Boca Raton Workplace Accident Lawyer
If you are injured at work, it is important to understand that you still have rights. Florida’s workers’ compensation system is there to protect employees who are injured on the job. In some cases, it may be your only option for receiving compensation for your work-related injury. Because the laws regarding workers’ compensation are so complex, it is best to hire an experienced Boca Raton work injury lawyer that understands how these types of cases work.
The team at Leifer & Ramirez can help you navigate the complex rules regarding workers’ compensation insurance, file your claims, and even assist you with secondary suits against negligent parties.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation
Work-related injuries or illnesses are eligible for workers’ compensation insurance benefits. These types of coverages can include:
- Illnesses
- Physical injuries
- Psychological illnesses and/or injuries
- Stress-related injuries
The injury can occur at any time as long as it is related to work and cannot be linked to a pre-existing injury that was not work-related.
For some, worker’s compensation is the only means for compensation. This means you may not be eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer; instead, you file your worker’s compensation injury claim with the state.
What Benefits am I Eligible for Through Workers’ Compensation?
While the injury can change what benefits you are eligible for, some benefits you may be entitled to include, but are not limited to:
-
Medical Costs – If you have any medical bills from your work-related injury, you will receive compensation for those costs and future costs will be sent to the workers’ compensation insurance carriers. But, you may be limited as to which doctors you can see for treatment.
-
Temporary Disability – If you are unable to perform your job as you normally would because of your injury, you may experience a loss in income. These lost wages are eligible under worker’s compensation insurance and usually kick in after you miss a specified number of days of work.
-
Permanent Disability – If you are unable to work again or you can no longer meet the requirements of your original position, then you can receive personal disability benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
-
Death – Death benefits can be paid to surviving spouses and children if a loved one passes away due to a work-related injury or illness.
Every Policy Has Limits
Work-related injuries and illnesses must be reported immediately to your supervisor. Avoiding this confrontation could hurt your chances for a full settlement. If the injury or illness worsens over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome that gets worse, report it to your supervisor as soon as possible and let him or her know you suspect it is from your job. By documenting the case early, you can preserve your right for compensation benefits.
How to Ensure You Get Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation insurance may be something you are entitled to, but it doesn’t mean they hand out money easily. These companies do not like to pay claims more than they have to. They will gladly nickel and dime to make sure they do not pay you a penny more than necessary.
To reduce the chances your claim is denied or you are given a lowball settlement, you need the assistance of a skilled Boca Raton work injury lawyer. An accident attorney Boynton Beach can advise you on your rights, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and make sure you receive what you deserve.
Personal Injury Lawsuit versus Workers’ Compensation
Many clients that visit Leifer & Ramirez wonder if they should file a personal injury lawsuit or file with workers’ compensation. It is important to realize that these are two very different types of cases. If you choose one, you cannot choose the other.
Fault is Needed for Personal Injury
If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit for your work-related injury, then you need to prove that it occurred because of fault, such as an employer who failed to correct unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, etc.
Fault Isn’t Required for Workers’ Compensation
To file for workers’ compensation, you do not need to prove fault; instead, you could even have something to do with your injury and be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Injured at Work? Contact Boca Raton Work Injury Lawyer Right Away
Workers’ compensation claims have strict limitations on how long you have to report the injury and collect a settlement. If you were injured at work, contact the Boca Raton personal injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez today for your free consultation.
