- Workers' Compensation
Teachers seem to be of a different breed than most workers in Florida. They only work ten months out of the year. They have set hours. And, for the most part, it seems like they work rather sedentary jobs. However, our Tampa workers comp lawyers can attest that many teachers in Florida do suffer workplace accidents.
Teachers can file for workers compensation benefits in Florida. However, the claims process is complicated, so you’ll want a dedicated workers comp lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Injuries Could a Teacher Experience on the Job?
You may wonder how a teacher could get hurt on the job. A lot of people assume that teachers do nothing but sit at their desks all day. Most teachers are actually quite mobile. In fact, today, very few teachers are in the same room for more than a few hours on a given day.
If you’re a teacher in Florida, you could end up with any of the following injuries:
- Slip and fall accident
- Hurt using defective equipment
- Hurt during a sporting event
- Injured in student altercation
As long as your lawyer can prove that you were acting within the scope of your employment, your claim should be approved.
Do You Meet the Basic Criteria for Workers Compensation Benefits?
Both public and private school teachers are eligible to apply for workers compensation benefits if they have been injured on the job, be it on the school premises or during field trips, parent-teacher conferences, or athletic events.
To qualify for benefits, you must meet certain requirements. These are the same no matter what kind of work you do. At a minimum, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were acting within the scope of your employment at the time of your injury.
- You reported your injuries promptly to your manager or human resources department.
- You were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- You are seen by an approved workers compensation doctor.
There are other things that may come up in your particular case. The important thing is that you meet with a workers compensation attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This way, they can make sure your claim is handled properly from the start.
Your Tampa Workers Comp Attorney Will Have to Review Your Claim
Before your workers comp lawyer will know if you qualify for benefits, they need to review your case. They will need a copy of the incident or accident report you filled out at work. They’ll also need to see a copy of the claim you filed.
If you haven’t filed your claim yet, your Tampa workers compensation attorney can file it on your behalf. The key is to make sure that you file your claim on time. You don’t want to see your claim denied because it was a few days (or weeks) too late.
What Is the Deadline for Reporting a Work Injury?
In Florida, you have thirty (30) days to report a workplace accident. However, this does not mean you should wait that long to report your injury. The longer you wait to report your injury, the greater the chance it will be denied.
What Benefits Will You Be Entitled to if Your Claim is Approved?
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive the same benefits as anyone else. This includes medical care for any work-related injuries. You’ll also receive weekly benefits equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages.
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may not be able to teach anymore. If this is the case, your Tampa workers comp lawyer will make sure you get vocational rehabilitation under workers compensation.
Speak With a Tampa Workers Comp Lawyer Today
If you get hurt on the job, either on the school premises or during other school-related activities, there’s a good chance you’ll be entitled to workers compensation benefits. It all depends on the kind of work that you do and the injury you suffer.
If you want to know for sure, you should reach out to a seasoned Tampa workers comp lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Contact our office today at 954-388-8616 and schedule your free, initial consultation.
