What are my medical treatment options for workers’ compensation?
If you were hurt while on the job, contact our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney to learn how we can protect your rights in the wake of a serious injury. Your employer and their insurance carrier may not tell you everything you need to know because they have their own best interests to protect. The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt has helped thousands of injured workers in Florida get the benefits they deserve. Call us immediately if you suffered a serious injury while performing your job. If our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney can negotiate a better deal for you, we will tell you. Contact us before agreeing to the benefits package offered to you.
Am I allowed to go to a doctor of my choice for treatment of my workplace injury?
In some states, you are required to get treatment by a physician that is approved by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. In other states, you are permitted to seek treatment from your existing physician or one of your choice as long as they are within the accepted network of medical professionals approved of by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
How are medical expenses handled with workers’ compensation benefits?
In terms of a deductible, you will not have to pay one as long as the medical expense is reasonable and necessary. In fact, your workers’ compensation benefits should cover any reasonable and necessary medical treatment associated with your workplace injury. If you must travel to another city to get the care you need, you should also qualify for your mileage expenses and parking fees. In many cases, this works out well for the employee, but in cases where the injury is one of a catastrophic nature, you may be wise to research your options by talking with a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney in West Palm Beach.
Does my employer have the right to force me to undergo a medical evaluation?
By law, your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier has the right to require you to submit to a medical evaluation by their designated independent medical examiner (IME). If you refuse to comply, you may be subject to forfeiture of your workers’ compensation benefits. Though the IME is supposed to be objective in their evaluation of your workplace injury, they are paid by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier and so they often have a built-in bias.
When you hire a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney from our firm, if the IME’s diagnosis results in significantly less benefits or a denial of your claim, our recommended physician can examine your injury. If their diagnosis differs from the IME, we will include their testimony in our claim as a rebuttal. If we end up escalating your claim to a lawsuit, we can call on our physician as a witness in court.
Why Workers’ Compensation Might Be The Right Decision
As your trusted West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney understands, applying for workers’ compensation can be a crucial decision in various situations, providing financial and medical support to employees who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. For help, give the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt a call to see what we can do for you.
- Work-Related Injuries: When an employee sustains an injury while performing their job duties, seeking workers’ compensation is often the most practical choice. This includes accidents like slips and falls, machinery mishaps, or lifting injuries. Applying for workers’ compensation ensures that the injured worker receives necessary medical treatment and financial support during their recovery.
- Occupational Illnesses: Many workers are exposed to hazardous substances or environments that can lead to occupational illnesses over time, such as asbestos exposure causing mesothelioma or repetitive stress injuries from typing. In such cases, applying for workers’ compensation is vital, as it covers not only medical expenses but also provides compensation for lost wages when the illness prevents the employee from working.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, surgeries, therapy, and medications can be overwhelming. Workers’ compensation helps employees afford these necessary medical services. By applying, injured workers can ensure they receive prompt medical attention without worrying about the financial burden.
- Lost Wages: A work-related injury or illness can result in temporary or permanent disability, making it impossible for the employee to perform their job. Workers’ compensation provides a portion of the employee’s salary during their recovery or, in severe cases, for the rest of their life. This financial support is essential to maintain the injured worker’s quality of life and cover daily living expenses.
- Rehabilitation and Retraining: In some cases, an injury may leave an employee unable to return to their previous job. Workers’ compensation may offer vocational rehabilitation and retraining programs to help them acquire new skills and transition into a different role or industry. This support is crucial for the long-term employability of the injured worker.
- Legal Protections: Your West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney understands that applying for workers’ compensation also safeguards the employee’s legal rights. It ensures that they are protected from potential retaliation or discrimination by their employer for seeking compensation. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in most cases, meaning that employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a work-related injury or illness can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Workers’ compensation provides peace of mind by offering a structured and established process for receiving benefits. This allows the injured worker to focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial insecurity.
Applying for workers’ compensation is a prudent decision in various scenarios where an employee has suffered a work-related injury or illness. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that injured workers receive the medical care they need and financial support during their recovery or rehabilitation. Additionally, it protects their legal rights and provides essential assistance to their dependents in the event of a fatal accident. Ultimately, workers’ compensation plays a vital role in promoting workplace safety and ensuring the well-being of employees across different industries and professions. When you need help with your workers’ compensation claim, reach out to a trusted West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney from Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt.
Contact Us Today
Call the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney who will provide you with invaluable insight about your case and your viable legal options.
West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation FAQs
If you or a loved one has been injured at work, our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can help you receive the justice and compensation that you deserve. We will help you file a claim in pursuit of benefits that will help you recover physically, mentally, and financially after an accident.
Our firm has over 200 years of combined experience assisting thousands of clients and procuring millions of dollars in settlements every year. We treat each client with the care, compassion, and personalized service that they deserve, and we are ready to fight for you and your rights after a work injury. For more information on how we can assist you with your case, contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, do not panic. Many claims are initially denied due to incomplete paperwork, lack of evidence, or disputes about the injury’s cause. The first step after a denial is to understand the reason for the denial, which should be outlined in the denial letter. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can provide clarity and direction in the event of a denial. Your lawyer can review your case, gather additional evidence, and help you file an appeal to challenge the denial effectively.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
The duration of a workers’ compensation claim can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to reach a settlement. Simple cases might be resolved within a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputes may take a year or longer. Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney can help expedite the process by ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in hearings if necessary.
What Types Of Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries that occur in the course of employment. This includes traumatic injuries like fractures and sprains, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational illnesses like respiratory conditions caused by exposure to hazardous substances, and many other injuries and conditions that are suffered at work. Even mental health conditions resulting from workplace stress can be covered under certain circumstances. Our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer will help you understand your case, if your injury is covered, and what benefits you may be eligible for.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits If The Injury Was My Fault?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that you can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. This system is designed to provide timely medical care and financial support without the need for lengthy litigation over fault. However, there are exceptions, and it is important to understand how workers’ compensation laws apply to your case. Our workers’ compensation lawyer can explain how fault might impact your specific case and help you navigate the claim process.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not owe any upfront costs for our services. We only receive a fee if we help you recover compensation. Additionally, we provide free consultations to all clients so that you can understand your case and if we are the right firm for you before you commit to our services. For additional information on our fees and the services that we provide, contact our office today.
Contact Our Firm Today
Navigating the complexities of a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have been injured at work, contact the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation and allow us to begin assisting you.
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
