Workplace accidents can cause pain, lost wages, uncertainty, and stress. Your job is your livelihood, so if someone else’s negligence takes it away from you, you might be entitled to compensation in addition to your workers comp benefits. A Hollywood workers compensation lawyer can explain these benefits to you and help you obtain them.
If you get hurt or sick at work, workers compensation lawyers may be able to assist you in obtaining work comp benefits, SSI, or vocational rehabilitation. Getting injured or sick is an unfortunate part of life, and most of the time, we are responsible for our own accidents.
However, there are times when someone else is responsible, and that’s where a workers comp attorney can help. A workers compensation attorney can help you seek compensation from the responsible party. Workers compensation laws in Florida can be complex.
Klotzman Law Firm is a Hollywood personal injury law firm that can help you prove your workers comp case and get maximum compensation for your injuries. If you are injured on the job, the first thing you should do is notify your employer as soon as possible.
Even before you talk to a workers comp lawyer, you should inform your immediate supervisor or someone in a position of authority at your workplace. The next step is to hire a specialized workers comp lawyer to handle your case and get the most compensation possible for your injuries.
Klotzman Law Firm has a client-focused system that effectively uses efficiency and state-of-the-art technology to achieve big-firm results in a welcoming atmosphere where you will be treated like family with warmth and empathy. Our policies and procedures enable us to concentrate on our clients with a remarkable degree of attention to every aspect of your claim.
We are compassionate but aggressive attorneys with the expertise and experience you would anticipate from a law firm. Our Florida attorneys have expertise and talent in the art of negotiation, and we have a thorough understanding of the various tactics that insurance companies use to reject, delay, or undervalue your claim.
We won’t let that happen. If required, we will take your case to court. Insurance companies do not want to go to court and will do almost anything to avoid it. We use that leverage to force a favorable settlement for you or proceed with litigation. Call Klotzman Law Firm at 954-915-7405 right now to handle your worker’s comp lawsuit in Hollywood, Florida.
What is Workers Compensation?
If you get hurt while working in Florida, the law protects you with something called workers compensation. This means that most employers have to carry insurance that will cover your medical bills and some of your lost wages if you get hurt on the job.
If you have been hurt at work and are having trouble getting your benefits, a Florida workers compensation lawyer can help you. They can either help you file a claim or fight a denial of your claim.
Here are some important things you need to know about workers comp in Florida:
Does My Employer need Workers Comp Insurance?
If your employer falls into any of the following categories, they must have workers compensation coverage:
- Construction industry employers with one or more employees, whether they work full-time or part-time
- Non-construction industry employers with four or more employees, whether they work full-time or part-time
- Farming or agriculture industry employers with six or more regular employees
- Farming or agriculture industry employers with 12 or more seasonal employees who work for at least 30 days
This rule applies to private companies, governmental agencies, public entities, and employment agencies.
Does My Employer have Workers Comp Insurance?
Even though the law requires qualifying employers to provide workers compensation insurance, some companies don’t follow the rules.
You can check online to see if your employer has the necessary coverage. The Division of Workers Compensation’s Employee Assistance Office (EAO) has a Proof of Coverage search page that you can use. All you need to do is type your employer’s name and city into the search fields, then submit your search. You will receive an answer in seconds.
How Do I Know If My Injury Is Covered by Workers Comp?
Workers compensation is an insurance program that offers benefits to workers who become injured or ill while on the job. In Florida, most work-related injuries and illnesses are covered by workers compensation, with a few exceptions, such as injuries that result from drug or alcohol use, horseplay, or failing to follow company rules.
A wide range of injuries and illnesses are covered under workers compensation, including back, shoulder, and neck injuries, as well as soft tissue injuries resulting from repetitive movements or overexertion.
Other injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, strains, sprains, cuts, bruises, internal organ damage, burns, hearing or vision loss, psychological disorders, strokes, respiratory illnesses, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other diseases that arise from exposure to hazardous substances are also covered.
In addition to these injuries and illnesses, workers compensation also covers severe injuries such as crushed and fractured bones, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. If an employee dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, workers compensation benefits may be available to their dependents.
If you have been injured at work, it’s essential to fight for the workers compensation benefits you deserve. Experienced workers compensation attorneys can help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. They provide a free consultation to discuss your case and explain how they can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.
What Are the Types of Workers Compensation Benefits in Florida?
In the state of Florida, employees who are eligible can get two kinds of benefits if they are injured while working. These benefits are called medical benefits and wage replacement benefits, which are also known as disability benefits.
Medical benefits can help pay for medical treatment that is needed because of an injury that happened while you were working. This can include things like hospital stays, doctor’s visits, medical tests, surgeries, medical supplies, prescription medications, physical therapy, and prosthetics. It can also cover travel expenses to get to the doctor or the pharmacy.
To get medical benefits, you need to see a doctor who has been approved by your employer. If you don’t like the doctor you were sent to, you can ask to see a different doctor the next time. You can keep getting medical benefits until the doctor says you have reached the most you can improve, called “maximum medical improvement.”
After that, you can still get some benefits, but you might have to pay a little bit of the cost yourself.
Wage replacement benefits are for people who can’t work because of an injury they got while working. If you can’t work for at least seven days, you can get wage replacement benefits as well as medical benefits.
You start getting these benefits on the eighth day you can’t work, or on the day you were injured if you can’t work for 21 days or more.
Wage replacement benefits can be full or partial, and they can be temporary or permanent. If you can’t work at all, you can get full wage replacement benefits. If you can work some, but not as much as you used to, you can get partial wage replacement benefits.
