Have you been involved in a workplace accident and suffered an injury while performing a workplace duty? Have you filed a workers’ compensation claim that has been denied? Your injuries may entitle you to compensation from your employer. 1-800-Injured can put you in contact with a Pensacola workers’ compensation attorney to help ensure your legal rights are handled appropriately.
Workplace injuries can be life-changing for an injured employee. In most cases, an injured worker is out for a few days to recover. In unfortunate situations, workplace accidents can cause permanent injuries, leaving the victim with an inability to work. Injured workers unable to earn a living experience severe financial hardship affecting their entire family.
You deserve to have an experienced Pensacola personal injury lawyer working on your side to help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact 1-800-Injured today to access our attorney and medical referral service in Pensacola.
What Benefits Are Injured Workers Entitled to Under Florida’s Workers Compensation Law?
If you suffer injuries while at your place of work and require medical treatment, your employer is responsible for covering these medical expenses. Your employer has the right to require you to seek medical treatment from a suggested list of approved physicians. The physician you receive treatment from will testify to the extent of the workplace injuries, whether there is a need for medical treatment, and if the accident is the main cause of the need for medical treatment.
It is important to note that this physician works for your employer, and if they feel your injuries are not substantial enough to receive benefits, you may need the help of a Pensacola workers comp attorney to fight for your benefits.
Medical Benefits
Any medical treatment required for your work-related injury that is recommended by the employer’s authorized treating physician is to be covered under Florida’s workers’ compensation benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)
If the authorized treating physician releases you to work on a restricted or light-duty status, your work hours may be limited. TPD benefits will compensate you for lost wages during this time.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
If the authorized treating physician places you on a no-work status, you will be without income. TTD compensates you for lost income while you remain on no-work status.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD)
If your injuries are severe and you are unable to return to work and make an income, you may qualify for PTD benefits.
Impairment Benefits
The severity of your injuries will be documented by the authorized treating physician. If the accident creates a permanent physical injury, impairment benefits will compensate you for these injuries.
Settlement
A workers’ comp settlement is a lump sum payment an injury victim agrees to in exchange for a waiver of benefits. The victim waives the right to past, present, or future workers’ comp benefits that would otherwise be available under Florida law.
What Causes Pensacola Workplace Accidents?
Work-related injuries occur more frequently than people think. There are a variety of reasons workplace accidents occur. The most common causes include:
- Improper use of equipment or tools
- Unsafe working conditions
- Inadequate or poor training
- Lack of safety gear
- Malfunctioning or faulty equipment
The list of causes of workplace accidents could be endless, but the end result is almost always the same: workers are injured. No matter the cause of your work-related injury, a workers comp attorney in Pensacola can help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact 1-800-Injured today to be connected with a knowledgeable Pensacola attorney.
What Should You Do After a Workplace Accident in Pensacola?
It may be difficult to focus on anything but your injuries after a work-related accident. However, the steps you take after an accident can greatly impact your workers’ compensation claim and the success of receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Seek Medical Attention
If you suffered severe injuries, call 911 immediately to get medical attention. If you believe your injuries are less severe, you should still visit a physician or emergency room so they can conduct a thorough medical examination. You may be unaware of hidden injuries, and your health and safety are top priorities.
Inform your employer of your injuries so they can direct you to their list of authorized medical physicians. If you receive medical treatment from a provider that has not been authorized by the workers’ compensation carrier or your employer, you could be liable for paying those medical bills.
Report the Injury to Your Employer or Supervisor
You should report your injury to your employer immediately. You are given 30 days to disclose the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose the right to receive benefits through the workers compensation system.
Sometimes, an employer will choose not to report the injury to their workers’ compensation carrier. They may tell you it will be “taken care of for you,” but you must insist a claim is filed. A Pensacola workers’ compensation lawyer can help you if the accident isn’t reported by your employer.
Gather evidence
Evidence is the best way to prove your workers’ compensation claim. Gather evidence, including:
- Photos and video
- Medical reports
- Witness statements
- Proof of lost income
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
There is a deadline of two years to file a claim to receive workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney can help you submit your injury claim for benefits to the Florida Division of Workers Compensation.
Obtain Legal Counsel
Filing a workers comp claim can be complicated, and there is a real chance your claim will be denied. A Pensacola workers’ compensation lawyer working with you from the start will increase your chances of being approved.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today
You should not have to handle the Florida workers’ compensation system alone. Your legal rights and the benefits you deserve are at stake. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with a Pensacola lawyer today through our secure online form.