Construction Law
5 Important Facts About Florida Workers’ Compensation
Work-related injuries happen when you least expect them. Injuring yourself on the job affects your health and livelihood. Although workers’ compensation is supposed to ease the burden of work-related injuries, navigating the claims process can be confusing.
Fortunately, a Florida workers compensation defense firm can help assuage any uncertainty clouding your next move as you enter the claims process. In this short guide, the lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will break down five important facts about Florida workers’ compensation that every potential claimant should be aware of.
Who is at Fault?
Florida law defines workers’ compensation as a no-fault system. Therefore, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits whether your injury was caused by your own negligence or the actions of a third party. Employers can’t lawfully terminate your employment in response to a workers’ compensation claim.
Reporting Your Injury
Always report work-related injuries to your employer immediately following the incident. If you aren’t certain that you are injured, but you suspect that you might be, report the injury to your employer. Some injuries take time to develop, and you might lose your case if you fail to report an injury that isn’t particularly obvious at first.
Who Chooses Your Doctor?
If you suffer a work-related injury, you cannot choose your own doctor if you plan to collect workers’ compensation. Instead, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider will select the doctor for your treatment. However, they must select a doctor who is qualified to treat your specific injury and can provide competent care.
The Value of Your Claim
The main goal of insurance companies is to make money. Denying and undervaluing your claim are two common practices used by insurance companies to minimize their payout and save money. Working with a knowledgeable Florida workers compensation defense lawyer can assist you in the process of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Additional Lawsuits
A workers’ compensation claim waives your right to sue your employer for your injuries, but you may be able to sue a negligent third party involved in your accident. For instance, if you were injured by a defective ladder on a job site, you can file a negligence claim against the manufacturer of the ladder and still file your workers’ compensation claim.
Utilizing the information in this article will help you take the correct actions in the event of a work-related injury. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim is a complex process with many variables. Today, we scratched the surface, but it is important to speak with a lawyer if you have any specific questions about workers’ compensation claims.
If you would like to speak with one of our Florida workers compensation defense lawyers, 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.