We all like to think we’re safe on the job but the truth is that every workplace comes with its risks. Whether you work behind a desk in an office or on scaffolding at a construction site; there is always some risk of an accident occurring. That’s why most employers are legally required to provide workers’ compensation insurance.
At Riverview, Our Florida Workers’ compensation lawyers claim can help you recover from financial losses caused by an injury on the job. Call us today at 954-388-8616 if you’ve recently been injured at work.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp is a type of insurance that every employer in Florida with 4 or more employees must provide. The insurance policy provides employees with a form of compensation after suffering an injury at work. It is intended to cover the various financial losses an injured victim might experience, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
How Do I Know if My Injury is Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Any type of injury suffered while on the job is covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This can include serious accidental injuries as well as injuries caused by repetitive motions or toxic work environments. It’s also possible for specific work-related injuries caused outside of the workplace to be covered.
What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?
There are two types of workers’ compensation benefits available in the state of Florida. They are:
1. Wage Replacement Benefits: These benefits provide compensation for workers who are unable to perform their job due to a work-related injury.
2. Medical Benefits: These benefits cover the various medical costs associated with the injury, including therapy, hospital visits, testing, medication, and specialized equipment.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
Step 1: Inform a supervisor: If possible, you should inform your employer or supervisor immediately. The workers’ compensation process cannot be started without first informing the necessary parties.
Step 2: Seek medical care: Receiving treatment should be a top priority. Save all receipts and paperwork related to the injury because it may be required during the claims process.
Step 3: Take photographs: You should take photographs of the injury if it is visible. This is additional evidence that can help ensure your claim is successful.
Step 4: File a claim: Contact a local workers’ compensation attorney to begin the claims process. A professional Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Riverview can help ensure that all paperwork is filed properly and on time.
Step 5: Get better: Finally, take the time to relax and recover while your attorney handles negotiations.
How Can a Riverview Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
It’s always a good idea to have an experienced lawyer in Riverview on your side when filing a claim. Lawyers can help gather all of the necessary evidence, file the appropriate paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance company for the best possible settlement. If your claim is denied, then your workers’ compensation lawyer can also help you through the appeals process.
How Much Does a Riverview Worker’s Compensation Lawyer Cost?
Our workers’ comp attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs or hidden fees. If you win your settlement, then the attorneys are paid a small percentage of the funds. If you lose, then you pay nothing.
Steps for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida
Step 1: Report your injury: Once again, the first step is always reporting the injury to your supervisor or employer. You have a 30-day period from the time of the injury to make the report. However, you should never wait this long.
Step 2: Attempt an information resolution: You may be able to resolve the claim directly with your employer without a lengthy claims process. Your employer will have a period of ten days to file the report and resolve the issue directly. If not, then you will need to proceed to the third step.
Step 3: Call an attorney: If your employer will not resolve the issue directly, then you should contact an experienced attorney who can help you through the claims process. Navigating workers’ compensation statutes and regulations can be very difficult and time-consuming. Having a legal professional on your side greatly improves your chances of success.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers’ Compensation Process?
The primary responsibilities of the employer include providing workers’ compensation insurance, providing employees with information on the insurance carrier, and reporting injuries within 10 days. The rest of the work is handled primarily by the insurance provider and their legal team.
What Are My Rights After an On-the-Job Injury?
You have the right to seek medical attention after a workplace accident. You also have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer cannot take any retaliatory action because of your injury or your claim.
What Can I Do if My Claim is Denied?
You may receive a notification of denial within 30 days of filing your claim. Luckily, many people who have been denied at first can successfully appeal and receive their benefits with the help of a lawyer. You have a period of two years to appeal a denial but we suggest beginning the appeals process as soon as possible.
Are There Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Florida?
Yes. The statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Florida is 2 years. However, the longer you wait to file your claim the more difficult it will be to receive compensation.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Florida?
Only in specific cases. In Florida, a company that hires independent contractors may be required to invest in workers’ compensation insurance. You should check with the company to determine if this is the case.
Can I Be Fired for Claiming a Workers’ Comp Claim?
No. Your employer cannot fire you, reduce your hours, or take any other retaliatory action if you file a claim. It is your legal right to file a claim if you are injured on the job.
Can I Sue My Employer?
Not likely. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect employers as well as employees. It makes it incredibly difficult to sue an employer in Florida due to a workplace injury. However, you can discuss this possibility with your workers’ compensation lawyer in Riverview to determine if it is a viable strategy.
What is My Riverview Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
That depends entirely on the details of your injury, your job, and the claims process. The average workers’ compensation settlement is around $20,000 but this can vary heavily from one person to the next.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared
The best way to avoid a lengthy claims process is by staying safe on the job. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen no matter how many precautions you take. But you can stay prepared by having an experienced Riverview, Florida workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.
Pick up the phone and call us today at 954-388-8616 for a free consultation.