Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job. The system is designed to provide financial support quickly to workers while also protecting employers from lawsuits. In Florida, the workers’ compensation system is governed by the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act.
If you’re an employee in Florida, your employer in most cases is required to pay for workers’ comp coverage for you so you have benefits in case you’re injured. In theory, this system is supposed to make sure you get income support and medical bill coverage if you’re injured on the job.
The legal team at Flaxman Law Group has seen many cases where the system has let workers down. We’ve seen legitimate claims denied or delayed, causing real financial problems for injured workers. We’ve also seen situations where an employer illegally failed to cover their employees, leaving injured workers without benefits. If you’ve been injured on the job, even if you’re covered, it’s worthwhile to talk to an attorney to make sure you have someone in your corner seeking the fairest compensation for you.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act, employees are entitled to medical care and treatment for their work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage includes doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, and other medical procedures that may be necessary to treat your condition.
Employees may also be entitled to wage replacement benefits if they are unable to work due to their injury or illness. These benefits can help cover lost wages and provide financial support during a difficult time. Usually, wage loss benefits replace a portion of the average weekly wage, up to the state maximum.
The Florida Workers’ Comp Process
If you have been injured or become ill as a result of your work, report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Failure to report the incident in a timely manner may result in a denial of your claim.
Once you have reported your injury or illness, your employer is required to provide you with a list of approved medical providers. It is important to seek medical treatment from one of these approved providers, since treatment from an unapproved provider may not be covered by workers’ compensation.
If your claim is approved, you will begin to receive medical and wage replacement benefits.
If your claim is denied or if your employer disputes your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and can fight for a successful outcome.
When to Contact an Attorney
Talking to workers’ compensation insurance companies is complicated and can affect your claim. If you’ve been injured on the job, your best option is to get a free accident consultation with an attorney right away. Your attorney can help you understand how much your injuries may cost and can start taking action to prove your injuries. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurer and can make sure you don’t say anything or don’t sign any documents that can cause you to get less than you deserve.
If you need an attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group. We have recovered over $100 million in settlements and court wins and have already helped thousands of South Florida residents with their injury claims. Your first consultation with us is free and comes with no obligation, so you risk nothing.