If you were hurt on the job in Orange City, you might be entitled to monetary benefits through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
These benefits could be life-changing, but there is no guarantee that your claim will be accepted. It is no secret that insurance companies will look for any excuse to deny a workers’ compensation claim when possible. A workplace injury lawyer in our Orange City office could help you pursue the benefits you need.
Our Orange City Lawyer Can Help with Your Workplace Injury
If you are not getting any or all the benefits you need from your workers’ compensation claim, your lawyer can help you take legal action. Some of the responsibilities they can take up for you include:
- Reviewing Florida’s workers’ compensation rules and regulations with you
- Filing a lawsuit
- Collecting necessary evidence
- Assessing your damages
- Managing communication with the insurance companies
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
To consult with an experienced workplace injury lawyer serving Orange City
855-780-9986
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are different types of benefits that are available under Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. Some examples include:
Disability Benefits
Disability benefits come in the form of monetary payments that are designed to replace your lost wages due to your inability to return to work. Typically, these benefits are a percentage of your wages prior to your injury.
Disability benefits could be temporary or permanent—meaning they could cover injuries that are unlikely to last more than a year or conditions that might last the rest of your life. Disability benefits can also be either total or partial. A total disability is one that prevents you from working at all, while a partial disability could allow you to perform light work.
Medical Bills
The workers’ compensation system also pays for your medical bills following a workplace accident. There is no cutoff date; these benefits are available until your doctor says you have reached the maximum level of improvement possible. You could also seek compensation for the cost of traveling to and from the doctor.
Vocational Training
Some workers are never able to return to their same position. When these workers are able to maintain other forms of employment, they could receive benefits that apply to the cost of additional training or licensing.
How Workplace Injuries that Can Require Compensation Occur
Workplace injuries happen every day across a variety of businesses. These injuries can be severe and are not limited to traditionally hazardous professions like construction work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers reported more than 2.8 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses.
Some workplace injuries are more likely than others to result in a claim for compensation through the workers’ compensation system. Some examples include:
- Machinery accidents. Heavy machinery represents a serious risk of injury, as it could crush a worker’s limb or entire body.
- Falls. Falls are one of the most common types of injuries when it comes to workers’ compensation claims. These accidents range from a slip and fall on a wet surface to a fall from a tall scaffolding.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Repetitive stress injuries can occur in every type of workplace. These muscle strain injuries are not only common with factory work but also in an office setting.
These are only a few of the ways a workplace injury could lead to a claim for compensation. A workplace injury lawyer at our Orange City office could advise you on whether or not your injury could result in benefits.
Orange City Workplace Injury Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Common Reasons for Denied Claims
The fact that the state workers’ compensation system is described as a “no-fault” system might lead you to assume there is little chance of a denied claim. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Despite the intention for this system to provide benefits for workers even if they were at fault for their own accident, insurance companies will always look for excuses to deny a claim, including:
Missed Deadlines
There are strict deadlines that apply to every workers’ compensation claim. The first deadline requires you to notify your employer of an injury within 30 days of it occurring. Make sure you have this notice in writing so it can serve as evidence later on in your case.
Pre-Existing Conditions
On their own, pre-existing conditions will not bar you from recovering benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. What matters is whether or not your injuries that you are seeking benefits for existed before your time on the job or if they occurred while at work.
You could be entitled to benefits if you can show that a workplace accident aggravated a pre-existing condition.
Lack of Evidence
In many cases, insurance companies will cite a lack of evidence that your injury occurred in a workplace accident. This could include the lack of proof that your injury occurred while on the job or that you were ever injured at all. There are numerous forms of evidence that could refute these claims.
Uncovered Injuries
Despite the “no-fault” status of a workers’ compensation claim, it should be noted that there are certain factors that could see your claim denied.
For example, if you were involved in horseplay on the clock or intoxicated at work, any injuries you suffer might not be covered by workers’ compensation benefits.
Not an Employee
These benefits are only available to employees that work for a company with workers’ compensation insurance. If you are a freelancer or an independent contractor, you may not be entitled to compensation.
Talk to an Attorney with Our Firm about Your Workplace Injury
If you are ready to talk about your workplace injury, we are ready to listen. Bogin, Munns & Munns understands the hardships that can come with a workplace injury, and we are ready to help. To learn more about what our workplace injury lawyers could do for you, call (386) 860-5200 and get your free consultation.
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