Work-related accidents can happen in any occupation or industry. Some industries are more susceptible to on-the-job injuries due to the hazards and risks involved. Workers in industries such as construction, oil and natural gas, and mining are more prone to workplace injuries. Still, any employee, including office workers, can sustain temporary or permanent injuries through occupational hazards. If a workplace accident interrupts your life, you might be entitled to workers’ comp benefits. An experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can explain these benefits to you.

If you’ve been hurt while on the job, Miami Lawyers 360 will fight to protect your rights. We know how difficult it can be to obtain workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale and our team of experienced attorneys and staff are ready to help guide you through the process. Workers’ compensation laws can be complicated, however, our injury lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the laws and they will review all aspects of your claim and evaluate the facts of your case. Call us now at (786) 686-2857 for a free case review.

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What is Workers Compensation?

If you are injured at your workplace, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Every employee has rights, and it is an employer’s responsibility to make sure employees are compensated for work-related accidents. You may be entitled to the following benefits after a workplace accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL:

  • Medical Care: This covers costs such as hospital stays that your employer’s insurance provider pays for.
  • Temporary Total Disability Benefits: You may be entitled to these benefits if your doctor advises you to stay away from work for a certain period.
  • Physical Therapy: These benefits cover physical therapy expenses for the treatment of your injuries. Therapy helps to restore your ability to move and perform everyday tasks.
  • Prescriptions: Workers’ comp benefits also cover your prescription drugs.
  • Necessary Travel Expenses: You may incur out-of-pocket costs to travel to the hospital.

You may also be entitled to receive compensation to cater to your vocational rehabilitation expenses. Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. For this reason, you should contact our reliable Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer, for sound legal counsel. Miami Lawyers 360 can inform you about your rights and responsibilities in a workers’ comp claim.

What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?

For you to secure workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there are several essential steps that you should take. It’s critical to take these steps if you are injured while on the job:

Notify Your Employer

If you’re involved in a workplace accident, make sure you inform your employer about the incident. Remember to ask your employer where you should seek treatment. If your employer is unavailable, you can contact the employer’s insurer to get relevant information about all approved doctors.

Seek Medical Treatment

Never delay seeking medical treatment from an authorized doctor after a workplace injury. You may be unaware of how severe your injuries are. A doctor’s diagnosis can help build your Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation claim. A doctor’s report may be required for you to receive compensation for your injuries. Remember to follow all your doctor’s instructions during treatment.

Keep a Record of Your Injury

A progress report on how your symptoms and injuries are progressing can help build a strong claim.

Document Your Injuries

Take pictures and videos of your injuries after the workplace incident. This will help to prove the severity of your damages.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida

An experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you file a workers’ comp claim. Florida employers should file workers’ compensation claims within a week after being notified by their employees. After your employer has filed a claim, you’ll be required to furnish the insurance company with more details regarding your injuries.

Rest and Recuperate

Take time off to rest and recover after your accident. Don’t rush to get back to work if you don’t feel fine. Nothing is more important than your physical and mental health.

Work injury claim form

What are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.8 million workplace illnesses and injuries were reported in 2019. These figures are from private industry employers.

Any type of injury can occur while at work. Injuries may depend on your occupation, industry, and specific circumstances. The most common workplace accident injuries include:

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Burns
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Hearing loss
  • Joint pain
  • Construction accidents
  • Amputations
  • Accidents while on business trips
  • Fractures
  • Accidents while using company machinery or tools

Contact Miami Lawyers 360 today if you’ve sustained any work-related injuries. Our attorneys specializing in workers’ comp are ready to provide you with the best legal options for your case.

Why Should I Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?

If you’ve been hurt in the workplace and you believe someone else is to blame, you should reach out to an experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer. The earlier you reach out to an attorney, the better. Here’s how the legal team at Miami Lawyers 360 can help you with your workers’ comp claim.

Case Preparation

Our lawyers are prepared to look into all aspects of your claim. We will gather and analyze evidence to determine who is to blame for your work injury. Our legal team will also go through your employment and medical records to ensure we build a watertight case.

Once we are done, we will file a demand letter seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.

