If you have been injured on the job in Fort Lauderdale, FL., your workplace is legally responsible for covering your damages. You are entitled to recover compensation from your employer for your lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Insurance companies, however, will do their best to protect themselves and their bottom line. They will try to blame the accident on you, stating it was your fault, you were not hurt as bad as you say, or that the accident had nothing to do with their policyholder. It will be up to you to prove your case and learn how the law can work for you in your case. This is why an experienced and skilled personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can be invaluable for workers’ compensation cases.
At 1-800-Injured, we work hard to match your case needs with aggressive and professional attorneys who have full knowledge of Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation law and how to fight the insurance company.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers Compensation Case in Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton, Florida?
Although there is no requirement to have legal representation from a law firm when filing workers’ compensation claims, it is in your best interest to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side to increase the chance of receiving the benefits you need as quickly as possible. Fort Lauderdale workers comp lawyers and their legal teams work closely with their clients to educate them on their rights and walk them through the legal claims or appeal process.
If you have been injured and will be out of work, the income replacement compensation you need for yourself and your family is even more important. A Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney can advocate on your behalf through the process.
In certain situations, the injuries you sustained while working could be so severe that your life has been changed in a big way. Having an experienced lawyer fighting for your rights is even more necessary. You may need the help of Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyers if any of the following applies to you:
- You are unable to return to work due to the injuries you sustained
- The doctors believe that you will not make a full recovery
- You required surgery due to your injuries
- Your workers’ compensation claim was rejected
If you are unsure if any of the above apply to you, contact 1-800-Injured today. 1-800-Injured is a medical and attorney referral service that can connect you with nearby lawyers.
How Much Do I Get from Workers Comp in Florida?
If you have been injured on the job in Fort Lauderdale, FL., workers’ compensation insurance is there to help. Workers’ compensation was created to cover the following:
- Medical bills corresponding to your injuries: Workers’ compensation benefits cover your immediate medical expenses, including the ambulance ride from your place of work and the cost of a hospital stay or other necessary medical care. Medical payments can continue for as long as you need to treat your work-related injuries. If there is an expectation of a long-term medical need related to your workplace injury, your workers’ compensation settlement could include the funds needed to pay for extended care.
- Income while you are out of work. If you cannot work due to your injuries, workers’ compensation will provide a percentage of the income you had prior to your injuries. Generally, you will not receive the full amount of the wages you were earning.
In more severe cases, you could experience long-term damages from your workplace injury, which could impact the possibility of working in the future and your quality of life. An insurance settlement should consider these extenuating circumstances.
Fort Lauderdale Workers Compensation FAQ
Can I choose my own doctor?
In 1997, Florida began requiring employers to provide the medically necessary treatment of injured workers through managed care arrangements. Injured workers are required to use an authorized treating physician, but they are allowed to change the authorized treating physician one time. They can seek a second opinion from a doctor practicing in the same specialty. Injured workers can receive one independent medical examination (IME) from a qualified treating physician in cases where they are not satisfied with the care they are receiving from the authorized treating physicians.
Does my illness or injury qualify for workers’ compensation?
Worker compensation benefits are made available to injured employees who experienced work-related illnesses or injuries. If you suffer an illness or injury, it must have come from a job-related duty. This can include repetitive trauma, occupational illnesses (such as occupational asthma, hearing loss, or dermatitis), traumatic physical injuries, or other injuries caused by a workplace accident.
What are temporary total disability benefits?
There is a type of workers’ compensation known as temporary total disability benefits (TTD) that you should receive when you are severely injured in the workplace and are unable to return to work. Documentation from your doctor stating the severe level of your disability will be used by your Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer to help you recover compensation.
What injuries can a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation attorney help with?
In general, injuries sustained from workplace accidents, such as a slip and fall in an office setting or a spinal injury on a construction site, will typically qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Some common workplace injuries can include:
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Strains, sprains, or soft tissue damage
- Burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Crushing injuries caused by heavy equipment
- Permanent disabling injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Death
Can I sue workers’ comp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
If you have been offered workers’ comp benefits to cover lost income and accepted them as fair compensation, you have waived your right to sue. By accepting the benefits offered to you, you and your employer have entered into a legally binding agreement.
If your case is straightforward, it may be fine to accept an offer given to you for a workers’ compensation claim. There are some exceptions in which a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a lawsuit while you are still collecting workers’ compensation benefits, including the following:
- Your employer does not hold workers’ compensation insurance, which is illegal in most states
- You were harmed intentionally by your employer
Call 1-800-Injured to Be Connected With a Lawyer
After you have suffered an injury at your workplace, you may be unable to work, and finances start to become tight. Your medical expenses may be adding up quickly, and you need help. At 1-800-Injured, we can connect you with diligent lawyers from established law offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Call us or reach out online for a free case review.