Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Finding the right West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer following a workplace accident or injury can mean the difference in obtaining benefits or being turned out in the cold.
After an industrial accident or repetitive trauma injury occurs, an injured worker should be aware that they may be entitled to receive certain medical and lost wage benefits. However, Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are very confusing. What would seem logical and reasonable is not necessarily what actually happens. A West Palm Beach work injury compensation lawyer is essential to insure your rights are protected.
The workers’ compensation system is set up to help injured workers. However, the laws are geared toward helping the insured, not the injured worker. Handling a claim yourself can lead to frustration, aggravation, and a sense of hopelessness.
A West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer is trained to help injured workers navigate the confusing workers’ compensation system and come out with the lost wages and medical care that should have been provided by the insurance company from the get-go.
Whether you are hurt in a car accident or by lifting heavy material, you are entitled to medical care. Whether the accident was your fault or not does not matter. An experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to explain how the laws work and provide you with reasonable expectations as to what can be expected after being hurt at work.
A work injury lawyer should be able to review your situation and formulate a game plan for your case. This involves reviewing any medical records, and recommendations for future care, and helping you to decide what is best for you and your family.
Hiring a West Palm Beach work injury compensation lawyer provides you the security of knowing your medical care and money is being protected. An aggressive stance is required when dealing with workers’ compensation adjusters and insurance companies. Adjusters are not interested in doing everything they can for you. They are interested in saving money for their employer, the insurance company, not you.
Your West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer will help obtain medical care, including doctors, examinations, x-rays, MRIs, EMGs, medication, therapy, surgery, and even mileage reimbursement when you have to drive to and from medical appointments and the pharmacy.
In addition to medical care, a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer will fight to recover lost wages, called indemnity benefits. Depending on what the work comp doctors say about your ability to return to work, or inability to return to work, the workers’ compensation adjusters are supposed to pay you lost wages. The wages are not automatic, but an experienced work comp lawyer will be able to explain how indemnity checks are calculated and mailed, and what an injured worker can do to guarantee payment. Contact The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today to schedule a consultation.
Table of Contents
- Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorney
- Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws
- Common Workers’ Compensation Myths
- West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Infographic
- West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Statistics
- West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation FAQs
- Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
- Contact Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Common Workplace Injuries
As a skilled West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can elaborate on, there are common types of injuries that many workers experience, such as the following:
- Concussions
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Leg injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Low back, mid back, neck
Many workers suffer an injury due to a simple accidents. In any case, you should take prompt action if you have been injured at work so that you do not have to pay out of pocket for the sudden expenses.
How to Report a Work Injury or Illness
When you have suffered an injury or illness that can qualify for workers’ compensation, report the accident right away. To file a workplace injury, you need to give a detailed account of the accident and inform your supervisor. They will tell you about what documents need to be filled out and your next steps. They may ask you to include medical records as evidence that you have been injured. Check-in with them frequently for updates and to provide additional information or records if necessary.
It is important that you do these steps as early as possible to initiate the workers’ compensation process. Your report must be done in time so that you can file your claim.
Tips To Avoid a Workplace Injury
There are many ways you can suffer an injury while at work. However, taking precautions can help you to avoid suffering severe injuries. In many cases, workplace injuries are preventable. Follow these important tips so that you can stay safe while you’re at work.
- Know the steps of tasks you have to complete and procedures you need to follow
- Look out for exposed wires or objects that can get in your way
- Clean up any spilled liquids or food that you see immediately
- Be familiar with company safety policies, such as how to use specific equipment and how to handle chemicals safely
- Take frequent breaks, especially if you are working on tasks that involve repetitive motion, such as typing or lifting
Working carefully on your tasks not only allows you to do your work more efficiently but safely as well. No matter how safe you are in trying to avoid workplace injuries, accidents can happen. If it does, don’t worry, you are still entitled to medical care and possibly lost wages. If you have any questions or concerns about workplace injuries, you can contact a West Palm Beach lawyer who is ready to offer assistance.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. In Florida, all employers with four or more employees, or if, in the construction industry, more than one employee, are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance can be purchased from a private insurance company or through the Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association.
Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits in Florida include:
- Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation insurance will pay for all necessary medical expenses related to a work-related injury or illness. This includes the cost of doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription drugs.
- Lost wages: Workers’ compensation insurance will pay for lost wages if an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. Lost wage benefits are typically equal to two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage.
- Disability benefits: Workers’ compensation insurance will pay disability benefits if an employee is permanently disabled due to a work-related injury or illness. Disability benefits are typically equal to two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage, and they may be paid until age 75 (depending on the date of accident).
Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims
To file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, an employee must notify their employer of their injury or illness within 30 days. The employee must then file a claim with their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will investigate the claim and decide whether to accept or deny it. If the insurance carrier accepts the claim, it will begin paying benefits to the employee. If the insurance carrier denies the claim, the employee can file a petition with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.
Common Workers’ Compensation Myths
If you’ve recently been injured under work-related circumstances, you’ll want to speak with an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you can. If you’re hesitating to reach out to the reputable legal team at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to learn about your options, you should take a little time to ask yourself “Why?”. It is often the case that workers aren’t aware of exactly what workers’ comp is and what they’re entitled to. It is also often the case that workers are operating under assumptions that aren’t exactly true. In either event, they may fail to seek compensation to which they are rightfully entitled.
