Many employers in Gainesville are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. In the event that an employee is injured on the job, this insurance policy is meant to cover their medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to request and receive workers’ compensation benefits.
If you have been injured at work, a Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyer can provide guidance and support as you seek benefits. Our team at Bogin, Munns & Munns is ready to discuss your work injury and options for financial recovery.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Could Receive
Depending on the nature of your work-related injury, you may be entitled to various benefits through the workers’ compensation program. For example, you could receive benefits for medical care and wage reimbursement. These benefits may cover your:
- Medical appointments
- Medication, medical devices, etc.
- Costs of transportation to and from medical appointments
- Costs of transportation to and from the pharmacy
- Lost wages
- Lost tips or bonuses
However, the specifics of these benefits can be complex, which is why many people turn to a workers’ compensation lawyer for guidance. Our team can review your case and identify the benefits available to you.
Entitlement to Job Training Programs
In addition to compensation for medical care and lost wages, you may also be entitled to job training programs after suffering an injury at your workplace.
For example, The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation offers job retraining programs to help people reorient themselves after sustaining injuries at work. If you are eligible for one of these programs, they are free.
Entitlement to Death Benefits
You could also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for a loved one’s fatal injuries. If you lost a loved one due to a workplace injury, you may be forced to unexpectedly enter the workforce to make up for lost household income. In this case, you may be eligible for funeral expenses or dependency benefits.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Gainesville, Florida
The rules regarding workers’ compensation insurance can vary from state to state, so it is important to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your rights in Gainesville.
According to Florida Statutes § 440.15, if you suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
- Permanent total disability: When you have a major injury, and you are unable to work in any capacity as a result of the accident
- Temporary total disability: When you have a major injury, and you are unable to work at all while you recover
- Permanent partial disability: When you have a minor injury from which you will never recover, but you are able to do some work
- Temporary partial disability: When you have a minor injury, but you are still able to do some work
To consult with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer serving Gainesville
855-780-9986
What Counts as a Workplace Injury?
It’s important to remember that workers’ compensation is available from your very first day on the job and generally covers any type of injury. Examples of workplace injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Back injuries
- Carpal tunnel
- Injuries caused by unsafe equipment
- Injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment
- Illnesses developed relating to your employment, such as exposure to toxic chemicals
It’s also important to remember that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This has two implications:
- You still have a right to workers’ compensation benefits, even if your employer did not act negligently.
- Your actions generally do not affect your entitlement to workers’ compensation benefits (though there are exceptions, such as drinking on the job).
What if Someone Else Was Negligent?
In some instances, an employee may sustain a workplace injury due to a third party’s negligence. Consider the following scenario as an example:
- Your employer hired a contracted electrician to perform work at your place of employment;
- The contracted electrician left live wires exposed;
- These exposed live wires caused your injury.
In this scenario, you could be eligible for compensation from the third party. You would be able to file a claim against the electrician and/or their employer.
Understanding and managing these workers’ compensation cases can be complex. A workers’ compensation lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you determine if a third-party claim may be possible in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do
It is your employer’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe working environment for all employees. It is also the company’s responsibility to have workers’ compensation insurance and compensate employees in the event of an accident.
If you sustained a workplace injury, a workers’ compensation lawyer can guide your case to prove that your injury and/or illness was a direct result of your employment. Then, they can fight for the workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve.
When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm in Gainesville, we will:
- Record your testimony
- Interview eyewitnesses who saw you sustain the injury
- Speak with your doctor to understand the severity of your injuries and the healing process
- Recruit medical expert witnesses, if necessary
- Gather evidence and complete the appropriate documents to file your claim
- Communicate with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation for you
- Help you fight insurance companies if they attempt to end your benefits early or award you the incorrect benefits
- Represent you in legal proceedings and in court, if necessary
- Ensure you meet deadlines for applications and/or appeals
- Help you appeal a wrongful denial, if necessary
- Help you appeal an incorrect disability rating, if necessary
- Negotiate a settlement
Gainesville Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
How to Find a Gainesville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When injuries occur in the workplace, it is the employer’s responsibility to fairly compensate their employees for their medical needs and time without pay. Unfortunately, this process is not always straightforward.
If you sustained a workplace injury, illness, or other harm and hope to receive workers’ compensation benefits, reach out to Bogin, Munns & Munns.
We can manage your case and fight for the compensation you need to support your family as you heal. Call 352-332-7688 to get started.
Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today
