Our Spring Hill, Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyers can help you get the compensation you need if you or a loved one has been injured on the job.
Workers compensation benefits are available to any injured worker regardless of who was at fault for the injury or accident, as long as they were on the job. The benefits are meant to pay for the resulting medical bills, and pay for the lost wages while you spent time out of work due to disability.
While there are clear policies and laws covering Workers comp insurance, issues often arise during the claims process. This is why you should consider working with experienced Workers comp attorneys in Florida.
At Work Injury Rights , we can work with you to ensure you get the full compensation available for your case. Call us on 954-388-8616 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers compensation is a form of insurance policy meant for private employers to obtain on behalf of their employees. In case an employee suffers an illness or injury while at the workplace, the Workers compensation policy should provide coverage for the medical treatment and the wage loss, no matter who was at fault for the accident. Additional benefits may be available to compensate the family in case of a worker’s death.
How Do I Know If My Injury Is Covered by Workers’ Comp?
To qualify for Workers compensation, you have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be an employee.
- Your employer must carry Workers compensation insurance.
- Suffer an injury while at work or an illness from work activities.
- Meet Florida’s statute of limitations for reporting the incident or illness.
Unlike other personal injury cases, your illness or injury doesn’t have to be your employer’s fault to qualify for Workers compensation.
What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?
At a minimum, Workers comp benefits should cover all medical expenses that you need to achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI). These typically include:
- Wage replacement
- Reemployment services
- Physical therapy
- Medical tests
- Doctor’s visits and hospitalization
- Prostheses
- Prescription medications
- Mileage reimbursement
In addition to the costs of your medical treatment, there are a number of different disability benefits you might be eligible for, including:
- Permanent Impairment Benefits
- Temporary Total Benefits
- Permanent Total Benefits
- Temporary Partial Benefits
- Death Benefits
Our Spring Hill Workers comp lawyers can help you understand the benefits you’re eligible for, and ensure you receive them in full.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
The following are the steps you should follow after a workplace injury:
- Inform your employer that you are hurt: Tell your employer, supervisor, or foreman that you have been injured.
- See a doctor as soon as possible and follow the doctor’s instructions. Failure to do this could be grounds for doubting the sincerity of your claim.
- Journal or keep a written record of your symptoms and injury. This may include medical records, progress reports, and other aspects connected to your case.
- Take photos and videos of the injury if possible. Capture minor details of the scene of the accident, as these could be valuable evidence.
- File a claim with the help of a Workers comp attorney. Although this is not a requirement, it’s your best bet for receiving the maximum compensation.
- Rest and recuperate. Once you have a lawyer on board, you can now focus on making a full recovery.
How Can a Spring Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
- A Workers comp lawyer can help with the following key aspects of your case:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident, how the injuries occurred, or how your illness arose.
- Reviewing all of your employment records and wage history.
- Ensuring that your claim for benefits is accurate and that it’s filed timely.
- Aggressively advocating for you through the entire appeals process if your claim is initially denied.
- Your lawyer can also explore whether there are other legal options or benefits you’re eligible for.
How Much Does a Spring Hill Workers Compensation Attorney Cost?
At WorkInjuryRights, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. As such, you don’t have to pay us anything to access our legal services. You will only pay us once we’ve obtained compensation on your behalf.
Steps for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida
The following are the steps to follow when obtaining Workers comp in Florida:
- Report the injury or illness you suffer to your employer within 30 days of the incident.
- Seek professional medical attention from your employer’s approved list and get documentation of your treatment for your claim.
- Your employer’s Workers compensation insurer will soon reach out to you. This usually happens within seven days after you inform your employer about your claim.
- Follow all the instructions given by the insurance company.
In case there are any disputes from your employer or their insurance provider, you might need to file a petition or appeal. Our team can help you with this as well.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers’ Compensation Process?
- Always carry Workers comp insurance for all employees.
- Forward any medical expenses or bills to the insurance provider for payment.
- File incident reports if an employee is injured in a workplace accident.
- Stay up to date with the recovery progress of injured employees
- Report any disability from an accident or occupational illness as soon as possible.
What Are My Rights After an On-the-Job Injury?
The following are some of the rights employees have under Florida’s Workers comp law:
- The right to file a Workers comp claim for occupational injuries or illnesses
- A right to see a doctor after a work-related injury.
- A right to wage replacement benefits in case of permanent or temporary disability.
- A right to legal representation.
- A right to appeal a denied claim.
What Can I Do if My Claim Is Denied?
In case your claim is denied, you can appeal it by filing a petition for benefits within 2 years from the date of the incident.
Are There Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Florida?
Yes. You must report the injury no later than 30 days after the date of the incident or initial manifestation of the illness. In addition, you are allowed 2 years from the date of the incident to file a petition for benefits.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Florida?
Independent contractors are not allowed to file Workers comp claims as they are not employees and therefore exempt from the insurance.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No. Workers compensation law is designed to protect employers from being sued by employees in case they are injured in the workplace.
What is My Spring Hill Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Every injury and case is different, and so is how every individual reacts to treatments. In short, different aspects of the case will affect the worth of your claim, and the best way to know how much yours is worth is by getting in touch with an experienced attorney.
Get a Free Case Evaluation in Spring Hill
If you or a loved one was injured in a workplace incident, contacting an experienced Workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure you get a favorable outcome.
Call 954-388-8616 today to get a free case evaluation with a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Work Injury Rights.