Tampa Workers Compensation Attorney

We understand how it is. Your life is moving along as usual and then without warning, a work injury accident turns your life upside down. And whether it’s a big or small work accident, one thing is for certain. Suddenly, you have this big thing to worry about.

We know what you’re going through and are here to help. First, hiring a local Tampa workers compensation attorney is a big deal. Not all Workers Compensation lawyers are created equal. But the most important thing is getting to meet the lawyer who is going to handle your case. If you can’t get your lawyer on the phone or feel like you’re getting the run around on the first call, how do you think the rest of the relationship is going to go? At our first attorney-client meeting you’ll meet the work injury lawyer who will handle your case from start to finish. During that meeting you’ll get a full breakdown of what to expect and how our law firm is going to help you. Getting the right information you need to hire a personal work injury attorney can’t be found on a website. Nor can it be located at the other end of a 1-800 number. We believe it should come from a face-to-face meeting or phone interview.

There are several types of benefits under workers compensation laws in Florida.  Our workers compensation lawyers can help you navigate through the very often complex claims process.

Our workers compensation attorney can help you obtain:

• Medical Benefits
• Temporary Disability Benefits
• Retraining Benefits
• Permanent Disability
• Death Benefits

Medical benefits provide 100% payment of all reasonable medical charges caused by work injury or occupational disease. With this, your employer has the right to direct you to an initial treating doctor. If your employer does not direct you to a particular doctor, then you have the right to choose a treating doctor.

Our workers compensation attorney can help you select your own doctor. Once you have a treating doctor, you cannot change doctors without either a referral from your treating doctor, approval from your insurance company, or approval from the industrial commission. Having the treatments for your on the job work injury obtained outside of these rules may result in you having to pay the medical bill. 

After an on the job work injury you must file for temporary disability.  By doing so, you can get benefits when you can’t go to work but are still under a doctor’s care. The temporary disability benefits are generally based on 60% of your job wages. 

You may be entitled to additional benefits if you have children who are minors. There are maximum and minimum benefit rates that can also apply. Temporary disability benefits should continue if there is no light duty work available for you. However, if an employer does make light duty work available to you, within your restrictions, you will get your wages instead of temporary disability benefits.

If you can’t work your full number of hours, or you get a reduced wage because of light duty, then you should be afforded partial benefits. If you are permanently injured and your doctor says there’s nothing further that can be done for you, he can then give you a permanent injury rating. This rating may entitle you to additional benefits and you may also be afforded additional retraining or permanent benefits. Our workers compensation lawyers will help you navigate through the entire process, and secure the maximum worker compensation benefit available under Florida law.

Overview of the Worker’s Compensation Process

Navigating the worker’s compensation process can be daunting, especially when you’re recovering from a work-related injury. Here’s a high-level overview of the steps involved in filing a worker’s compensation claim in Florida:

1. Reporting the Injury

The first step in the worker’s compensation process is to report your injury to your employer. This must be done within 30 days of the incident. Failure to report your injury within this timeframe may result in the denial of your claim.

2. Seeking Medical Treatment

Once your injury is reported, your employer will direct you to an authorized medical provider. It is crucial to follow the treatment plan provided by this doctor, as unauthorized medical treatments may not be covered under worker’s compensation.

3. Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim

Your employer will file a First Report of Injury or Illness with their insurance company. This report initiates the worker’s compensation claim process. The insurance company will then investigate your claim to determine its validity.

4. Receiving Benefits

If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to several types of benefits, including:

• Medical Benefits: Covers all reasonable medical expenses related to your injury.

• Temporary Disability Benefits: Provides compensation if you are unable to work temporarily due to your injury.

• Permanent Disability Benefits: Offered if your injury results in a permanent impairment.

• Retraining Benefits: Available if you need to be retrained for a different job due to your injury.

• Death Benefits: Provided to the dependents of workers who die as a result of a work-related injury or illness.

5. Returning to Work

If you are able to return to work, your employer may offer light duty or modified work that accommodates your medical restrictions. If you cannot return to your previous job, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help you find new employment.

6. Disputes and Appeals

If your claim is denied or you disagree with the benefits provided, you have the right to dispute the decision. This involves filing a petition for benefits with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. An experienced worker’s compensation attorney can assist you in navigating this process.

Tampa Workers Compensation Lawyers

So, if you or a family member has been injured on the job, you should seek the advice of an experienced workers compensation attorney as early as possible. Issues related to personal injury law, insurance coverage, and claims of negligence and damages are often complicated.

You can have confidence that our Tampa workers compensation lawyers have the experience and desire to provide legal representation that puts your interests first.  Our attorneys will protect your rights, and seeks to resolve the problems that come with being involved in an on the job accident. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

Click Here: Important information regarding Florida worker compensation.