Call Now for Help: Florida Workers Compensation Lawyers, Cape Coral. On Your Side After an Injury
954-388-8616 ~Hablamos Español~
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries while on the clock, the attorneys at Work Injury Rights can help. Our team is dedicated to helping workplace injury victims seek justice and fair compensation for their suffering.
What we offer:
- An Attorney Experienced in Workers’ Compensation Claims
- A Track Record of Millions Recovered for Similar Victims
- 24/7 Availability | Free Consultations | No Fee If We Don’t Win
Our Cape Coral injury lawyers will help you navigate the legal processes after an accident to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Call our office today at 954-388-8616 to schedule a free consultation with a top workers’ compensation lawyer in Cape Coral.
What is Covered By Workers’ Comp in Florida?
Florida workers’ compensation law states you are entitled to adequate compensation if you’ve been injured in the workplace. Here is what you need to know about the types of injuries and how they qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Work-Related Serious Injuries
Regardless of your role in your injuries, provided you weren’t influenced by drugs or alcohol or engaged in deliberate harmful conduct, your workplace injury will probably be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.
Accumulative Events and Injuries
Injuries that accumulate over time may not be immediately apparent, as they develop gradually.
For instance, continuous movements can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and exposure to polluted or hazardous work environments might cause health issues that only become apparent after months or years.
If you experience such conditions, you could be entitled to compensation.
Injuries Outside the Office Are Sometimes Covered
Typically, injuries that occur outside the workplace are not covered under workers’ compensation. For instance, injuries from a car accident while commuting to work are usually not compensable.
However, if you’re involved in an accident while traveling for a work-related task, such as meeting a client, it may fall within the “scope and context” of your employment, making you potentially eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
To ascertain whether your injuries qualify for workers’ comp, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced Cape Coral workers’ compensation attorney at Work Injury Rights.
We offer a no-obligation consultation to review the specifics of your workers’ compensation case and provide advice on the best steps to take.
Contact us to schedule your FREE consultation today!
What Does Workers’ Compensation Pay For?
In general, workers’ compensation is designed to pay for medical expenses and treatment that are required as a result of your injury, in addition to replacing some of the income you lost as a result of your injury.
While the whole workers’ compensation system is not perfect, it is set up to allow injured workers to receive comprehensive medical care and recover fully from their injury before returning to work, without having to worry about falling into financial ruin as a result.
Below is a list of some of the things workers’ compensation benefits will pay for:
- Your medical bills (with authorized treating physicians)
- Any rehab costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Prescription medication
- Any necessary travel expenses related to the treatment of your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit, which will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage (with a cap of $575 per week)
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – This is an additional sum of money if the authorized treating physician issues a disability rating in compliance with the American Medical Association Guidelines
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you have become injured on the job, it is only natural to feel alarmed. But you will want to keep a clear head and act to protect your interests. Here are some important things you should do in the aftermath of a workplace injury:
- Tell your employer you are hurt
- Take photographs of your injury and collect details
- Have your injuries examined by a Medical Professional and follow your doctor’s instructions
- Start and keep a written record of your injury and symptoms.
- File a workers’ compensation claim with the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney.
- Rest and recuperate.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida: Essential Steps and Guidance
Understanding and navigating the Florida workers’ compensation system requires awareness of several critical steps. Below is a concise summary, with a more comprehensive guide available for those seeking deeper insight.
Promptly Inform Your Employer
It’s crucial to report any injury sustained at work to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done through a written notice, which helps to establish a documented record with specific details and timing.
Following your report, your employer is obligated to file a “First Report of Injury or Illness” with the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation within a 10-day window.
Attempt Direct Resolution with Your Employer
Before taking more formal steps, try to resolve the issue directly with your employer. Confirm that they have filed the injury report and that it includes your signed acknowledgment. If there is a delay in filing beyond the 10-day period, you may need to consider additional actions.
Seek Legal Advice from a Cape Coral Workers Comp Attorney
The intricacies of workers’ compensation claims can be challenging to navigate without legal expertise. A skilled Cape Coral workers’ compensation lawyer can provide invaluable guidance, particularly in dealing with insurance companies that may resist fair compensation.
File a Petition for Benefits
If you cannot resolve the matter directly, the next step is to file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC).
Your petition should detail your personal information, your employer’s details, their insurance company’s information, and a thorough description of the incident and your injuries.
The professionals at Work Injury Rights can assist in ensuring your petition is thorough and complete.
