Thousands of employees are hurt on the job in Florida every year. Thankfully, many of them qualify for workers’ compensation – a form of insurance that is used to provide wage replacement and medical benefits to individuals who have been injured in on-the-job accidents. One of the defining features of workers’ compensation is that employees can, in most cases, swiftly obtain medical care and other benefits, regardless of fault.
If you have been hurt at work and have questions about workers’ compensation coverage, then consider speaking with a New Port Richey workers’ compensation lawyer. A personal injury attorney could evaluate the circumstances of your accident and help you pursue any benefits to which you might be entitled under state law. If necessary, a lawyer can potentially help you appeal a denied workers’ comp claim with the aid of expert medical testimony and other evidence.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The amount and type of workers’ compensation benefits available after an workplace accident is largely dependent on the severity of the injury and the effect it has on someone’s employment. A New Port Richey workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to obtain any of the following types of benefits for a client:
Temporary Disability Benefits
A work-related injury that requires someone to take a temporary leave of absence from their job should make them eligible for temporary disability benefits. These amount to a maximum of two-thirds of the individual’s average weekly wage prior.
Permanent Impairment Benefits
If one is able to return to work after sustaining an occupational injury but remains impaired in some way, a New Port Richey workers’ compensation attorney could help them seek permanent impairment benefits. Benefits of this nature are calculated after the worker is given an impairment rating by a medical professional.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
Permanent total disability benefits are available to someone who has had to completely leave the workforce because of an on-the-job injury. Such benefits can continue until the individual reaches the age of 75 – or longer if they do not quality for Social Security.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation in Florida covers all medical care necessary to treat a workplace injury. This includes medical bills, prescription drugs, vocational rehabilitation, and more.
Death Benefits
Close relatives of someone who has died because of an occupational injury or illness may be eligible for death benefits such as partial wage replacement as well as funeral and burial expenses.
How to File a Claim & Appeal a Denied Claim
Florida law stipulates that anyone who is hurt on the job has 30 days from the date of the accident to notify their employer. After the employer notifies its insurance company, the employee should receive a call from an insurance company adjuster with information on what steps to take. If the employee has concerns or simply wants to better understand their legal rights at this point, it may be a good idea for them to get in touch with a New Port Richey workers’ comp attorney to learn more about their options.
A denied claim can be appealed to the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims. In general, an appeal must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Anyone who wishes to appeal a denied claim for workers’ compensation benefits is strongly encouraged to consult a lawyer, as the appeal process can involve highly complex procedures.
Contact a New Port Richey Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Being hurt on the job can make it difficult, if not impossible, for you return to work and earn a living. Fortunately, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Contact a New Port Richey workers’ compensation lawyer for help seeking the benefits you need.
