Answering Your Florida Workers’ Compensation Questions
Florida’s workers’ compensation system is complex. You may have many questions about it. With offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa, The Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore is here to provide answers. Workers’ compensation attorney Kevin A. Moore is 100% focused on serving injured workers. He stands ready to help you with your questions with experienced guidance.
What is workers’ compensation?
It is a system designed to help injured employees. Under this system, when Florida workers suffer injuries on the job, they typically can seek benefits through pursuing a workers’ comp claim with their employer’s insurer. This is a non-fault claim; workers are generally eligible for benefits as long as their injuries are work related.
What benefits are available?
There are various types of workers’ compensation benefits that you may qualify for in Florida, including:
- Medical bill coverage for your injury
- A portion of your lost wages
- Death benefits
Kevin is ready to help you pursue the maximum benefits available to you under the law.
How soon do I have to report a work injury?
Prompt reporting is crucial to securing your rights. In Florida, you need to report your injury within 30 days to remain eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim?
In Florida, you typically have up to two years to file such a claim.
What if my claim is denied?
In the case of a denial, you might have the option to sue your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Kevin can advise you on your rights and help you with the steps involved in responding to a denial.
Does getting an experienced workers’ comp lawyer cost a lot?
When you choose Kevin, you don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees upfront or out of pocket. He takes cases on a contingency basis. This means that you will only pay Kevin if he wins your workers’ comp case. In the event of a win, Kevin’s fees will be covered by a portion of the recovery.
Is workers’ compensation the same thing as disability insurance?
It is not. The biggest difference between them is that workers’ comp only covers work-related injuries or illnesses, while disability insurance covers injuries and illnesses that occur both on and off the clock.
Both are designed to provide some replacement income if you’re unable to work, but disability insurance typically does not provide medical coverage for your condition. Workers’ comp not only provides medical care for your work-related injury or illness, but it also may provide you with vocational rehabilitation
Can I get workers’ compensation in Florida for something other than an accident?
Absolutely. Workers’ compensation covers numerous conditions that are not the result of traumatic injuries. For example, you may qualify for worker’s comp for repetitive strain injuries, which are caused by overuse of a body point or joint, not an accident.
You may also be entitled to workers’ compensation due to certain occupational illnesses. For example, it is not unusual for first responders to apply for workers’ comp due to conditions that are characteristic risks of their employment, such as after they contract hepatitis B or develop cardiovascular disease or tuberculosis.
Can I sue my employer? Under what conditions can an injured employee file a lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system that is designed to eliminate most negligence lawsuits between injured workers and their employers. Generally, if workers’ comp is available, it is your only recourse against your employer – although there are some exceptions.
If your employer deliberately injured you or purposefully exposed you to dangerous working conditions without giving you any warning, you may be entitled to a personal injury claim.
There are also many situations where injured workers can sue a third party who is at least partially responsible for their injuries. These third-party lawsuits operate outside of the workers’ comp system. One common example of third-party liability is when a delivery driver is struck by another vehicle while making a delivery. The driver would likely be entitled to file both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Ready To Get Answers? Reach Out Now.
If you have more questions or need help with your workers’ comp claim, get in touch with Kevin today for a free consultation. You can set one up by emailing him or calling him at 844-538-6580.