On The Job Injury Claims in Orlando
Legal Assistance From Our Orlando Work Injury Lawyers
Florida has one of the highest records of on-the-job accidents, according to reports by the Federal Bureau of Labor. These work injuries result from any number of accidents, but most especially in construction accidents that use heavy equipment and machinery.
You have rights under the law if you are injured while working for an employer in Florida and may be entitled to receive workers' compensation. At The Workers' Compensation Trial Group, P.A., our Orlando work injury lawyers provide our clients a combination of passion and professionalism in every aspect of our job. Led by a Board Certified attorney, we can negotiate with insurance companies to help you find appropriate recovery.
Hurt at work? Our Orlando attorneys are skilled at handling on-the-job injury claims. Dial (888) 897-2373 today to set up your confidential consultation.
What Are My Rights If I Get Hurt on the Job?
If you have been hurt at work, your rights are as follows:
- You have the right to file a claim for benefits under workers' compensation. Your employer cannot discourage you or retaliate against you as a result of your claim or intent to file a claim.
- You have the right to see a doctor and pursue medical treatment at your employer's expense.
- If you are released to return to work by your doctor, you have the right to return to your job.
- If you cannot work due to your injuries, you have a right to some sort of wage compensation.
- You have a right to be represented by an attorney during the workers' compensation process.
What Type of Compensation Is Available to Me?
After you have been injured on your employer's site, you must notify the company within 30 days. This ensures that your eligibility to file a workers' comp claim remains intact. Next, the employer should forward your claim to their insurer, which should then begin the payout of benefits.
Your compensation claim may cover the following:
- Medical bills and treatment
- Partial or total disability
- A portion of income lost due to inability to work
- Death benefits for relatives killed on-the-job
You can also file a third-party claim to recover for additional expenses, which may include pain and suffering and any other lost future earnings. It is not uncommon for individuals to also file a lawsuit against the employers, construction site managers, and manufacturers of defective equipment. This may be necessary in cases where you need additional compensation.
What Types of Injuries are Covered By Workers' Comp?
Workers' compensation covers nearly any sort of injury or illness that occurs as a direct result of your employment. Common injuries covered by workers' comp include:
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel
- Hearing loss from noisy environments
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Injuries from falling objects
- Cuts and lacerations
- On-the-job car accidents
- Muscle strains from lifting
What Injuries Are Not Covered By Workers' Comp?
Not all on-the-job injuries are covered by your employer's workers' compensation insurance. Common injuries that are typically denied coverage include:
- Injuries suffered while commuting to and from work
- Injuries from horseplay or fighting
- Injuries caused by alcohol or drug use
- Injuries while suffered off-the-clock outside of company premises
- Minor injuries that are remedied through first aid
Unfortunately, some injuries that should be covered under workers' compensation get unfairly denied by insurance companies. If your workers' compensation claim gets denied, an attorney from our firm may be able to help you submit an appeal.
What Should I Do if I Got Hurt on the Job?
If you have been injured at work, it is important you do the following:
- Seek medical help: Obtain first aid or other necessary medical treatment as soon as possible. Call for an ambulance if necessary, or if your injuries are less severe, go immediately to see a doctor authorized by your employer. Getting a diagnosis and treatment can help you to heal quickly as well as establish a written record proving your injuries were work-related.
- Notify your employer at once: Notifying your employer of a workplace injury is required by law and can help ensure you do not lose your right to collect workers' compensation benefits. You must tell your employer within 30 days of your accident or injury. It is best to notify your employer in writing even if they were present and witnessed your accident.
When Should I Hire a Workers' Comp Lawyer?
The best time to hire a workers' compensation attorney is immediately after you suffer an on-the-job injury. An attorney can guide you through the necessary steps of filing a claim and put you in the best position to navigate the often-complicated workers compensation process and secure the benefits you need, depending on the type and severity of your injury. The longer you wait to get an attorney involved, the more likely you are to encounter difficulty with your claim.
Call Us! Our Work Injury Law Firm Is Here to Help.
With 25+ years of combined experience to our name, our Orlando work injury attorneys are committed to bringing successes to our clients. Not only do we have exhaustive, in-depth knowledge of workers' comp law, we are also relentless in the courtroom. If your case needs to go to trial, we do not cave for any reason. We stand strong so that you have that support system to lean on during this difficult time.
We are more than happy to discuss the specifics of your case and address any questions you might have. Request your free consultation!