Temporary benefits are paid until you reach the most you can improve. Permanent benefits are paid until you are 75 years old, or for five years if you were injured after you turned 70.
There are four types of wage replacement benefits you can get in Florida if you are eligible. They are:
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): This is when you can’t work at all because of your injury. You can get full wage replacement benefits until you reach the most you can improve.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): This is when you can work, but not as much as you used to. You can get partial wage replacement benefits until you reach the most you can improve.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): This is when you can’t work at all because of your injury, and you will never be able to work again. You can get full wage replacement benefits until you are 75 years old.
Impairment Benefits (IBs): This is when you have a permanent injury, but you can still work. You can get a one-time payment to help cover the costs of your injury.
Overall, it’s important to know what kind of benefits you can get if you are injured while working in Florida. By understanding your options, you can make sure you get the help you need to recover from your injury and get back to work.
What Should I Do if I am Hurt on the Job?
If you get hurt at work in Hollywood, Florida, it’s important to take the right steps to get workers compensation benefits. The first thing you need to do is get medical treatment immediately. It’s important to get diagnosed and treated properly so you can heal quickly. If your injuries are serious, call an ambulance or go to the company doctor for less severe injuries.
After you have received treatment and your condition is stable, you should notify your employer. You have 30 days to report the accident to your immediate supervisor or someone in a position of authority in the company.
However, it’s best to report the accident as soon as possible. Let your employer know when and where the accident occurred and provide details about your treating physician. These are important steps to take if you plan to file a workers comp lawsuit.
It’s also important to maintain a written record of your injuries and symptoms. Take photos of your injuries if they are visible to the naked eye. This will help you prove your injuries and win maximum compensation. Rest and recuperation are important to healing your injuries completely.
How Can a Hollywood Workers Compensation Lawyer Help Me?
If you get hurt at work, you can ask for money from your work insurance. Klotzman Law Firm can help you get this money. It’s good to get help from a lawyer who knows about work injuries. They can help you get the most money possible. Our lawyers have lots of experience in talking to insurance companies.
We work in Hollywood, Florida. If the insurance company says no to your money request, we will take your case to court.
How Much Does a Hollywood Workers Compensation Attorney Cost?
Hiring a workers comp lawyer in Hollywood is free of charge. We only get paid if we win your case. This means that we work on a contingency fee basis where you only pay us a percentage of your compensation after we win your lawsuit. It’s a non-win-no-pay arrangement, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront.
Steps for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in Florida!
If you have been injured while working in Florida and need to file a workers compensation case, there are certain steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving the benefits you’re entitled to. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Write down all the details of the incident and gather any evidence that may be helpful, such as witness statements, photos, or videos.
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible to address your injuries.
- Inform your employer of the injury so they can file a claim with their insurance company.
- Follow up with the insurance company to ensure that your claim has been reported, which can help speed up the process.
- Keep track of everything related to your injury, including medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other documentation.
- Be Careful when Talking to the Insurance Company.
- Try to resolve any insurance disputes.
- File a petition if needed.
- Appeal in case your claim is denied.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process?
- Providing a safe workplace to the employee
- Respecting employee rights
- Filing a First Report of Injury
- Cooperating with the investigating parties
- Allowing the recovered employee to resume his/her duties
- Cooperating with the state’s workers compensation board
What Are My Rights After an On-the-Job Injury?
- Follow all the safety procedures laid down by the employer on-the-job
- Report any accident immediately to the employer or your immediate supervisor
- Accept reasonable medical treatment provided by the company’s doctor or a physician authorized by the employer
- File a claim with the State Board of Workers Compensation
What Can I Do if My Claim Is Denied?
If you receive a letter denying your workers comp claim, it basically means that the administrator doesn’t think your injuries are covered by the insurance. But, you have the right to dispute their decision! Just keep in mind that there are deadlines involved, so it’s important to act quickly.
The smartest thing you can do is to hire an experienced workers comp lawyer in Hollywood who can help you fight for the benefits you deserve.
Are There Deadlines for Filing a Workers Comp Claim in Florida?
Yes, you have 2 years from the date of the accident or injury to file the claim.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Comp Claim in Florida?
People working as independent contractors in Florida are not eligible for workers compensation benefits from the company for whom they provide the service. There is one exception when independent contractors work or perform services in the construction industry.
Can I be Fired for Claiming a Workers Comp Claim?
No, the employer can’t fire or demote you for reporting an injury or filing a workers compensation claim.
Can I Sue My Employer?
In Florida, if you get hurt on the job, your only option to receive compensation from your employer is through workers compensation. Unless your employer caused your injury on purpose, you can’t sue them for it. But don’t worry, you still have options!
If a third party was involved in your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them for compensation. You should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm to know about your legal options.
What is My Hollywood Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
If you ever get injured on the job, it can be overwhelming to figure out what benefits you are entitled to. Don’t worry, though – filing a workers comp claim can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Some of the benefits you can receive through workers comp include coverage for your medical bills, rehab costs, and a percentage of the wages you lost due to the injury. You may also be eligible for prescription medication and any travel expenses associated with treating your injury.
Another benefit is the income loss replacement benefit, which can help make up for the wages you lost while you were unable to work. And if your injury is severe enough, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits.
An experienced workers compensation lawyer at Klotzman Law Firm will evaluate your claim and let you know how much your claim is worth.
When you are injured in a workplace-related accident, you are entitled to claim compensation under workers comp insurance. You should hire a Hollywood workers compensation lawyer to handle your case to obtain maximum benefits in the process. Call Klotzman Law Firm at 954-915-7405 right now to handle your worker’s comp lawsuit in Hollywood, Florida.
