuries Not Directly Linked To Work – Some injuries that occurred outside of the office are covered. All you have to remember is that the injury should be work-related. For example, assuming that you get into a car accident while on the way to meet a client or attend an international meeting, these types of injuries are covered under the workers compensation policy.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Hurt While Working?
The actions you take after a work-related accident can either make or break your claim. For this reason, we recommend following these steps:
- Inform Your Employer – According to Florida State Law, you have a 30-day limit to inform your employer, superior, supervisor, or manager that you have been injured. Doing this is so important that no action will be taken if the time lapses. It is recommended that you do it as soon as possible.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health is wealth. This is why it is paramount that you seek immediate medical attention. Do not forget to follow all the doctor’s instructions and medications.
- Keep A Record Of Everything Relevant To The Case – It is wise to keep a record of all relevant data, such as medical bills, medication, rehabilitation costs, records showing the injury suffered, the symptoms you have gone through, and so on. If possible, take photos of the injury.
- File Workers Compensation – With the help of an experienced workers compensation attorney, file a claim. It is wise to have someone with the skills and knowledge about the legal side of workers compensation on your side. The attorney will handle everything, leaving you to rest and recover.
How Can A Brandon Workers Compensation Attorney Help Me?
There are many benefits to having a lawyer by your side. Aside from guiding you through the whole process, they will ensure you have all the necessary documents and that your rights are protected.
How Much Does A Brandon Workers Comp Lawyer Cost?
The good news is that our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. What does this mean for you? It simply means that you do not pay anything if the lawyer fails to get you compensation. It also means that you do not pay legal fees out of pocket.
What Are My Rights After Being Injured While On A Job?
Under Florida law, employees have many rights, one of them being access to a workers compensation benefit in the event they are hurt at work. However, some employees may hesitate to file a claim, fearing a backlash against the employer. The truth is that filing a workers compensation claim is a routine procedure intended to prevent prolonged legal battles.
What Can I Do If My Claim Is Denied?
Because insurance companies are businesses themselves, their primary goal is to increase revenue. As such, they go out of their way to find reasons to deny a claim. If your claim is denied, there are three steps to follow:
- Request Or Go Through The Denial Notification – The insurance company will provide you with a notification describing their reasons for the denial.
- Appealing The Denied Claim – One can file a petition at the Office of the Judge of Compensation Claims. The statute of limitations for filing a denial claim appeal is 2 years.
- Mediation – After filing a denied claim appeal, the next step is mediation, where the judge will listen to the dispute from both sides and make a ruling. The judge’s ruling can be appealed again if you wish to do so.
NOTE: The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim is 2 years, starting from the date of the injury or work-related accident.
Can I Be Fired For Filing A Claim, And Can I Sue My Employer?
NO! Florida law protects employees from being fired after filing a workers compensation claim. In addition, the main goal of workers compensation insurance is to protect the employer against legal action. This means that you cannot sue the employer.
Call Us Today To Know More About Your Legal Options.
A work-related accident has the potential to influence your life. Our team at Work Injury Rights has years’ worth of experience under the belt. We have handled thousands of workers compensation claims in and around Brandon, Florida.
To speak with an experienced Brandon, Florida Workers Compensation, call us today at 954-829-7077. Take advantage of our free consultation session and contingency fee basis.
