Have You Been Injured at Work in Fort Lauderdale?
Compensation for workplace accidents that result in injuries to a worker should be straightforward. Thanks to workers’ compensation, such workers are entitled to monetary benefits if they’re injured while on the clock. Under this insurance system, employees have certain benefits, rights, and responsibilities, and it is vital to understand these if you’ve suffered a work-related injury; this is when a Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer can help.
Workers’ compensation claims aren’t always straightforward. Employers and their insurers may deny your claim as they often prioritize their own interests instead of your well-being. Workplace injuries and occupational diseases often leave employees and their families with a huge financial burden. That’s why it is important to talk to a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure that you receive the monetary benefits that you’re entitled to.
At Work Injury Rights, we are dedicated to helping injured workers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by ensuring that obstacles like pre-existing conditions and denial of a claim don’t get in the way of receiving the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured on the job, call our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation law firm today at 954-829-7077 to speak to one of our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer and find out your rights, benefits, and responsibilities.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation, also known as workers’ comp or workman’s compensation, refers to a form of government-mandated insurance carried by employers to provide compensation for employees who are injured while on the job. Under this system, employees who suffer work-related injuries are entitled to benefits in exchange for their right to sue their employers.
Types of Benefits You’re Entitled to Under Workers’ Compensation
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex, especially when trying to understand all the benefits you’re entitled to receive. At Work Injury Rights, our fort lauderdale workers compensation attorneys are here to help you understand the various forms of compensation available to you after a work-related injury.
Medical Expenses Coverage
One of the primary benefits of workers’ compensation is coverage for medical expenses. This includes:
- Doctor Visits: All necessary visits to physicians are covered.
- Hospitalization: Any surgeries or hospital stays required due to the injury.
- Prescription Medications: Coverage for medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Physical Therapy: Necessary rehabilitation services to aid your recovery.
- Medical Equipment: Items such as crutches or wheelchairs that are required for your treatment.
Wage Replacement Benefits
When you’re unable to work due to your injury, wage replacement benefits can significantly ease your financial burden. These benefits generally include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are entirely unable to work temporarily, you will receive a portion of your lost wages, typically calculated at two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but not at full capacity, you may receive benefits to cover the difference between your current earnings and your pre-injury wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Provides benefits if you suffer a permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Offered if you’re permanently unable to return to any form of gainful employment.
Disability Benefits
Understanding the different types of disability benefits is crucial. Our fort lauderdale workers compensation lawyers will guide you through:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Benefits for those who cannot work at all temporarily.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): For employees who can do some work but not at full earning capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For workers who are permanently unable to work.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For those who have a permanent but partial impairment.
Additional Benefits
Besides medical and wage replacement benefits, workers’ compensation may also cover:
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Services that help injured workers return to gainful employment, including training for a new job.
- Mileage Reimbursement: Compensation for travel expenses to and from medical appointments.
- Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a fatal work-related incident, death benefits are available to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to the dependents.
Why Consult a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Navigating the intricacies of workers’ compensation benefits can be challenging without expert guidance. Our fort lauderdale workers compensation attorney can:
- Clarify Your Benefits: Explain what you are entitled to under Florida law.
- Ensure Proper Filing: Help you complete and file your claim accurately.
- Handle Disputes: Assist you in disputing denied claims or appealing unfavorable decisions.
- Maximize Your Compensation: Work to secure the full range of benefits you deserve.
Why Consult a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Navigating the intricacies of workers’ compensation benefits can be challenging without expert guidance. Our fort lauderdale workers compensation attorney can:
- Clarify Your Benefits: Explain what you are entitled to under Florida law.
- Ensure Proper Filing: Help you complete and file your claim accurately.
- Handle Disputes: Assist you in disputing denied claims or appealing unfavorable decisions.
- Maximize Your Compensation: Work to secure the full range of benefits you deserve.
What to Do After a Work Injury in Fort Lauderdale
Suffering a work injury in Fort Lauderdale can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing the right steps to take can significantly impact your workers’ compensation claim. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you’ve sustained a work-related injury:
Steps to Take Immediately After the Injury
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety are paramount. Seek medical assistance right away to assess and treat your injuries. Ensure the treating physician records your condition accurately, which can be crucial for your workers’ compensation claim.
