Finding a trustworthy and capable workplace accident lawyer Palm Beach has to offer might seem stressful immediately after an accident occurs. For construction workers who face hazards at work everyday, being injured on the job can be catastrophic. It’s important to have a trusted workplace accident attorney Palm Beach residents can turn to when seeking advice regarding workers’ compensation and injury lawsuits.
Worker’s Comp Eligibility for Construction Workers
One of the biggest benefits for a construction worker who is injured onsite is that his or her employer most likely holds a workers’ compensation policy. The majority of U.S. businesses are required by law to have a workers’ compensation plan to cover employee injuries, but state governments sometimes allow businesses in certain industries to be exempt.
Construction is not one of these exemptions. As a workplace accident lawyer in Palm Beach might explain, construction work is simply too dangerous not to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy. When an employer does not have a workers’ compensation policy, the employer can be fined as well as held liable to pay for medical care and lost wages.
Covering the Costs of a Work-Related Injury
Construction companies that have workers’ compensation policies are more likely to have expansive policies that can pay for major accidents. Construction workers who are injured on the job might be facing injuries that are far more severe than what workers in other industries experience. It is important for construction workers to have the fairest possible coverage for their injuries, even if those injuries require hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs.
Contract Work and Workers’ Compensation
It is fairly common for construction workers to perform job duties as contractors or subcontractors. This can make it more complicated to obtain financial compensation after being injured on the job, and may require counsel from a top workplace accident attorney Palm Beach can provide.
Obtaining compensation in this situation will likely depend on the nature of the injuries, and on state laws. It may be possible to obtain compensation through a personal injury lawsuit instead of through a workers’ compensation claim. This is especially possible if the accident was caused by a person or entity on the construction site who isn’t considered the injured worker’s employer. Talking with a workplace accident attorney Palm Beach respects may help an injured construction worker determine if his or her injury justifies a worker’s compensation claim or civil suit.
Contact a Workplace Accident Lawyer
Construction workers face daily risks on the job. At the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, we believe it’s important for all workers to be protected when they are injured at work. Regardless of the increased hazards that construction workers face, these individuals should be legally protected if an accident happens.
If you work on a construction site and you’ve been injured in a work-related incident, you may be able to claim financial compensation for your injuries. Our firm is proud to be a trusted source of legal representation for construction workers who need assistance after a work-related injury. For more information about the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, or to schedule a case evaluation with a top workplace accident attorney Palm Beach County trusts, call us today at (561) 616-3800.
Work-Related Accidents – Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident (whether onsite or offsite), connect with a workplace accident attorney Palm Beach, FL workers trust. By scheduling a free case review with The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, you’ll be able to clarify your rights and options under the law. While we provide broad answers to some of our potential clients most frequently asked questions below, we can personalize this information as it applies to your unique situation when you connect with our knowledgeable legal team.
Are All Injured Workers Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
In the state of Florida, most workers are eligible for workers’ compensation because the state requires employers to provide this coverage regardless of documentation status. With that said, most part-time and full-time employees are eligible for this coverage but not all of them, as some exceptions to this rule apply. Additionally, most independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ compensation. If you have questions about your eligibility for these benefits or your coverage, we’ll be happy to answer them for you.
Can an Injured Worker File a Civil Lawsuit After Being Hurt in an Accident?
Workers who are ineligible for workers’ compensation can sue parties whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct contributed directly to the cause of their harm. Workers who are eligible for workers’ comp can also sue for damages in civil court but they can’t name their employers as defendants in any lawsuits they may file. Employers who provide workers’ comp coverage to their eligible employees are generally protected from liability in work-related harm scenarios.
What if the Accident Occurred Offsite?
As our Palm Beach workplace accident lawyer team can confirm, injuries that occur outside the boundaries of a traditional jobsite location can sometimes be more difficult to prove to the satisfaction of workers’ compensation insurance claims adjusters. Eligibility for benefits does not change based upon where a worker gets hurt. However, when cases are harder to prove, workers may not be awarded the full value of their claim or their claim may be rejected. As a result, it’s a good idea to work with an attorney as soon as you become injured. The team at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt understands how to maximize compensation for victims no matter where or how they’ve been injured.
What Can Injured Workers Do to Maximize Their Compensation?
One of the most important things that injured workers can do to maximize their compensation is to act with urgency. Workers’ compensation is a very time-sensitive system and workers can be barred from receiving rightful compensation if they don’t take certain steps within a matter of days. Working with an attorney who understands the workers’ comp system can also be an invaluable strategy when pursuing maximum injury compensation.
Do Injured Workers Really Need to Stay Off Social Media?
Generally speaking, it is advisable to refrain from engaging on social media until a work-related harm case is fully resolved. Insurance representatives and opposing counsel may use any excuse – even a picture posted of a worker playing with their kids – as an excuse to deflect liability and challenge that a worker is truly injured.
If you have questions about how to engage on social media safely (because not everyone can just quit social media cold turkey), reach out to our Palm Beach workplace accident attorney team at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for guidance.
What To Do Immediately After A Workplace Accident
In the aftermath of a workplace injury, taking the proper steps is crucial not only for your health but also for your chances of receiving the benefits that you need and deserve. Our Palm Beach, FL workplace accident lawyers will help you prove that your injury is related to your work and determine if any contributing factors such as an unsafe working environment played a role in your injury. With more than 200 years of combined experience and over $300 million recovered for our clients, you can trust us with your work injury case. Contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation.
Report The Incident To Your Supervisor
The first step after any workplace injury is to notify your supervisor or manager. This should be done as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Failing to report the accident right away can lead to delays or denials in your workers’ compensation claim. Be clear and accurate when describing what happened, including where and when the incident took place.
Request Medical Attention
Seeking medical care right after the accident is important, both for your health and for documenting the injury. If your employer directs you to a specific medical provider, follow that instruction. Even if the injury feels manageable at first, symptoms can worsen over time. Additionally, having a medical report created soon after the accident will help show that your injury is work-related.
Document Everything You Remember
As soon as you are able, write down the details of the accident. Include who was present, what tasks you were performing, the equipment you were using, and any hazards in the area. Take photos of the scene if possible. This information may be important later when discussing your case with a legal professional or pursuing a workers’ compensation claim.
Gather Contact Information From Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident occur, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can help support your version of events and may be useful if your employer or their insurance company questions your claim. If needed, our Palm Beach workplace accident attorneys may contact witnesses for statements.
Follow All Medical Advice And Keep Records
After receiving medical treatment, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions closely. Attend all follow-up appointments and keep copies of medical reports, test results, and bills. These records help show the progression of your condition and the impact the injury has on your ability to work.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Florida, there are specific deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Make sure to start this process promptly. Your employer or their insurance provider may offer forms, but you also have the right to seek help in preparing your claim correctly. Filing in a timely and accurate way is key to receiving benefits.
Our experienced Florida workplace accident attorneys are dedicated to helping workers get the support they need after on-the-job injuries. Contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to discover how we can assist you.
Injury Caused By An Accident At Work? Contact Us!
Call an attorney at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for a free and confidential consultation today.
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