Workers’ Compensation

Like it or not, insurance companies, and too often employers, will challenge employee claims in an effort to show that the injury in question happened outside of the workplace or was perhaps a lingering issue prior to the day of the recorded incident, thus attempting to deny, or limit, any number of benefits that might be owed.

It is important to note that Workers’ Compensation throughout the States of FFlorida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky moves far beyond monetary benefits. For example, those who are injured on the job might also be entitled to medical and/or disability benefits in addition to lost wages. What you deserve, and ultimately what you receive after being injured on the job, greatly depends on your chosen attorney’s ability to be able to effectively fight on your behalf in an effort to hold employers, and their insurance company, accountable for the injuries that were sustained.

Florida’s No-Fault Workers’ Compensation

The State of Florida employs what is known as a no-fault Workers’ Compensation system, and that means damages are owed to a worker who is injured on the job regardless of cause. That being said, if a worker knowingly went against a known workplace safety rule, or if that same worker showed up to the job site under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then it is possible for the employer/insurance company to deny all benefits that the injured party feels he or she might be entitled to.

What Sort of Injuries/Illness Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?That’s a great question, and the short answer is, there are no limitations so long as the injury, or debilitating illness, happened at work or as a direct result of your professional obligations. However, the most common Workplace Compensation claims derive from the following:

• Slip and falls
• Machinery accidents
• Equipment malfunctions
• Struck or injured by object
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Burns, scalding
• Falling from an elevated platform or ladder
• Airborne chemicals

Workers’ Compensation Notice Requirements

If you are injured on the job, Florida law mandates that you have no more than 30 days to notify your employer that you have been hurt on the job or fallen ill due to a workplace-borne sickness. Failure to notify your employer within that 30-day window could make you ineligible to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. At the very least, failure to inform your employer within 30 days will delay the processing, and retrieval, of benefits.Take Action Immediately

If you are injured on the job, it is very important to take action immediately. And with that in mind, here is a quick-list of steps that you should follow, in order:

• Notify your employer;
• Seek immediate medical attention/treatment;
• Contact the attorneys at Pacin Levine, P.A. at (800) 24-7-CRASH; (800) 247-2727;
• Submit your Worker’s Compensation claim.

Can My Employer Retaliate Against Me for Making a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

It is illegal for your employer to terminate or retaliate against you for filing a worker’s compensation claim. Examples of retaliation include firing or demoting workers, reducing hours, assigning undesirable shifts, cutting down job duties, or purposely giving false performance reviews that negatively affect workers’ positions. If your employer retaliates or fires you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, then you may be able to file a separate, individual employment lawsuit against your employer.

If you or a loved one are injured on the job, give the Attorneys at Pacin Levine, P.A., a call, and our team will work on your behalf to secure the benefits you and your family depend on. Do not allow your employer or its insurance company to strong-arm you. Stand up and take action by giving the Law Firm of Pacin Levine P.A. a call today at (800) 24-7-CRASH; (800) 247-2727.