Safe Working Conditions and Claims
All states have their own requirements when it comes to establishing safe and fair working conditions. Our Fort Lauderdale work injury lawyer shares that at the most basic level, states require all businesses to provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment. There may be additional requirements placed upon businesses in certain industries, like construction or manufacturing. Illnesses that develop over a long period may also qualify for workers’ compensation.
IMMEDIATELY REPORT AFTER A WORKPLACE INJURY
As an experienced Fort Lauderdale, FL work injury lawyer can agree, accidents can happen in any workplace, even when there are safety regulations in place. It’s essential to report an injury to your employer right away if you are injured while at work. Injured workers have the right to seek immediate medical treatment if needed.
MAKING A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM
Workers’ compensation laws are different for each state. The work comp statutes, or laws, require businesses to maintain a workers’ compensation insurance policy. If a worker is injured on the job, then the worker has the right to file a claim. The employee also has the legal right to hire a Fort Lauderdale, FL work injury lawyer for representation throughout the process.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS TO FILE AN INJURY REPORT
The deadline for filing a workers’ compensation claim may vary from state to state. It’s important to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible to start the filing process. A Fort Lauderdale, FL, work injury lawyer can inform you as to the laws in your state. Because time is of the essence, be sure to get all your questions answered as swiftly as possible, so you do not jeopardize your benefits.
INSURANCE INVESTIGATION OF YOUR CLAIM
After filing the claim, there will be an investigation initiated by the insurance company. You may be interviewed, and your medical records will be examined as well as any other reports or documents that they can locate. You should immediately seek an experienced Fort Lauderdale, FL work injury lawyer before making any statements that may be used against you and your claim in the future.
RETALIATION AND OTHER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DISPUTES
Paying out benefits to injured workers costs insurance companies money. Unfortunately, and despite laws designed to prevent it, there are cases in which workers are discouraged from filing claims. If this is the case for you, contacting a trusted work injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL is in your best interest. It’s likely that the company owner may attempt to dispute the severity of your injury or illness or the circumstances under which it occurred or may threaten your job security as a result of you filing a claim.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires regular reporting of injuries and illnesses and closely monitors these situations. OSHA rules include three provisions designed to protect workers:
- Employers must provide clear instructions and reasonable procedures for reporting on-the-job accidents and injuries.
- Employers are prohibited from discouraging employees to report accidents or potentially dangerous situations.
- Employers are prohibited from taking actions that could be seen as retaliatory, such as laying off workers or reducing their pay, when injuries or illnesses are reported, and a claim is filed.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Work Injury Lawyer Today
If you have suffered a workplace injury in Fort Lauderdale, timely and knowledgeable legal advice is crucial. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the benefits and compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to set up a consultation and take the first step towards navigating your work injury claim with confidence and clarity.