Include Detailed Information in Your FLORIDA Workers’ Compensation Petition
Ensure that your petition comprehensively covers your employment role, the nature of your injury, and the full scope of the injuries you sustained. It should also detail your compensation claims, including unpaid benefits, interest, and legal fees.
Once prepared, it’s important to send copies to both your employer and their insurance company.
Know Your Rights After a Workplace Injury
Many employees hesitate to file workers’ compensation claims against their employers due to concerns about possible repercussions or employer retaliation. However, these processes are designed to prevent such issues.
Any retaliatory actions by employers, such as intimidation, wrongful termination, or coercion, are illegal and can lead to further legal complexities.
In the event of employer retaliation following an injury, it’s imperative to respond swiftly. Consulting with a Cape Coral workers’ compensation attorney is a critical step in obtaining necessary legal support.
For immediate assistance and expert advice, contact us at 954-388-8616. Our seasoned team is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive just treatment under Florida workers’ compensation laws.
How to Respond if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Rejected
Employers and their insurers often seek reasons to refute claims and limit payouts. In the event of a complete denial of your claim, it’s generally advisable to initiate a dispute with the state authorities.
When your claim is rejected, you’ll need to follow a specific procedure associated with such denials, typically involving three phases.
1. Receiving Denial Notification
After submitting your claim, expect to receive a confirmation of its receipt from your employer’s insurance company within a few days.
Subsequently, they will conduct an investigation into your claim and issue their decision within 30 days. Many claims are outright rejected. However, if you receive a Notice of Denial, there are still several options available to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. Process of Appealing a Rejected Claim
Workers who have had their claims denied and are seeking compensation can file an appeal with the OJCC, the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims.
You have a two-year period to submit your appeal, so prompt action is important. The insurance company may either revise their stance and offer compensation or submit a rebuttal justifying their initial decision.
It’s also possible that the insurance company might contest the claim later on, even after initially agreeing to pay.
3. Undergoing Mediation
The next step is mediation, aimed at resolving disputes. Here, a judge will assess the case and make a determination. If the mediation doesn’t yield a resolution or the decision is not in your favor, you have the option to appeal again.
This leads to an administrative hearing before the Judge of Compensation Claims, resembling a trial where both parties present their evidence. You’ll be asked to elaborate on the nature of your injuries, their occurrence, and their impact on your work capacity.
The judge is then expected to deliver a decision within 30 days. This decision, too, is subject to further appeals if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions for Cape Coral Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
What can a Cape Coral workers’ compensation lawyer do for my workers’ compensation claim?
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Cape Coral can help navigate the complexities of your workers’ compensation claim, ensuring that you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
They can assist in dealing with the insurance company and represent your interests throughout the process.
How do I know if I’m eligible for worker’s compensation benefits as an injured worker in Cape Coral?
Eligibility for worker’s compensation benefits typically depends on the nature of your job and the circumstances of your injury. As an injured worker, if your injury occurred during work, you might be eligible.
It’s best to consult with a workers comp attorney to understand your specific situation.
What should I do immediately after a workplace injury to file a workers’ compensation claim?
After sustaining a workplace injury, promptly report the incident to your employer and seek medical attention. Documenting your injury and the circumstances is crucial.
Contact a Cape Coral workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to initiate your workers’ compensation claim.
Can workers’ compensation claims in Cape Coral cover Social Security disability benefits?
Workers compensation claims and social security disability benefits are separate programs. However, if your workplace injury leads to long-term disability, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits in addition to workers comp.
A Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can provide guidance on this matter.
What types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation claims in Cape Coral? Workers
compensation in Cape Coral covers a range of injuries, from minor accidents to more serious ones. This includes injuries from accidents, repetitive stress, and even psychological stress related to work.
Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help clarify the coverage for your specific injury.
How Can a Cape Coral Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Me?
A qualified workers’ comp lawyer in Cape Coral will be able to guide you through this complex system of workers’ compensation laws and recover the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Because we have extensive experience in these claims and processes, our insight can greatly increase the value of your claim as well.
Contact a Cape Coral Workers’ Comp Lawyer at Work Injury Rights Today for a Risk-Free Consultation!
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, the implications can impact your life considerably.
The team of workers’ comp attorneys at Work Injury Rights have handled thousands of workplace and personal injury cases in South Florida and throughout the state.
We are ready to stand by your side through the entire process, fighting to get you the fair compensation that you are entitled to under the law.
Call Work Injury Rights at 954-388-8616 today to receive a risk-free consultation and excellent legal assistance. We will examine the details of your case and provide you with the best possible solution to your situation.