You may get hurt at work in Hollywood, FL. In this scenario, you may not be responsible for your on-the-job accident and injury. Partner with a Hollywood personal injury lawyer, and they can help you pursue damages from any at-fault parties.
The Schiller Kessler Group offers aggressive personal injury representation. A Hollywood work accident lawyer is available to review your case. To get started, contact us today.
Workers’ Compensation in Florida
Florida has a workers’ compensation system in place that gives many employees the right to pursue benefits if they suffer an injury. Certain criteria must be awarded before a worker can receive workers’ comp benefits. These criteria include:
- The worker’s injury must take place on the job.
- The worker must suffer injury while completing a work-related activity.
- The worker must not have been warned about an on-the-job hazard that contributed to their injury (this does not necessarily apply to occupational diseases).
Do not wait to file a workers’ comp claim following an on-the-job accident. Per Florida Statutes §440.185, you have up to 30 days from the date you suffer a workplace injury to notify your employer. If you choose not to tell your employer about your injury within this window, you may compromise your ability to secure benefits.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Who Is Required to Offer Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Any Florida business with four or more employees must have workers’ compensation coverage. The type of coverage a company buys may vary based on its industry and other factors. Examples of businesses that may need workers’ compensation protection include:
- Construction companies that employ at least one worker
- Agricultural companies with six or more employees
- Out-of-state employers that have workers based out of Florida
If your employer has workers’ comp coverage, you may be able to request benefits through it if you get hurt on the job. Comparatively, if your employer is exempt from workers’ comp or does not purchase this protection, you may need to file a lawsuit to get compensation. By hiring a lawyer who has achieved outstanding case results in workers’ comp cases, you can boost your chances of receiving the damages you want.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
When to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Generally, it is in your best interests to report a workplace accident and injury as soon as they happen. In the best-case scenario, your employer will do everything they can to help you get medical care. They can provide you with workers’ compensation benefits and help you get the most value out of them.
Once you report your on-the-job injury, your employer is legally required to report it to its insurance provider. At this point, the insurance company will send an informational brochure to you within three days of receipt of the notification from your employer. This brochure gives you details about workers’ compensation and your legal rights and responsibilities.
Connect with a Hollywood work accident attorney to get legal help with your workers’ comp claim. The team at The Schiller Kessler Group can help you secure compensation if you get hurt in a slip and fall accident or any other type of workplace incident. To learn more, reach out to us.
Medical Treatment After a Work Injury
According to Florida Statutes §440.13(2), a medical provider authorized by your employer or their insurance company may provide care to help you recover from your work injury. This provider can submit your medical bills to your employer’s insurer. From here, the insurance provider will cover the bills.
Based on Florida Statutes §440.12, you may not get workers’ comp in the first seven days following a workplace accident that leads to a disability. If you miss at least 21 days due to your disability, you may be paid for the initial week you were unavailable to work. In this situation, your employer’s insurance company may cover your lost wages for the initial seven days.
For those who get paid biweekly, you may receive approximately two-thirds of your average weekly pay through workers’ compensation. There are exceptions to this rule. A work accident lawyer can look at your workers’ comp case and help you figure out how much you may be able to get in benefits.
Why an Employer May Not Report a Workplace Injury
Just because you notify your employer about a work injury does not mean they will report it to their insurance provider. They may believe you are partly or solely responsible for your injury. This may lead your employer to do whatever they can to avoid paying you compensation.
A work accident lawyer in Hollywood protects your legal rights. They can answer frequently asked questions and many others about how to handle a workers’ comp claim. Your attorney can also work with you to build a case against your employer.
To prove your employer should be held accountable for your work injury damages, you must provide a body of proof. You may offer medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to support your claim. A work accident attorney in Hollywood can help you collect a preponderance of evidence to show you are in no way responsible for your on-the-job injury.
Workers’ Compensation Claim Tips
Continue to receive medical care as you move forward with your workers’ compensation claim. Your workplace injury is unlikely to heal on its own. By going to doctor’s appointments and following the instructions of medical providers, you can get the help you need to rebound from your injury.
Keep track of all of your medical records. If you are dealing with a catastrophic injury or any other health issue, you need proof to highlight its severity. For those who can provide a body of evidence, you may improve your chances of getting workers’ comp benefits.
Do not discuss your claim with your employer or their insurance company. If either reaches out to you, let your attorney know. Your lawyer can discuss your claim on your behalf and help you avoid saying anything that may otherwise put your case in danger.
Hire a Work Accident Attorney
The Schiller Kessler Group is here to help anyone who got hurt at work due to their employer’s negligence. We can take a look at your work accident case. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
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