- Workers' Compensation
Getting injured at work can be devastating, especially if you have to take time off work to recuperate. When you get injured at work you are entitled to compensation by your employer’s insurance. Florida state laws require most employers to have insurance that can pay out benefits to any injured workers’ or employees. No matter what, you will want a Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer fighting for you!
Unfortunately, this is not always as easy. You may get injured but not get the lost wages and medical expenses owed to you. Most insurance companies do their best to give the employees the least amount they can, and at times they may deny the compensation completely. Hiring a law firm with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer is the best way to ensure that there is someone to advocate for your right to compensation when injured at work.
With an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, you will file your claim the right way, adhere to the deadlines, and be aware of your legal rights. You have a better chance of getting compensated if you get a lawyer than when you try to file by yourself. Florida is a state that has strict liability laws and your lawyer will use these to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Work Injury Rights is a Tampa Law Firm that has dedicated and experienced workers’ comp lawyers who fight for your right to benefits when you have a work-related injury. Call us today at to get a lawyer who will represent you throughout your workers’ comp claim and get you the benefits you are entitled to.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
It is a form of insurance that pays employees who have been injured at work the wages lost due to the injury and medical benefits for work related injuries. An employee should be paid for the time they take off to heal and compensation for treatment of the injury. Workers’ comp entitles an employee to;
- Medical treatment: This also includes any expenses for hospital stays
- Temporary total disability benefits if you have to take time off work to heal
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Travel expenses related to the injury
- Vocational rehabilitation (this provides the injured employee with an opportunity to get gainful employment after the injury)
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
Once you have been injured on the job, it is important to ensure you do the following;
- Tell Your Employer that You Have Been Hurt
This is what will serve as an official notification, so you need to do it within 30 days of getting injured. The 30-day window is for your employer to notify the insurance company. Your report should include the time and date of initial injury report, the location of the injury, any witnesses, and the cause of the injury.
- Start a Record of Your Injury and Symptoms
The written record will play a role as evidence for compensation during the claim.
- Document Injuries with Photos
If your injury is visible, take pictures and/or videos. Make sure there is no false evidence because you will risk losing your benefits if that is the case.
- Seek Medical Treatment
Get a doctor to look at your injury and provide a professional diagnosis.
- Seek Legal Advice
Hire a lawyer to help you file a workers’ comp claim
- Rest and recuperate
This is the best, fastest way to get back to your everyday life.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
Anyone can be injured at work due to no fault of their own. However, being aware of the most common workplace accidents is advantageous.
The most common workplace accident-related injuries are:
- Back/Neck Injuries – these injuries mostly result from lifting heavy objects at work or crashes and collisions.
- Burns – they can happen when working with dangerous chemicals or in factories with flammable goods.
- Fractures – from falls and slips or getting struck by heavy objects
- Amputations – from machinery
- Hearing loss – from working with machinery that is too loud
- Joint pain
- Slips and falls – from slippery floors, unsafe areas, and poorly placed objects around the workplace.
- Construction accidents
- Accidents while traveling for work purposes
- Accidents when working with tools.
Why Should I Hire a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
A Lawyer Will Help With the Claim Process
There are various benefits to getting a workers’ comp lawyer to work on your workers’ compensation benefits claim when you are injured at work. First, there is the advantage of having an expert explain the worker’s comp laws to you. Most employees do not understand the requirements of workers’ comp until they get injured. Having a workers’ compensation claims lawyer will prevent you from making mistakes during the claims process
Furthermore, your lawyer will ensure you understand the workers’ comp laws and the statute of limitations for your case so that you report the case and file your claim in time. Failure to do this could cost you your full workers’ compensation benefits.
A Lawyer Can Appeal If Your Claim is Denied
A workers’ comp attorney can appeal if your claim is denied. Most employees are not aware that workers’ comp claims get denied more often than not. A lawyer is the best chance you have of getting your benefits even after this happens. They will go through the reasons provided by the insurance company for the denial of your claim and ensure they rectify it. A lawyer has experience with such cases and will be successful in gathering the evidence necessary to prove your injury is work-related
A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer, specializing in workplace injury cases, will expertly represent you if your claim is unjustly denied by insurance providers. These knowledgeable attorneys understand that insurance companies often exploit the unawareness of injured employees about their rights in such situations. Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney will empower you with legal expertise, ensuring that insurers can’t leverage your limited knowledge in workers’ comp cases. Their guidance, advocacy, and in-depth understanding of the complex workers’ compensation system will help secure the compensation and benefits you rightfully deserve while navigating the intricate legal intricacies associated with your case. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your lack of legal expertise; consult with a dedicated Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer today.
A Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Benefits
Working with a workers’ comp lawyer will give you a better chance of getting what you want from workers’ compensation insurance, because they can argue that you deserve a lump sum payment which will be considered a lifetime payment to reduce the offset effect. An experienced workers’ compensation coverage lawyer knows how to maximize your workers’ comp benefits using legal methods.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Your chosen lawyer’s fee structure for workers’ comp benefits is as follows: They will charge a reasonable 20 percent for the initial five thousand dollars of your benefits, ensuring that their compensation aligns with the early stages of your workers’ compensation law claim. As your benefits increase, the percentage decreases to a fair fifteen percent for the next five thousand dollars, and further diminishes to a mere ten percent for the remaining benefits. Importantly, your lawyer will only charge you for the benefits they actively assisted in securing, ensuring transparency and fairness in their billing.
Additionally, it’s essential to note that there might be unforeseen or extra charges that could arise during the legal process. In such cases, your lawyer will promptly communicate these additional costs to you, ensuring complete transparency and allowing you to make informed decisions about your case.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that a five percent fee applies to receive workers’ compensation benefits obtained after ten years. This fee structure is designed to ensure that your lawyer’s compensation reflects their ongoing commitment to your case, even in the long term. Therefore, you can have confidence that your lawyer is incentivized to work diligently on your behalf, maximizing your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
When your claim is denied, you will receive a notice of denial clearly outlining the reasons behind it. Your dedicated lawyer will then collaborate closely with you to address this dispute by initiating legal action through the filing of a Petition for Benefits. This critical step involves gathering compelling evidence, negotiating with your employer, and navigating the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer’s expertise and commitment will be instrumental in challenging the denial and working towards a favorable resolution for your workers’ compensation claim.
If your lawyer is unsuccessful, you will get a hearing in front of the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims(OJCC). Once you have the hearing, the judge will decide within 30 days whether you will get your benefits.
What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
The employee’s responsibilities in the workers’ compensation process include:
- Reporting the workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident
- Gathering evidence that the injury was caused by your work and occurred at the workplace
- Seeking medical help from a physician recommended by your employer/employer’s insurer
- Documenting your injuries and symptoms
- Hiring a lawyer to help with the claim.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers’ Compensation Process?
The employer’s responsibilities in the workers’ compensation process include:
- Notify the insurer of the employee’s injuries within 7 days of getting the report
- Notify the employee of their rights to benefits and give the employee the information regarding filing the claim within three days of getting the report of injury
- Send the employee to an authorized physician for medical attention
- Allow the employee to resume work after recuperation and inform you of any changes to your work duties
Can I be Fired for Claiming a Workers’ Comp Claim?
NO. Compensation after a workplace injury is your right.
Is there a Time Limit to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Tampa, FL?
You have two years from the day of your injury to file for workers’ comp. You have 30 days to report the injury to your employer.
Can I Sue My Employer?
You cannot sue your employer except:
- If there was deliberate intention to injure the employee.
- If your employer was repeatedly warned of risk and ignored or concealed the risk.
- If your employer does not have sufficient worker’s comp to cover the cost of an injury.
- Claim denial because of the employer’s fault. For instance, if they did not report your injury to the insurer on time.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
No. Florida Workers’ Comp laws do not allow workers’ comp for independent contractors.
What Is My Tampa Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Your compensation claim will pay for the following;
- Medical bills charged by the authorized treating physician
- Rehabilitation costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Prescription medication to treat your injury
- Travel expenses related to your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit. This is two-thirds of your average wage per week and has a limit of five hundred and seventy-five dollars per week.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). There may be an extra amount if the authorized treating physician gives a disability rating in line with the AMA requirements.
Contact Our Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Work Injury Rights Today!
Are you a resident of Tampa who has been injured at work and needs a workers’ comp lawyer to help with your case? Get a free consultation with one of our experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers to help you with your case today.
With an experienced Florida workers’ comp lawyer, you will file your claim the right way, adhere to the deadlines, and be aware of your legal rights. You have a better chance of getting compensated if you get a lawyer than when you try to file by yourself. Florida is a state that has strict liability laws and your lawyer will use these to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a lawyer will help you get what you deserve and avoid stress during your healing process. Call today at to get a dedicated Tampa workers’ comp lawyer for your case.
