Not many people head to the workplace expecting to be injured. Unfortunately, work-related injuries are more common than most people think. A workplace injury can be catastrophic, no matter the profession.
If you have suffered a workplace accident, contact 1-800-Injured, an attorney and medical referral service that can put you in contact with a Tallahassee workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your legal rights and what you need to do to seek compensation for your injuries.
Work-related injuries can lead to lifelong complications, causing injury victims to face financial difficulties and mobility limitations throughout the rest of their lives. You should not have to handle the insurance companies alone. A Tallahassee personal injury lawyer is available to help every step of the way.
Common Tallahassee Workplace Accidents
If you suffer a workplace injury in Tallahassee, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Some of the common workplace accidents that an injured worker might have to cope with include:
- Slip and fall accidents: poorly maintained floors or uncleaned slippery spills can cause employees to fall.
- Motor vehicle accidents: an employee who drives as one of their work duties could be injured in a motor vehicle crash.
- Construction site accidents: various hazards exist on construction sites, including dangerous equipment, chemicals, and tripping hazards.
- Falling objects: falling objects can lead to serious workplace injuries when employers do not have proper protections in place.
- Inadequate security: inadequate security raises the risk of an attack occurring between another employee or customer on the property.
How Long Can You Be on Workers’ Comp in Florida?
The majority of people who are injured on the job only miss a few days of work and are then able to return, even if on light duty. Those unable to return to their industry are often able to find employment in a different field. Only in rare circumstances does an employee suffer a catastrophic injury, preventing them from working any job.
Workers’ compensation benefits vary in duration for Florida claimants. Most people can receive benefits for 104 weeks or until they can return to work.
Florida’s Workers Compensation System
In Florida, most employers who have four or more employees — or one or more workers in the construction industry — are required to carry workers comp insurance to protect their employees. If you suffer an injury or occupational illness at work, you can file a claim for insurance benefits. Some important information to be aware of:
- You are not required to prove that your injury or medical condition is the fault of your employer;
- You must be an employee who is eligible to receive benefits from the company since independent contractors are disqualified;
- Your injury must have occurred while on the job, completing a work-related task, or suffered an occupational illness that is directly connected to your job duties;
- Your medical condition, diagnosis, or injuries must be reported to your employer within 30 days of occurrence and;
- Your sole remedy for work-related injuries or illness is workers’ compensation unless your circumstances fall under one of the limited exceptions allowing you to file a civil lawsuit.
1-800-Injured can help you find an attorney in Tallahassee who can assist you throughout the process, ensuring you are aware of the rules of Florida’s workers’ compensation system. Call us today to find a local attorney.
Florida Workers Compensation Benefits
Upon qualification to receive workers’ compensation, there are various benefits that become available to you, particularly if you suffer a permanent disability. These benefits can include:
- Financial compensation for any medical treatment, doctor’s visits, medication, medical care, and medical equipment that covers both current and future expenses related to your workplace injury or illness
- Replacement of a portion of your income
- Temporary total disability and temporary partial disability
- Impairment benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation is available if you require a change in career to earn wages
- Death benefits for family members of an employee who suffered fatal injuries or occupational illness.
Workers’ compensation claims are similar to personal injury claims. However, pain and suffering are not compensable damage with a work-related injury under the workers’ comp laws.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Workers’ Compensation Claims in Tallahassee, FL
Filing a workers’ comp claim can be complicated, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. Unfortunately, injured workers make many common mistakes that could ruin their chances of being awarded full benefits.
Some of the more common mistakes made by injured workers include:
- Reporting the injury or occupational illness diagnosis past the 30-day reporting deadline
- Failing to seek medical attention or following the advice given by a medical professional
- Not properly documenting all medical expenses and treatments
- Failing to disclose a pre-existing medical condition that could have played a part in your injury
- Signing or agreeing to documents without a full understanding of all possible implications
If you can avoid making these simple mistakes, you increase your chances of a successful workers’ comp claim. A knowledgeable Tallahassee lawyer can assist you throughout the workers’ compensation process and help you avoid costly mistakes. Contact 1-800-Injured today for help finding an aggressive attorney and begin receiving the compensation you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer For a Workers Compensation Case in Tallahassee?
Workers’ compensation cases are often complicated, and it can be difficult for injured employees to gain full workers’ compensation benefits without the assistance of a knowledgeable Tallahassee lawyer.
There are strict deadlines that must be followed to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you miss a deadline, you may be out of luck. Still, an attorney can help you understand your options.
At What Point Should I Hire a Workers Compensation Attorney?
Having a workers’ comp lawyer on your side from the start of your injury claim can give you a hefty advantage to help ensure you receive the full medical and financial benefits you require for a complete recovery. There are many benefits to having a workers comp lawyer helping with your claim early in the process:
- Legal guidance: An educated workers’ compensation lawyer has a deep understanding of the complex Florida laws and regulations regarding workers’ compensation claims. Knowledgeable Tallahassee workers’ compensation attorneys can give expert advice and guidance and assist you in navigating the workers’ comp claims process effectively.
- Timely filings of required documentation: Filing a claim with the Florida workers’ compensation system involves a large quantity of paperwork with strict deadlines. An attorney experienced in workers’ compensation law can provide expertise, ensuring that you gather and submit the required documentation accurately and on time. A lawyer can minimize the risk of omissions or inaccuracies that could potentially jeopardize or delay your workers’ comp claim.
- Advocacy and representation: Throughout the claims process, you will have an experienced lawyer as your advocate. They represent your best interest in all legal proceedings, including hearings or appeals, to ensure that your case is presented successfully before the administrative board or the employer’s insurance company and that your legal rights are protected.
- Settlement negotiations: An insurance company will often offer low settlements in order to attempt to minimize the amount they have to pay out. A skilled workers comp lawyer can seek a fair settlement on your behalf by negotiating an amount that reflects the full extent of your medical expenses, injuries, lost wages, and other work-related damages. The understanding and experience an attorney holds regarding the value of your injury claim can greatly increase the chances of obtaining a successful outcome.
- Identify errors and more: Errors are often made by insurance companies and employers, or they may overlook all available benefits that you may be entitled to. Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyers can thoroughly review all documents in your case to identify oversight or errors and will seek all options for any additional benefits you could receive or higher settlement amounts. Your attorney will always fight for you and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Hiring a workers comp lawyer from the beginning can help you avoid costly errors, increase your chances of successfully receiving the full compensation you deserve for your work-related injuries, and, above all else, protect your legal rights. An experienced attorney can offer expertise and advocacy that would not be available if you were to fight your case alone.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Be Connected With a Tallahassee Workers Comp Lawyer
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, you need an aggressive workers’ compensation attorney who knows Florida workers’ compensation laws and can help fight for the benefits you deserve. Reach out to 1-800-Injured today using our online contact form to be connected with a Tallahassee lawyer to secure your workers’ comp benefits.