If you work in Florida, odds are you are covered under Florida’s workers’ compensation program — whether you are full-time, part-time, brand new at work or even an undocumented worker. Your employer is required to provide this coverage at no cost to you, so that if you are injured in the course of employment, you do not have to suffer out-of-pocket financial losses related to medical care and lost wages.
Workers' Compensation
Florida Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
Fighting For FinancialProtection After A Florida Workplace Injury
Under Florida workers’ compensation laws, your employer has an obligation to provide certain benefits if you suffer an injury or illness while working on the job.
Employees file a claim with their employer and, depending on their injury or illness, can recover the following:
Medical benefits: Injured workers are entitled to get paid for all medical costs associated with their work injury, including surgeries, physical therapy, prescription drugs, and even transportation to and from appointments.
Indemnity, or disability benefits: Workers unable to return to work can apply for full or partial temporary benefits, depending on the injuries. Those with permanent injuries may qualify for permanent total disability benefits.
In exchange for providing these benefits, the employee cannot sue the employer or seek compensation for pain and suffering like a typical civil lawsuit would allow.
Reasons to Hire aWorkers’ Compensation Attorney
There are many potential benefits of hiring a workers’ comp attorney. First, when you hire an attorney, you don’t need to worry about forms being rejected or challenged by the state or by the insurance company. Instead, you can be confident because your attorney understands the Florida workers’ compensation program and has helped other injured workers obtain the maximum amount of benefits they were entitled to receive. Generally, you won’t have to pay your attorney anything out-of-pocket, either! Your lawyer is only paid if he or she is successful in helping you obtain your benefits.
If you’re wondering at what point in the process it makes sense to engage an attorney to help you, the answer is as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be in the best position to help you when you bring him or her on right away after seeking medical treatment for your injuries.
ExperiencedWorkers’ Compensation Attorneys
Located in Tampa and Clearwater, at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys, attorneys Scott Marshall has over 25 years of collective legal experience. As workers’ compensation lawyers Florida workers trust fair representation, Scott helps employees throughout South Florida working in all fields get the benefits they need for an on-the-job injury or illness.
We defending employers and insurance companies in workers’ comp claims. He knows how the defense works and the tactics they use to approve, deny, or delay rightful workers’ comp claims and benefits. He uses that knowledge to help injured employees at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys today.
Common Causes ofWorkplace Accidents
No matter what kind of job you have or what industry you work in, you could be injured on the job. However, some workplace accidents occur more frequently than others – and there are some common themes. Some of the most common causes our firm sees include:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Safety procedures are not followed
- Poor training
- Inadequate supervision
- Negligent subcontractors
- Defective equipment or parts
- Motor vehicle accidents while driving for work
- Common Workplace Injuries
CommonWorkplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can range from relatively minor aches and pains to catastrophic losses. Our firm handles a variety of workers’ compensation injuries, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Burns
- Electrical injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe lacerations
- Broken bones
- Injuries to limbs and joints
- Amputation
- Whiplash
- Eye injuries
- Hearing damage
- Wrongful death
Types of Workers’ CompensationCases We Handle
Our workers’ compensation law firm helps workers deal with several different types of workplace illnesses and injuries.
Sudden injuries: The majority of workers’ compensation claims fall into this category, involving injuries that arise suddenly, usually due to some type of accident or incident. For example, a worker injured while slipping and falling on a wet floor or an employee involved in a car accident while driving on company business qualify as having suffered sudden injuries.
Occupational illness or injury: Another category of workers’ comp claims are illnesses or injuries that are tied to an employee’s work environment. These types of illnesses/injuries build over time, as the employee is continually exposed to harmful toxins or other environmental factors.
Recurring medical conditions: Workers’ compensation claims can also involve the recurrence or exacerbation of previous injuries or illnesses.
Claims AgainstThird Parties
Although as an employee, you cannot generally file suit against your employer for your workplace injuries. However, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against an outside third party if they were responsible. For example, if you drive as part of your job and you are involved in a car accident caused by an at-fault driver, you could potentially make a claim against the driver in addition to obtaining your workers’ comp benefits.
Our Process andWhat to Expect
Choosing to retain the workers’ comp lawyers at Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys can help ensure your claim does not fall victim to an employer’s or an insurance company’s attempts to minimize their losses. Scott is an experienced attorneys who understand the Florida workers’ compensation program and are adept at helping clients recover the compensation they deserve.
We take a hands-on approach to each workers’ compensation claims that we handle. When you retain our firm, you will work directly with your attorney — not with a legal assistant or a paralegal. Your lawyer will be there for you at every step, explaining the process and answering your questions. In addition to providing one-on-one support, we will also conduct investigations, order independent medical examinations (IMEs), gather evidence and documentation, submit your claims paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. We will also represent you at hearings and appeals, in the event your initial claim is denied.
Discuss Your Injury With AnExperienced Attorney
The Florida workers’ comp system can be complex, with paperwork and deadlines. Ensure you get all of the benefits you are entitled to. Reach out to one of the experienced work injury lawyers at our firm today to discuss. Workers’ comp attorneys Scott Marshall knows the law and will fight for the compensation you and your family need and deserve.
FAQ
Q.What is workers’ compensation and do I need it?
Q.What types of injuries are covered under workers’ compensation?
Ultimately, workers’ compensation covers nearly any type of injury sustained in the course of your employment. This includes injuries suffered when slipping and falling, being struck by an object, falling from a height, electrocution and burns, chemical injuries, injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents while driving for work and more.
Q.Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No! Florida law is very clear that employers may not retaliate against workers who file claims for workers’ compensation benefits after being injured on the job. This means your employer cannot legally fire you, threaten to fire you, intimidate you or try to coerce you in any way related to a valid workers’ compensation claim. Employers are not, however, required to hold your job while you recover from a workplace injury.
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