Boca Raton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured while on the job, it is important to take certain steps in order to protect any Florida workers’ compensation claim you may have. If you fail to protect your claim, you may lose your right to have your medical bills paid, a percentage of your wages paid, and any other out-of-pocket expenses covered. If you have been injured at work, contact a Boca Raton workers’ compensation lawyer to find out what legal options you may have in your situation. In the meantime, the following is an overview of those important steps.
Report the Injury to Your Supervisor
As soon as the injury occurs, you want to report the injury to your immediate supervisor. If your company has a workers’ compensation process in place, you will want to make sure to follow those steps, as well. Although you may only be required to make the report verbally, go the extra step and put all the details of the incident/accident that caused the injuries in an email to the supervisor. This way, you will also have an electronic record of reporting the accident. You should also fill out an accident report. Make sure to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident, as well.
If your employer hesitates to send you to the doctor, pressures you into not reporting the injury or penalizes you for reporting the injury, contact a Boca Raton workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
Seek Medical Attention
Once you have reported your injury, your employer should send you to the medical facility that your employer uses for these situations. If they do not send you to that doctor, then you should go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room immediately for medical treatment and documentation. Whether you go to the company doctor or your own, it is critical to provide them with all the details of how the injury occurred.
Share Details of All Body Areas Where You Are Injured
If you sustain multiple injuries, make sure to let the doctor know. It is not uncommon for victims to focus on the injury that is the most painful or severely injured and forget to tell the doctor about the other areas that have been injured. If you fail to document these injuries when the accident first happens, the workers’ compensation insurance company will likely try to contest them, and this could delay the initiation of your benefits.
Get Restrictions in Writing
If you will be unable to work while you recover or if your doctor issues work and activity restrictions when you do return to work, then make sure these are put in writing. Give a copy to your employer and keep a copy for your own records.
If your employer tries to violate these restrictions, contact your workers’ compensation lawyer right away.
Listen to Your Doctor
Make sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions and restrictions. Follow through with all treatments, physical therapy, medications, etc. that your doctor prescribes. Failure to comply, whether the restrictions come from the company doctor or your own personal doctor, can result in your workers’ compensation claim being denied.
Help When You Need It
An employee who wants to ensure that their workers’ compensation claim is being handled properly can seek help from a Boca Raton, Florida workers’ compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for insight. Workers’ compensation programs were established to help alleviate tensions between employee and employer, in the event that a workplace accident injury were to arise. Furthermore, workers’ compensation benefits may also cover an employee who came down with an illness due to the environment or while performing a job-related task.
Unfortunately, in some cases an employee may not receive what he or she deserves under workers’ compensation coverage, leaving some expenses to be paid out of pocket. If you or someone you love has encountered an issue regarding workers comp benefits, please call us right away to speak with a Boca Raton workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm.
Types of Coverage
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the injury or illness, and losses the employee endured, there are certain levels of coverage that he or she may be eligible to receive. For example, an employee who severely broke their leg and is unable to work may need coverage for medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of wages. A more complete list of types of coverage an employee may get if approved for workers comp benefits include:
- Hospital visits
- Ambulance ride
- Paying a portion of salary if out of work to recover
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Surgery or other procedures
- Disability
- Diagnostics
How the Process Works
The exact process for reporting and applying for workers’ compensation benefits varies based on state law. A Boca Raton workers’ compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt can go more in-depth as to what protections and rights apply to you as your claim is being handled. In general, after a workplace incident occurs, the following steps must be taken:
- The employee reports the injury or illness immediately to a supervisor
- The supervisor then files a report of what happened and sends the employee to a work-assigned doctor if needed
- The employee receives a copy of the report along with information about applying for workers comp benefits if desired
- The insurer for the company reviews the claim and either approves or denies
- If approved, the employee receives benefits and any other compensation
Time Limit for Coverage
There may be time limitations for how long an employee has to report work-related injuries or illness. This deadline is often around 30-90 days after the incident. Additionally, an employer has a certain amount of time to then submit the claim over to their insurance company. An employer who is negligent when processing the claim may have intentionally or accidentally caused a denial due to being late or not providing sufficient information.
Most employees believe that their employer will help take care of their workplace injury or illness if an accident were to arise. Employees may become frustrated and disappointed to find out this may not be the case. If you need help regarding your workers’ compensation claim, please contact Boca Raton workers’ compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt so we can help set things right.
Client Review
“I want to thank Lisa, Kim and Eric for their great work in getting my settlememt completed. They where always there if I needed anything or had a question. I would highly recommend them if you need help with a Workers Comp Case. Again thanks for your professionalism and hard work. “
Kevin Clark
