Every good employer will do their best to ensure they run a safe work environment. Even so, accidents can happen in any field, at any time, and to anyone. Lakeland, Florida workers’ compensation is a type of security blanket that helps protect employees and employers from serious financial loss caused by a workplace accident.
There were over 56,000 workers’ compensation claims filed in Florida alone in 2022.
We are an experienced group of workers’ compensation attorneys who have been helping Lakeland residents for decades. Every day, we fight for employees who have been hurt on the job and are suffering financial losses because of it. We can help you get the compensation you need to cover lost wages, medical bills, and rehabilitation.
Take a moment and call our office today at 954-388-8616 to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.
What Exactly is Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance policy that nearly every employer must invest in to operate legally. In Florida, every company that has 4 or more employees must have a workers’ comp policy. This does not typically apply to independent contractors unless they work in specific industries.
How Do I Know if My Injury is Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
You need to answer 2 questions to determine if your injury may be covered:
Question 1: Am I an employee for a business that has 4 or more employees?
Question 2: Was I injured on the job site or while performing work-related duties OR was a pre-existing injury exasperated?
What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Lakeland, Florida?
Workers’ comp benefits can be separated into 2 groups. The first group includes wage-related benefits. These benefits are meant to cover some or all of the wages you will miss while in the hospital or recovering? It can also include ongoing payments for long-term disabilities. The second group covers medical expenses, such as medication, hospital bills, and physical rehabilitation. Here are some steps to take if you are hurt on the job:
1. Tell Your Boss
The claims process requires that you report your injury to a supervisor within 30 days. It’s then your employer’s responsibility to report the injury to the insurance provider. We do not recommend waiting nearly this long. It’s best if you report your injury on the day that it occurs.
2. Get the Help You Need
If you were involved in a serious accident, then medical care is probably your first concern. If possible, take a moment to find out which providers are covered in your employer’s network. This information should be readily available and displayed somewhere in your place of work.
3. Maintain a Record
Keep a record of all documents, receipts, and transactions that relate to your workplace injury. This includes the written notification you provide to the supervisor, medical reports from your physician, and any bills related to treatment.
4. Take a Photo
If your injury is visible, then you should take a photograph or video as soon as possible. The insurance provider may try to refute the nature, placement, or severity of the injury. Having photographic evidence makes it much easier to prove your case.
5. Call an Attorney and File a Claim
You may be at a different spot in the claims process depending on how your employer handled their responsibilities. Regardless, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
6. Recover
With an attorney on your side, you can forget about tedious paperwork and negotiations. You can focus entirely on resting and recovering from your workplace accident.
What Can a Lakeland, Florida Workers’ Comp Attorney Do To Help Me?
A workers’ comp attorney is essentially your guide there to help you through a difficult and time-consuming legal process. They will handle all of the legal work while you focus entirely on recovering. You’re also far more likely to get a larger settlement if you have an attorney negotiate on your behalf.
How Much Does a Lakeland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
There is no upfront cost for our Florida workers’ compensation lawyers. We work according on a contingency basis. If you don’t get paid, then we don’t get paid.
What Are My Rights After an On-the-Job Injury?
You have a right to file a workers’ compensation claim. You have a right to recover from your injury without taking a substantial financial loss. An attorney can help you exercise these important rights.
What Can I Do if My Lakeland, FL Workers’ Comp Claim is Denied?
You can begin the appeals process within 30 days. Workers’ comp appeals have a much higher success rate than other legal appeals processes. However, the key to success is having a qualified and experienced attorney to help.
Are There Deadlines For Filing a Claim in Lakeland, FL?
The deadline, also known as the statute of limitations, is 2 years from the day of the injury. We suggest contacting a lawyer and launching the claims process as soon as possible.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Claim in Lakeland, FL?
Not typically. However, the construction industry in Florida is different. Independent contractors must be hired as official employees and thus must receive workers’ compensation insurance. This does not apply to other industries in the state.
Can My Employer Fire Me For Filing a Claim?
Never. It is your legal right to file a workers’ comp claim in Florida. If your employer takes any retaliatory action against you, then you can file an entirely different civil claim for additional compensation.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No. Workers’ compensation protects employers from being at fault when an employee is injured. Florida does not have a standardized agency that provides workers’ compensation, which makes suing employers even more difficult.
What is My Lakeland Workers’ Comp Claim Worth?
That will depend on the severity of your injury, the related medical expenses, and whether you lost wages during recovery. Many workers’ comp claims in Florida settle for close to $20,000.
Get Help Today From Professional Attorneys
Negotiating with an employer or insurance provider can be extremely daunting. This is especially true if you aren’t familiar with all of the legal jargon and statutes related to workers’ compensation insurance. Luckily, our Lakeland, Florida Workers’ Compensation attorneys are familiar with all of that stuff and they are here to help.
Call us today at 954-388-8616 if you’ve been injured at work and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.