Settlement Negotiations

Regardless of how friendly insurance adjusters seem, remember they aren’t on your side. Your employer may not even be on your side. For this reason, you deserve the help of a skilled Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer to help you during settlement talks.

Our attorneys are prepared to aggressively negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. Our lawyers won’t accept any lowball offers for your workers’ comp claim.

Appealing a Denied Claim

Not all workers’ compensation claims in Fort Lauderdale are successful. Insurance carriers may deny your claim on various grounds.

If your claim has been denied, reach out to a reputable workers’ compensation law firm near Fort Lauderdale immediately. At Miami Lawyers 360, our legal team is ready to file an appeal and request a hearing before the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Litigation

If the commission doesn’t rule in our favor, our trial lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are prepared to represent you in the local court system. Our legal team won’t rest until you secure a favorable outcome for your claim.

Related: What are the Duties of a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer? 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

The Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer at Miami Lawyers 360 operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t charge any upfront fees, and you only pay if we win your case. We provide no-cost, risk-free consultations.

Fort Lauderdale workers' compensation lawyer meeting injured client.

What Should I Do if My Workers Compensation Claim is Denied?

If your employer or your employer’s insurance provider has denied your claim, you have the right to contest the decision. You can file an appeal at the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can help you appeal your claim. We will use relevant evidence, including expert testimonies, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong claim. Miami Lawyers 360 can also resolve your case through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like arbitration and mediation.

What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers Comp Claim?

As an employee, it is your responsibility to report your accident within 30 days. You should seek medical treatment from an authorized doctor if you have a work-related injury. Seeking treatment from an authorized doctor ensures the employer’s insurer covers your medical bills.

What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process?

All employers are required to abide by Florida workers’ compensation laws. Employers must immediately notify their insurance company about your injury. It is the responsibility of the employer to fill out a First Report of Injury or Illness. Your employer should submit this document to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation and the employer’s insurer within seven days.

Can I be Fired for a Workers’ Comp Claim?

It is unethical and unlawful for an employer in Florida to fire you after a workplace accident. Your employer has no legal basis for terminating your employment due to any work-related injury or illness.

Is there a Time Limit to File a Workers Comp Claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

In Florida, you have 30 days from the date of your injury or from when your injuries become apparent to notify your employer. To receive compensation for your injury, you have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

A construction worker with a knee injury.

Can I Sue My Employer?

In the state of Florida, you can’t sue your employer for most work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation coverage protects employers from lawsuits. This policy covers damages that you sustain in a workplace accident. However, some exceptions can be made once your employer crosses a certain threshold. You may be able to sue your employer for damages. An experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ comp lawyer can offer you sound legal counsel during such situations.

Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Comp Claim?

Independent contractors aren’t regarded as employees under the law in Florida. Employers aren’t obliged to cover these individuals. This makes it tricky for an independent contractor to obtain compensation benefits after an accident. Independent contractors aren’t eligible for any compensation.

What is My Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

Your workers’ compensation benefits in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will cover:

  • Medical expenses incurred in authorized facilities
  • Rehabilitation expenses, including occupational and physical therapy
  • A percentage of your lost earnings
  • Travel costs for hospital visits
  • Prescription drugs
  • Compensation for lost wages for your temporary disability period. You are entitled to receive up to 80% of your previous income for 104 weeks.
  • Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): These are benefits for workers who’ve sustained permanent injuries but can still perform some work.
  • Permanent Total Disability: These are additional benefits for workers who can no longer work due to their injuries. You are entitled to 66% of your weekly wages until you turn 75 years.
  • Death benefits: In the event of death, your family may receive a $150,000 benefits payment and $7,500 for funeral expenses.

Contact An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

There are lots of myths and misconceptions in Florida regarding the workers’ compensation laws. You can quickly get discouraged when you listen to these misconceptions. Miami Lawyers 360 has all the facts and answers to your questions. You don’t have to worry about Florida’s complicated legal process. Let our legal team handle your entire claims process.

At Miami Lawyers 360, our lawyers are fully committed to helping you with your claim. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us now at (786) 686-2857 for a free case review. Remember, you don’t pay anything unless we win!

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You can rely on our experience to help you through each step of the claims process.