Accidents can happen in any workplace. Unfortunately, your injuries may be serious. Injured workers may face medical expenses, time off work, and more. Worse, you may be unsure whether you are due workers compensation benefits that can support you during your time of need.
Injured workers can seek help through Gainesville workers compensation lawyers, who may be able to help you claim workers compensation benefits. At 1-800 injured, we work hard to connect you to the right attorney for your workers compensation claim.
Common Work-Related Accidents
Every industry is different, but most industries can face serious injuries, even if you and your co-workers are being as careful as possible. Unfortunately, some situations can be difficult to avoid, but your worker’s compensation lawyer can help.
Below are a few of the most common workplace injuries and occupational illnesses you may face in many industries:
- Back injuries from falls
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Electrocutions
- Vehicle-related accidents
- Lung disease
Remember that this is only a sample of the cases Gainesville workers compensation attorneys can handle. If you have suffered a serious injury and need workers comp benefits, reach out for guidance on your next steps.
Am I Eligible for Workers Compensation?
Before you receive workers compensation benefits, you may be concerned about whether you are eligible at all. Florida law requires many employers to purchase workers compensation insurance, but this is not always a guarantee that your case is valid.
In most cases, any workplace with more than three employees will need to have a workers compensation insurance policy in place. Without workers compensation insurance, they may face much harsher penalties when work related injuries happen.
However, just because they carry this insurance does not mean that your employer’s insurance company is willing to pay for workers compensation cases. They may do everything in their power to avoid approving workers comp benefits.
When this happens, you may need personal injury lawyers on your side to help you get fair treatment when you have suffered workplace injuries and your insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Benefits for Injured Gainesville Workers
When you have suffered a serious injury while on the job, you may be due workers comp benefits that cover the costs of the suffering you have experienced. These benefits help you avoid paying significant amounts out of pocket, and they can provide financial support while you are unable to work.
If you are struggling to get the workers comp benefits you are due, do not hesitate to reach out to a Gainesville workers compensation attorney. Your lawyer can help you with any of the following benefits, among others, to ensure you get the compensation to help you overcome your injuries.
Medical Benefits
Workers compensation can help you cover the many costs that may arise after a work accident. When you think about medical benefits covering the costs of your medical care, the upfront costs of a hospital visit or emergency care are only the surface of the many medical bills that may arise as you seek treatment.
For example, you may need help from your workers compensation attorney to seek funds for the transportation you need to and from doctor’s visits. The specific needs you have can vary depending on your injuries, but you should never have to worry about pain out of pocket for your medical care.
Unsure what workers comp benefits you need, as well as what those benefits are worth? Talk with your legal team about getting the funds you are due for medical benefits.
Disability Benefits
When you are unable to work, you may feel the pressure of the lost wages you need to keep yourself and your family afloat. Without some benefits, you may be unable to support yourself. That is why your workers comp lawyers are here to work hard to ensure you get the wage replacement benefits for your survival.
Disability benefits can vary depending on the specific help you need. For example, you may need temporary total disability benefits if you are injured temporarily in a way that does not prevent you from returning to work in a reduced capacity. Permanent total disability, in contrast, means your injury cannot be further healed and that you are unable to return to work.
Death Benefits
In some cases, a workplace injury can lead to death. Sometimes, a work accident leaves a family without their primary breadwinner. Fortunately, workers compensation lawyers can help you apply for death benefits that can provide the support you need during this difficult time as the spouse or children of the deceased.
First, your death benefits should cover the funeral and burial costs of the deceased. You should also receive wage replacement benefits for a time following the fatal accident. These benefits offer a similar amount to the wage replacement benefits above, but the amount of time depends on the survivors. Spouses, for example, can receive disability benefits until they remarry or until death.
Do I Need an Attorney to File a Workers Comp Claim?
In some cases, filing a worker’s compensation claim may seem simple. Your main step is to notify your employer of the accident. They are then responsible for notifying their insurance company, which then investigates your case and determines whether you receive approval or denial.
Many injured workers seek out a Gainesville workers compensation lawyer. Determining why you did not receive your benefits can be tough, and you are already juggling your injury or illness with a lack of income. During this time, you may need all the support a professional attorney can provide.
Your attorney can also provide help building a strong defense with airtight evidence. For example, if you were denied workers compensation benefits because of a late policy, you may have grounds to dispute the denial and get the funds you deserve.
Gainesville Workers Compensation FAQ
Injuries sustained in a workers compensation claim can be difficult to get answers for. Each work accident is different, meaning you have different needs and questions for your case. Fortunately, your attorneys can offer the right tools to file your case, build a strong defense, and represent you in court.
When you are struggling to get answers for your case, seeking out an experienced workers compensation attorney can help you take action now. Workplace injury cases can be complex, so handling your case on your own may be difficult. Fortunately, you have many opportunities to seek out an attorney who can represent you before the workers compensation board and get the benefits you need, such as medical treatment.
In the meantime, we have also offered some commonly asked questions below. That way, if you are not certain about your attorney, you can get some answers here about what to expect from your case before you sign anything.
What happens if my claim is denied?
Workers who were hurt on the job and their family members may be upset to find their claim denied for benefits and additional compensation. Workers comp claims are often complex legal cases, so you may face a denial before you receive benefits.
Fortunately, a strong law firm can help you build a case for your work related injury. You may seek evidence through your own doctor, for instance, and you may even appeal your case before the state board.
Can I seek workers comp benefits if I contract the flu at work?
Sadly, certain conditions do not meet the criteria for a work injury, leaving you with few legal options to pursue benefits. Contracting the flu or one of these conditions may not be covered because the flu can be contracted anywhere. Fortunately, your legal team can help you navigate these situations, get the medical attention you need, and build your claim.
How long will my workers comp benefits last?
When you have suffered a work-related injury, you may want your workers compensation to last as long as possible. Employers can provide temporary disability benefits for up to 104 weeks, and those with permanent impairment may seek more.
Your employer may not want to provide you with the benefits you are due. Fortunately, injured employees can file workers compensation claims with workers compensation lawyers with extensive experience in the field. If you have questions about maximizing the length of time for your benefits, reach out to a lawyer for help.
Seek Out a Gainesville Workers Comp Attorney
No matter how hard you work, you may be unprepared for a workplace accident, which can leave you unable to work for some time. If you have a permanent injury, you may be facing not only medical bills but growing fears about how you will be able to provide for your family in the future. Workers compensation attorneys can provide peace of mind during this tumultuous time.
At 1-800 injured, we offer help bridging the gap between your needs and your attorney services. We can even begin with a free consultation about your workplace injury cases and your legal options for action. To learn more, reach out by calling or filling out our online contact form.