When you get injured on the job, it can be difficult to know what do to next. If you are like most injured workers, you have lots of questions, and you aren’t sure what you need to do in order to get the medical treatment you need, pay your bills, and get healthy (and back to work) as soon as possible.
Answers to 5 Common Questions about Filing for Workers’ Compensation in Florida
If you have questions about filing for workers’ compensation in Florida, these FAQs will help you get started. To learn more about your legal rights and make sure you are able to collect the benefits you deserve, you should speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer promptly.
Q: Are all workers in Florida eligible for workers’ compensation?
No, not all workers are eligible for workers’ compensation in Florida. However, most employees are eligible, and most workers are classified as employees (as opposed to independent contractors) for workers’ compensation purposes. If you go to work every day and receive a regular paycheck, there is a good chance that you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Q: How do I find out if I am eligible for workers’ compensation?
In order to find out whether you are eligible to file for benefits, you will want to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to review your employment and payment records to determine whether you can file.
Q: What do I need to do in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Florida?
In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must have suffered a job-related injury or illness, and you must timely file a valid claim with your employer. You must also be prepared to follow up on your workers’ compensation claim and must know how much you are entitled to recover so that you do not unknowingly accept less than you deserve.
Q: What are some reasons why employers can deny workers’ compensation claims?
While employers can deny workers’ compensation claims for a variety of different reasons, two of the most common grounds for denial are:
- The worker’s injury or illness is not job-related (i.e. the worker got hurt at home or has a disqualifying pre-existing condition); and,
- The worker failed to file his or her workers’ compensation claim on time.
As an employee, you have the option to try to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own. However, you can hire a lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost, and an experienced attorney will be able to help make sure your employer does not wrongfully deny your claim.
Q: What are my legal rights if my employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?
If your employer denies your workers’ compensation claim, your legal rights depend on the reason for the denial. Is the denial valid? Did you fail to submit necessary documentation? Did your employer deny your claim in bad faith? These are three very different scenarios, and in order to determine your next steps you will need to discuss your claim with a workers’ compensation attorney.
Discuss Your Claim with Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Joseph Maus
Have you suffered a job-related injury or illness in Fort Lauderdale? If so, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation at the Maus Law Firm. To discuss your claim with attorney Joseph Maus in confidence, call 855-999-5297 or request a free consultation online now.