Report the Injury to Your Employer: It is essential to inform your employer about the workplace injury as soon as possible. According to Florida work injury lawyers, failing to report within the statutory period can jeopardize your claim. Notify them in writing and keep a copy for your records.
Document Everything: Maintain a detailed record of the injury and symptoms. Include dates, times, and names of anyone involved. This documentation can serve as vital evidentiary support for your workers’ compensation attorney.
Take Photographs: If possible, take clear photos of your injury and the accident scene. Visual evidence can be extremely beneficial when dealing with insurance companies and during the legal evaluation.
Reporting Your Injury to Your Employer
In Florida, reporting your injury quickly is a critical step. Here’s how you should proceed:
Notify Your Supervisor: Inform your direct supervisor or manager about your injury. Ensure they understand the seriousness of the incident.
Follow Up in Writing: Submit a written report detailing the incident. Include as much information as possible to assist with the workers’ compensation claim process.
Consult a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: Given the complexities of worker’s compensation laws, it is wise to consult with a Fort Lauderdale workers compensation attorney. They can provide the legal advice you need to navigate the process effectively.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim
Enlisting the help of a fort lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable. They can assist with:
- Filing Your Claim: Ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted within the statutory deadlines.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Experienced compensation attorneys will deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Legal Representation: If your claim is denied or disputes arise, your fort lauderdale workers compensation lawyer will represent you in court.
Following these steps and getting legal assistance from an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact a fort lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer at Work Injury Rights for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When you suffer a work-related injury, navigating the complexities of Florida’s workers’ compensation system can be daunting. Having an experienced fort lauderdale workers compensation attorney by your side can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive the compensation and benefits you deserve. Here’s why enlisting the help of a fort lauderdale workers comp lawyer is crucial:
Expertise in Workers’ Compensation Law
Our fort lauderdale workers compensation attorneys at Work Injury Rights are well-versed in Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. This expertise allows us to effectively navigate the legal intricacies and advocate for your rights, ensuring you have the best possible chance of a successful claim.
Less Court Appearances
Many injured workers wonder if they will have to attend court hearings. In most cases, our attorneys handle all court appearances on your behalf. We aim to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on your recovery.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Insurers and employers often prioritize their own interests, which can result in lower compensation for injured workers. A dedicated fort lauderdale workers comp lawyer ensures that you receive the maximum benefits available under the law, including coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability benefits.
Protect Your Rights after a Work Injury
Understanding your rights is critical after a work injury. Employers and insurance companies may not always fully inform you of your entitlements. Consulting with a fort lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer guarantees that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment throughout the process.
Handling Claim Denials and Appeals
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it’s not the end of the road. Our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyers have significant experience managing appeals and disputes. We will gather and present the necessary evidence, represent you in hearings, and fight tirelessly to overturn denied claims.
Filing Your Workers' Comp Claim
Properly filing a workers’ comp claim involves detailed paperwork and strict adherence to deadlines. Our attorneys will guide you through each step, ensuring all forms are accurately completed and submitted on time.
Legal Representation in Complex Cases
Some workplace injuries involve third parties or particularly complex circumstances. In such cases, legal representation is indispensable. Our Fort Lauderdale work injury lawyers will investigate all aspects of your case, identify liable parties, and pursue any additional legal actions necessary.
What are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
Employees could suffer various types of injuries depending on their employment.
However, the most common workplace injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries, which may occur following car accidents, due to falling objects or even continuous heavy lifting.
- Burns may occur among workers who operate kilns, ovens, or those who are constantly exposed to radiation or corrosive chemicals.
- Fractures may occur due to long falls, car accidents, or among employees who engage in repetitive activities.
- Amputations or loss of limbs may occur among workers who operate heavy machinery and constantly handle large cutting tools.
- Hearing loss is a common type of injury in overly noisy workplaces that provide employees with poor-quality or no hearing protection gear.
- Joint pain is common among employees who engage in repetitive tasks and jobs that involve heavy lifting.
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents often result in injuries such as fractures and dislocations.
- Construction accidents are considered some of the most serious as they may result in head and facial injuries, broken bones, and even paralysis.
- Injuries resulting from car accidents while traveling for work-related reasons.
