Recovering from a workplace injury is a difficult enough process. But for some unfortunate workers in Kissimmee, injuries on the job can be made even more devastating when their rightful claim to workers’ compensation is denied.
Too often, employers and insurance companies will attempt to minimize the severity of their worker’s injuries or claim their employee was hurt off the job, all to reduce their expenses. This comes at the cost of the employee’s well-being and can create considerable financial and emotional hardship for their family. You don’t have to stand for it.
Our attorneys in Kissimmee know the tactics employers and insurance companies use to try and deny your claim. We will fight to prove you were hurt on the job and recover the compensation you deserve and need to recover from your injuries.
If you were hurt on the job and your workers’ compensation benefits claim was denied, fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form today to learn what our attorneys can do for you.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
For the majority of workers in Kissimmee, most injuries, diseases, accidents, and deaths that occur in the workplace are covered by workers’ compensation. Based on the type and the severity of the injury, the employer’s healthcare provider may be required to pay for necessary medical testing, rehabilitation, drugs, payment for missed work time, compensation for permanent disability, and even death benefits. However, in order to receive benefits, a workplace injury must be reported within 30 days, so do not hesitate to file a claim.
Common Workplace Injuries & Top Causes
There are many ways an employee can be hurt on the job. Each industry has its own unique risks of workplace injury, and employers must endeavor to keep their workplace safety for employees by following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations.
However, some of the more common workplace injuries across all industries include:
- Muscular injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Torn ligaments;
- Exposure to toxins;
- Head injuries such as concussions or TBIs;
- Repetitive motion injuries like tendonitis;
- Hearing damage;
- Burn injuries; and
- Injuries to back, spinal cord, shoulders, knees and more.
According to OSHA, the biggest causes of workplace deaths include:
- Falls;
- Electrocution;
- Struck by Object; and
- Caught-in or Crushed by Object or Equipment.
These top four causes of workplace fatalities are also responsible for more than half of construction worker deaths.
What to do After a Workplace Injury
If you sustain an injury on the job, immediately seek medical treatment. You must receive care from a physician in order to proceed with the claims process. All claims must be reported within 30 days, or else they may be barred. After receiving medical treatment, your doctor will identify your injury and determine the treatment you need and when/if you can return to work. In your time off from work recovering, you will receive biweekly checks for two third of your average biweekly wages, until you are able to return to work.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims don’t always go smoothly. The doctor chosen by your employer may downplay the extent of your injuries, or your employer will suggest that your injuries occurred at home and not at work. In other circumstances, your employer may push you to return to work before you’re ready and suggest that you are exaggerating your symptoms. In cases like these, it’s best to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Kissimmee.
Our attorneys have handled countless workers’ compensation claims and may do the following to bolster your claim:
- Access medical records to ensure sure your medical diagnosis was correct;
- Collect safety reports to try and prove your injury happened on worksite; and
- Interview eyewitnesses, if available.
Even if your workers’ compensation claim is denied, your attorney may be able to file an appeal to fight for the benefits you deserve.
What Compensation Could I Recover?
Through Florida’s workers’ compensation program, you may be able to recover the following benefits with your attorney’s help:
Medical Expenses: This covers all medical care that is necessary to treat your injuries stemming from a workplace accident, including compensation for doctor’s visits, hospital expenses, physical therapy and prescription drugs.
Temporary & Permanent Disability Benefits: If your doctors expect you will be able to return to work, you may be able to receive temporary disability benefits while you are recovering from your injuries for up to 104 weeks. On the other hand, if your injuries are so severe that you are unable to return to work, you could be entitled to permanent total disability benefits.
Death Benefits: If a loved one dies within one year of a workplace accident or within five years of being permanently disabled because of workplace injuries, you and other family members may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation death benefits of up to $150,000 for your loss.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a workplace accident, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys. Fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form to learn how our Kissimmee workers’ compensation attorneys may be able to help.