If you’re an employee and you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to a type of benefit known as workers’ compensation. This benefit is actually a type of insurance that most employers are required to carry, protecting them from personal injury lawsuits while ensuring that the injured worker is still fairly compensated.

This system has advantages and disadvantages. Under workers’ compensation law, employees give up their right to sue for workplace injuries under most circumstances, which some may view as a disadvantage. On the plus side, it allows many employees to collect compensation without having to prove negligence on the part of their employers, and both sides get to avoid the headache of a lawsuit.

How to collect workers’ compensation

If you’ve been injured on the job, the first step is to notify your employer. Florida state law gives an employee a maximum of 30 days to report work-related injuries or conditions, but the sooner you report yours, the better.

After you report the injury, you will need to be evaluated by a physician. Unless you need emergency medical attention, your employer will choose this doctor for you, or may allow you to choose from a few options.

Your employer has seven days to submit your claim to the insurance carrier, who will review your case and make a prompt decision.

When to get legal help

If you’re lucky, your claim will be approved and you can begin collecting workers’ compensation. If you’re not, you’ll get a denial letter.

At this point, you should seek legal counsel immediately. If your claim is denied again, you risk losing time, money, and job protection. A workers’ compensation attorney can also represent you in court if a lawsuit is necessary to resolve your claim.

Let Katherine work on your case

Katherine is an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. She has represented a great many workers who were unable to get the compensation they deserved, and she provides counsel to a great many more.

Schedule a free consultation!

Questions or concerns about a work-related injury? Contact us by phone, email, or text message, and you’ll get a fast response with all the information you need. Get help today!