Florida Workers’ Comp Defense Lawyer
If you are dealing with a workers’ compensation issue, you need a Florida workers’ comp defense lawyer to defend you. Even if the State of Florida tells you that you don’t need an attorney, this is not a situation that you should deal with on your own. Having aggressive legal counsel in your corner is your best chance at minimizing financial penalties and preventing criminal charges.
What is a Stop Work Order?
A Stop Work Order is a civil financial investigation, and it is actually fairly common. But don’t mistake the word “common” for “not a big deal”!
The State of Florida may issue a Stop Work Order if they have deemed your business to not be in full compliance with workers’ compensation laws. If you receive a Stop Work Order, you must cease all operations until the State has assessed your penalty and you have paid. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate an incremental payment plan that allows you to resume operations sooner.
A Stop Work Order can result in felony charges, so it is important to be proactive and protect yourself. It is inadvisable to try to defend yourself, make admissions, or to communicate any more than the bare minimum before you consult with an attorney. Do not fail to meet deadlines, as this will result in serious consequences.
What Can the State Do?
Florida workers’ compensation requirements are listed in the Florida Statutes, Section 440. Since the failure to comply with the workers’ compensation coverage requirements results in an immediate danger to public safety, the State has the power to do any of the following:
- Enforce workers’ compensation coverage requirements
- Enforce that you, the employer, provide information that will allow them to determine payroll and assign classification codes
- Conduct investigations to ensure compliance
- Enter and inspect the place of business
- Copy your business records
- Serve subpoenas
- Issue and enforce the terms of a Stop Work Order
- Issue penalty assessment orders
- Issue any other necessary orders
- Recover penalties
- Seek injunctions and other relief
If you have any questions regarding what the State is legally authorized to do, consult with a knowledgeable Florida workers’ comp defense lawyer.
Florida Workers’ Comp Defense Attorneys
If things go badly, your business could lose large sums of money, and you could even be arrested for insurance fraud. The state of Florida may tell you that you will not need an attorney, but it is always far better to have one. An experienced lawyer can save your business, reputation, and bottom line.
If you would like to speak with a Florida workers’ comp defense attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.