We’ve detailed a few of the most common myths about workers’ compensation myths below. Once you’ve read them over, you may be inspired to call our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer team to begin the process of pursuing the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
- Myth One: You Should Just “Suck It Up”
All too often, workers in dangerous industries are expected to simply push through pain. They aren’t encouraged to rest or heal after sustaining a work-related injury. However, “sucking it up” can lead to chronic health problems that could cost you your livelihood for good. Workers’ comp benefits exist, in part, to ensure that workers can afford both medical care and time away from the job so that they can continue working for years to come.
- Myth Two: You Can File for Benefits Whenever
Workers’ compensation is a very time-sensitive system. In some states, workers are only given a few days to start the benefits application process before they’re barred from seeking compensation. If you’ve been injured under work-related circumstances, don’t wait. Connect with The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to preserve your options
- Myth Three: Workers’ Comp Only Covers On-Site Accidents
Workers’ compensation benefits cover the costs of employment-related injuries regardless of where they occur. If you were injured in an auto accident, while traveling for work, or even at home while working remotely, you remain entitled to benefits as long as you’re covered by workers’ comp insurance.
- Myth Four: Work-Related Illness Isn’t Covered
“Work-related injury” is a term that encompasses occupational illness. If you were exposed to toxic substances on the job that made you sick, you can file for workers’ comp accordingly. Occupational illness cases can be more challenging to prove, so it’s important to be proactive in speaking with an attorney about your situation right away.
- Myth Five: You Don’t Need a Lawyer to File for Workers’ Comp
Technically, you can file for benefits without the assistance of an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer. However, if your injuries are serious or their work-related nature may be hard to prove, it’s a good idea to get a lawyer involved in your case from the start. Otherwise, your claim could be devalued or rejected right when you need compensation the most.
West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Infographic
West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are an estimated 3.8 million workers’ compensation claims filed each year in the U.S.
- The average workers’ compensation claim costs $30,000.
- The most common types of workers’ compensation claims are injuries to the back, neck, and head.
- Workers’ compensation benefits can include medical care, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation.
West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation FAQs
A workplace accident can leave you scared, confused, and injured, but with a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer on your case, you do not have to suffer alone. An experienced attorney can answer any questions you have to put your mind at ease. We have put together some of the most common questions we encounter to help. If you have more questions, contact Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for more information.
Is Psychological Trauma Covered?
Yes, any damage done — physical or emotional — can be part of a claim. It does nit matter who was at fault for the injury, a mental health condition is part of a workers’ comp case. Many often overlook the psychological trauma that a work injury can cause from PTSD to extreme anxiety about returning to the same job, and all of these issues are covered in a claim.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?
This is a complex question that is based on an individual, case-by-case basis with a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer. In general, an attorney will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. If a settlement is too low, your attorney will let you know they believe your case is worth more. On the other hand, if a settlement is a good number, your lawyer will advise you to take it — they can also advise you on the best way to distribute your new funds. A lump sum settlement means that you receive everything up front, so you do not want to spend it all immediately if you have long-term injuries from your job.
What Factors Determine How Much Money I Receive?
The first thing a lawyer looks at is how much have you incurred in medical bills. Getting that minimum amount covered will be the important foundation for a claim. Past that, a lawyer will look at how much time and money will be spent at future doctor’s appointments. These could be with a physical doctor or a psychological doctor. Insurance companies and employers will also look at those amounts as well as the current state of the economy and cost of living. There are many other factors used to decide this amount, but it is best to consult a lawyer for more information.
I Suffered Psychological Trauma too, Is That Covered?
Yes, any damage done — physical or emotional — can be part of a claim. So long as the injury was due to someone else’s negligence, it can be part of a workers’ comp case. Many often overlook the psychological trauma that a work injury can cause from PTSD to extreme anxiety about returning to the same job, and all of these issues are covered in a claim.
How Do I Choose a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
It is important to find an attorney you feel comfortable with as you will be sharing sensitive information such as medical records and pay records. Look for a lawyer that has handled cases similar to yours, and be sure to ask them how many of those they have won or settled. Check reviews online about their past history, and ask friends and family for suggestions. At the end of the day, it is your choice who represents your case. If you are currently searching for a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer, we recommend contacting our firm, Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for more information.
Can an Employer Retaliate For Reporting an Injury?
It is common for some employers to actually discourage their workers from proceeding with a worker’s compensation claim. They do not want to go through the hassle of the claims process, and they may actually end up having to pay the consequences, such as if the employer was liable for the accident. As a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can explain, insurance companies that work for your employer will go to great lengths to avoid paying for a worker’s injury. You must be mindful and do all of the steps to ensure that your claim is strong and will be processed successfully.
The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
8371 N Military Trl STE 101, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Contact Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt is a leading law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida that specializes in workers’ compensation cases. We have a team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers who can help you fight for the benefits you deserve. If you have been injured or become ill on the job, contact us today for a free consultation. If you have been injured or become ill on the job in Florida, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury or illness. If you have any questions about workers’ compensation in Florida, or if you need help filing a claim, contact an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer today.
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