In Florida, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. These benefits offer injured workers the opportunity to recover insurance benefits to make up for lost wages and medical expenses. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies often want to avoid these payments. As a result, the workers’ compensation claims process has become overly complicated, especially for workers who file claims without the assistance of a qualified attorney.
At our Sarasota office, we have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims and are familiar with the tactics insurance companies may use to deny you the benefits you deserve. We are committed to helping Florida workers collect the benefits to which they are entitled, ensuring the financial security of both our clients and their families.
If you were injured while working for your employer, you may be eligible for insurance benefits. To learn more about your rights and how a Sarasota workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help, please complete our free case review form today.
Workplace Accidents: Cases our Attorneys Handle
Our attorneys handle on-the-job injury claims involving, but not limited to, the following:
- Muscular injuries, broken bones, torn ligaments, torn rotator cuffs, and herniated disks from lifting, pushing, or other actions
- Sickness from exposure to toxins, including occupational diseases like mesothelioma or Black Lung
- Head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falling objects or falls
- Tendonitis or other repetitive motion injuries
- Construction accidents
- Hearing loss or damage
- Cold and heat stress or burn injuries from accidents like electrocution
- Assorted injuries to the back, spinal cord, shoulder, eyes, knees, neck, hip, respiratory organs, ankles, wrists, feet, and hands
This list isn’t exhaustive. Any injury sustained by an employee on the job is considered work related. Even if the injury was your fault you are still entitled to workers’ compensation because it is a no-fault system.
How our Sarasota Attorneys can Help you File a Successful Claim
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you with each of the following steps to help you recover benefits.
Initial Report: Under Florida law, injured workers are required to report their on-the-job injuries to their employers within 30 days of the accident. Our attorneys can help ensure your employer reports your injury to their insurer within 7 days, as required by law.
Medical Evaluation: Your attorney will ensure you undergo an evaluation by a physician of your employer’s choice. Following this evaluation, your attorney may have you undergo a second evaluation performed by a physician of your choice.
Your Benefits Claim: Your attorney will help you to:
- Provide details of your accident (e.g. time, location, weather condition, job being performed)
- Collect witness statements to support your claim
- Analyze medical evaluations for any discrepancies
- Estimate the duration of your injury and its impact on your ability to work in the future
- Construct a claim that best represents why you should receive benefits, and
- Submit your claim to your employer’s insurance company for review.
Evaluation: Your employer’s insurance company will review your claim and determine—based on the severity and expected duration of your injury and your ability to perform your job in the future—the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Appeal: After you receive notice of the benefits you have been awarded, your attorney will help you review the insurer’s decision. If your attorney believes your claim was undervalued, he or she can try to negotiate with the company. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the decision can be appealed to higher authorities.
If you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. To discuss your situation with a Sarasota workers’ compensation attorney, please complete our free case review form today. Our Florida office is currently offering consultations to all potential clients, at no cost or obligation.