Workers’ Comp West Palm Beach

When you’ve been injured in an accident at work, in most cases, you will be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. If you have missed time at work due to the injury, you may be entitled to recover lost wages, as well. However, several criteria must be met for workers to be covered under workers’ comp insurance and entitled to benefits. If you are unsure of whether you’re entitled to workers’ compensation coverage (or you know you aren’t but think you should be due to a worker misclassification error, etc.), please connect with an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ comp attorney at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt today. Our team can help you to explore your legal options. Even if you aren’t entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you may have alternative legal solutions available at this time.

Employment Status

To receive workers’ comp benefits, you must be classified as an employee, not a seasonal worker or contractor. Some companies may also be exempt from providing workers’ comp for their employees, based on size or industry. It is worth noting that misclassification errors happen far more frequently than you might think. If you aren’t classified as an employee but think you might be misclassified, contact a West Palm Beach workers’ comp attorney for assistance. 

Work Accident 

If the injury was sustained while you were performing a work-related duty, workers’ compensation insurance should pay for any medical bills as a result of the accident. Work-related means that it occurred at the job site or while performing your job. An example is if you are injured in a car accident while traveling for work or traveling between work sites. In most cases, the accident will not be considered work-related if you are injured in an accident while traveling to or home from work.

Medical Bills

Workers’ comp will pay for medical costs stemming from the work-related accident. Services from physicians, hospitals and ambulances are all covered expenses. However, each state has different laws governing workers’ comp and the related costs that are covered. A West Palm Beach workers’ comp attorney can help you to sort out which expenses should be covered by workers’ comp and which might be considered out-of-pocket. 

Lost Wages

Generally, an employee is entitled to some reimbursement for wages lost due to absence stemming from a work-related injury. Based on state law, an injured worker generally must have missed at least 7 calendar days, including weekends, before they can receive any compensation for lost salary. That means that benefits are payable starting on the 8th day. If a worker misses 14 days of work, they can receive payment for the first 7 days that they lost, along with the rest of the days. If an employee misses 7 days or less due to an injury sustained on the job, they are not entitled to receive payments for lost wages.

Consecutive Days

Time missed from work does not have to be consecutive. In other words, if you were initially off work for 5 days, then missed additional days due to pain, treatment, etc., the total number of days without pay can be totaled to determine whether benefits for disability or lost wages are due. However, there are exceptions to every major workers’ compensation general rule. If you don’t meet certain criteria, an exception may apply in your case. Contact a West Palm Beach workers’ comp attorney today for more information.