- Cuts and lacerations are injuries that may occur while working with cutting machinery or tools.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer today to find out if your injury will qualify as a compensable work injury.
How Much does it Cost to Hire a Fort Lauderdale Workers Compensation Lawyer?
Our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer at Work Injury Rights, just like most other workers’ comp attorneys in Florida, work on a contingency basis. This means that you don’t pay anything until your case is closed and benefits awarded. After the award, a percentage of it is used as lawyer fees.
Florida law caps this at 20% for the first $5,000, 15% for the next $5,000, and 10% for the remaining benefits received in the first ten years from the date of filing the claim, and 5% of the remaining benefits received after 10 years.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
If your workers’ comp claim is denied by your employer or their insurance carrier, you will receive a Notice of Denial from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If this is the case, you have a right to file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC).
If mediation efforts are unsuccessful, you and your employer’s insurance carrier (or their defense team) will appear before the OJCC, and a judge will listen to both sides of the case and decide, within 30 days, whether to award you benefits or not.
Having your claim denied might reduce your chances of receiving benefits, and it is important that you work with an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer to have your claim approved as early as possible.
Fort Lauderdale Workers Compensation Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
Employees who are injured on the job are required to fulfill certain responsibilities through the workers’ comp claims process to ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.
These responsibilities include:
- Reporting the work-related injury to the employer or supervisor within the statutory period (30 days from the date of the accident).
- Filing a workers’ comp claim within the statutory period (2 years from the date of the accident).
- Seeking reasonable medical care from the recommended doctor.
- Submitting to a drug test if the employer requests one when investigating your work-related injury.
- Accepting a job recommended by the treating physician if you can return to work before reaching maximum medical improvement.
- Keeping the employer updated on important issues like your likely date of return and doctor’s recommendations.
Hiring an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer can ensure that all of these steps have been followed.
Under Florida laws, employers have the following responsibilities in the workers’ comp process:
- Send the injured worker to an approved doctor to receive medical care.
- Investigate the workplace accident that caused the employee’s injury.
- Report the employee’s injury to their insurance carrier within the statutory period (not later than 7 days after learning of the injury).
If your employer has failed to fulfill their responsibilities following your work injury, get in touch with one of our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer to discuss your options.
By law, Florida employers can’t fire their employees for filing a workers’ comp claim. Employees are protected against unfair termination or any form of retaliation that may be as a result of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
If you think you were terminated as a result of a work injury claim, contact one of our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer to find out your legal options and how best to move forward.
Workers’ comp claims in Florida are time-bound, and injured employees are required to file their claims within the statutory time limit. In Florida, workers’ comp claims should be filed not later than 2 years from the date of the accident. Failure to observe the statute of limitations might lead to the forfeiture of your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Under workers’ compensation, an employee who suffers work-related injuries may receive benefits in exchange for their right to file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. It follows that in most workers’ compensation claims, employees may not have the right to sue their employers.
However, you should speak to a Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer about the possibility of filing a lawsuit if your employment is terminated for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
In Florida, independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation and can’t receive benefits if they are injured while on the job. What’s more, Florida’s workers’ comp law doesn’t allow for independent contractors in the construction industry. Generally, independent contractors won’t receive workers’ comp benefits in Florida. If you think you may qualify to receive benefits as an independent contractor, call our Fort Lauderdale workers compensation lawyer to review your case free of charge.
To establish the total worth of your workers’ comp claim, you’d have to factor in all the benefits that you’ve been awarded due to your work-related injury. Normally, the following benefits will make up the worth of your claim:
- Medical expenses
- Any physical or vocational rehabilitation costs
- Part of your lost wages
- Income benefits, including temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, and permanent total disability benefits. In many cases, temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are awarded and are usually two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wages (capped at $1,011 per week).
Call Our Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
Workers’ compensation ensures that workers receive the benefits they deserve if they suffer a work-related injury or illness. Through workers’ compensation, such employees can pay off their medical bills and receive monetary benefits to cover their lost wages if the injury or illness forces them to take time off work.
An experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can handle your workers’ comp claim, ensuring that everything is done in accordance to the law and within the allowable time limits.
If you’re an employee in Fort Lauderdale and have been injured while on the clock, call Work Injury Rights today at 954-829-7077 to schedule a consultation to find out your rights and possible benefits.
