If you’re ever injured on the job you can possibly get workers’ compensation benefits. Do you believe your medical condition is the result of working for your employer? If so, you may be able to recoup loss wages and get help with your medical expenses.

Determining  if you’re eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits can be a challenge. It starts with understanding your rights and speaking to a workers’ compensation attorneys in Florida. Your attorney will be able to give you the advice and guidance you need throughout your case.

In this article we focus on the various parts of workers’ compensation in Florida.

Reporting Your Injury

One of the most important parts of getting injured on the job involves reporting your injury. Reporting your injury to your employer is essential. In fact, in the state of Florida you have up to 30 days to report your injury. You have up to 2 years to file for workers compensation benefits about your injury.

If you file your worker’s compensation claim and it is denied you should:

  • Contact a workers’ compensation attorney in Florida
  • Speak to the Employee Assistance Office (EAO) for your next steps. The Employee Assistance Office resolves and prevents disputes between employers and employees. They have offices located throughout Florida and a hotline at (800) 342-1741.

What to Expect

When you report a workplace injury you’ll want to be prepared as much as possible. The process can be overwhelming and confusing. With the help of a workers’ compensation attorney, you can navigate the process more easily. Understanding what to submit to your employer and when to do so is imperative. Here are the most common responsibilities of injured parties seeking workers’ compensation benefits:

  • Contact your employer about your work-related injury as quickly as possible. Report it and fill out any required forms to avoid your claims being denied.
  • Make copies of your Medical Treatment/Status Reporting form (DWC25). Submit copies to your employer.

Work-Related Injuries in Florida

If you receive a work-related injury in Florida you could get medical or partial wage benefits. These benefits can help cover unexpected or extended medical costs. They can also give you and your family peace of mind so that you can focus on recovery. If your injury is covered by workers’ compensation you can expect a few things in Florida.

  • Your employer is  required to provide an authorized physician to treat your injury.
  • Pay for any treatment and related care.
  • Give you the opportunity to change your physician one time within 5 business days.

Your treatment can include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospitalizations
  • Physical therapy
  • Medical tests
  • Prescription drugs
  • Protheses
  • Injury-related travel expenses

Petitioning for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When you decide to petition for workers’ compensation benefits it can be mind-boggling. To begin the process you’ll need to file with the Office of Judges of Compensation Claims. Use the following link to access the documents.

Maximum Medical Improvement

Once your injury is treated  you’ll enter into MMI or maximum medical improvement phase. This is the most you are likely to heal or at the peak of your treatment. MMI means that doctors have done all they can to treat you and that you’ve reached your maximum recovery.

In the state of Florida if you’re in your MMI phase you will be required to cover some fees related to your treatment. For example, if you’d like more physical therapy you’ll need to pay a $10 according to Florida’s Statute of Limitations.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Florida

In the state of Florida you are not required to have a workers’ compensation attorney. Yet, getting the help and legal counsel of an attorney is highly recommended. Your attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the process. Often, employers seek to pay the minimal amount of benefits possible. A workers’ compensation attorney will help ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Additionally, sometimes navigating Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are difficult. Your attorney can have those tough conversations on your behalf.

Do you have questions about your work-related injury and want to know if you qualify? Are you interested in learning more about your rights and benefits?

Speak to one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Florida today. Our attorneys have helped hundreds of client get the benefits they deserve.