Fort Lauderdale Workplace Accident Lawyer
When you are hurt in a workplace accident, you suffer physically, but there are emotional and financial consequences as well. Florida law protects your interests as an employee by providing benefits to help you get through difficult times. Still, workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries.
At Leifer & Ramirez, our workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through the process and help you obtain the monetary benefits you deserve by law. Please contact our office to set up a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale workplace accident lawyer, and check out some important information about your rights.
Workers’ Compensation Laws in Florida
Injuries due to accidents in the workplace are very different from typical personal injury claims based upon negligence. For one, you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in order to recover. Plus, you do not need to go through litigation to recover compensation for your losses. The process of filing a civil lawsuit can be costly and time-consuming, so you could be struggling for months or years before your case is resolved.
Instead, Florida’s workers’ compensation laws apply to injuries you suffer in an on-the-job accident. Under the statute, employers within the state are required to carry workers’ comp insurance to protect employees who are hurt at work. You simply must prove that you are eligible as a covered employee, and that you were hurt in connection with performance of job-related duties. However, there are a few considerations that you must bear in mind:
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You must file your claim in accordance with proper procedures established by the company that provides workers’ comp insurance for your employer;
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You need to follow up with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation if your claim is not resolved to your satisfaction; and,
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There is a statute of limitations on workers’ compensation claims, which is two years from the date that you were hurt.
If you qualify and comply with all laws regarding workers’ comp claims, you can start receiving benefits within a very short time after getting hurt.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available for Victims of Workplace Accidents
The benefits you can receive will vary depend on your workplace accident injuries, but you may be eligible for:
- Medical costs for immediate and future treatment of your injuries;
- Temporary disability, for the time you are unable to work; and,
- Permanent disability, if you cannot work in your chosen profession.
In addition, a surviving spouse and children may be able to recover death benefits if they lose a loved one in a workplace accident.
Despite the laws intended to provide financial assistance after an on-the-job incident, you may face challenges in filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company. Like any business, an insurer will work to protect its own interests. For this reason, it is important to retain an attorney to assist with pursuing your legal rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Fort Lauderdale Workplace Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt on the job and need legal help, please contact Leifer & Ramirez to discuss your circumstances. Our workplace accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of the relevant laws and we are diligent in pursuing insurance companies to ensure protection of your right to monetary benefits. You can reach our Fort Lauderdale office at 561-660-9421 or visit our website to schedule a no-cost consultation with a lawyer.
