Being injured at work is a frightening and stressful experience especially for employees that are paid on an hourly basis. When your Employer determines the amount that you can work, one cannot afford to miss any time from the job since many companies do not even offer sick, PTO (paid time off) and or vacation time. Unfortunately life happens, and a person can find himself/herself in a difficult situation after a work related accident. The whole process may curtail your ability to earn the same wages as before the accident due to the attendance of various medical appointments, diagnostic testing and or the work restrictions given.
What can someone do in order to protect themselves? Contact The Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A.The firm has been proudly handling claims representing injured workers since 1993. We’ll even provide free information about how the law operates, discuss your particular situation and formulate a legal strategy to assist in the initial consultation. Should you hire us, there are no charges unless there is a court award or settlement. You therefore have nothing to lose. Contact us today at (866) I SUE YOU (478-3968), (954) 998-0075 text or [email protected] to get informed.
Evan and his team are here to help!
Most Employees Are Entitled To Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
If you are injured or got sick while on the job, your Employer may be required to provide medical benefits and or lost wages if the accident/condition is deemed related to the workplace. They are intended to help you cover the costs of your medical care and a portion of the lost income while you recover; the benefits however are limited.
Do note that if the injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, one may also be entitled for vocational rehabilitation and or job placement assistance.
That being said, generally if they are so severe that you cannot work ever again, some employees may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
An Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier Should Cover You.
Workers’ Compensation insurance is offered to protect employees that are injured on the job for lost wages and medical care. Generally, if an Employer has four or more workers, they are required to have such coverage. If not, the State of Florida can fine and or shut down the business. Should one be employed in the field of construction, only one worker is necessary for the company to have such a policy in place.
The Workers Compensation Act is therefore necessary so that injured employees have access to free medical care and some lost wage benefits.
Can You Be Fired For Filing For A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you can prove that the Employer retaliated against you for filing or attempting to file a workers’ compensation claim, that’s illegal. If so, they can be sued separately in circuit court for a violation of F.S.§440.205 where the case would be heard in front of a jury. Mind you the injured worker would still have the underlying workers’ compensation claim. That means the employee would have two potential sources for recovery.
The reasoning behind this added protection is to insure that the injured individuals receive benefits allowed under the workers’ compensation no-fault system. So it doesn’t matter who is responsible for the accident or injury. Generally, if you get injured on the job, the workers’ compensation law states that employees are entitled to benefits.
Your Employer’s Insurance Company Will Pick Your Doctor.
This may come off as a surprise, but according to Florida workers’ compensation law, your Employer’s insurance company will pick the treating doctor. Nevertheless, if you proceed to seek your own physician, the Employer and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier will not pay for the care nor accept their medical opinion. There are only a few exceptions that a lawyer can address.
You May Have To Fight To Get Your Well-Deserved Compensation.
The workers’ compensation laws in Florida are complicated and bureaucratic, and often very difficult for injured workers to navigate. That’s why one should consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer right away in order to protect their rights. Let us try to take the worry out of the equation so you can focus on your health.
Feeling Lost In The Workers’ Compensation System?
If you’ve been injured at work and try to fight the Employer and their Workers’ Compensation Carrier alone, that’s almost an impossible situation. Many Insurance Companies use the tactics of Deny, Delay, Diminish and Defend claims. Why? Simply to save themselves money! But there is hope. Contact The Law Offices of Evan M. Ostfeld, P.A. today. We have over 29 years of experience in these matters and shall fight for the compensation that you deserve.
