Even though numerous regulations and agencies have made attempts to make the workplace a safe environment, job accidents are still on the rise. According to data from the Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDFS), more than $500 million in workers’ comp benefits were paid out in 2019 alone.
At Jon Lambe Law, our Orlando workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to providing reliable, results-focused legal representation to injured workers and their families. We are available to fight for your rights. To set up a free, no obligation initial consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Central Florida, please call us today.
Unfortunately, many workplaces in Florida are still not nearly as safe as they should be. While every employee is entitled to safe, fair conditions on the job, too many businesses and organizations fail to take workplace safety seriously. If you find yourself working in one of these occupations, please take as many precautions as possible to avoid injury or death:
It is important to note that injuries can and do happen in any workplace. No matter what type of job you have, there is still a risk that you could suffer an injury. Should an accident happen, you need full and fair workers’ comp benefits you pay for your medical care and support your loved ones. An Orlando workplace accident attorney is an invaluable resource and can increase your chances of obtaining a desirable result in court.
In the state of Florida, worker’s compensation runs under the state no-fault system. What this essentially means is that workers do not sue the company in most cases, the matter is instead taken to the insurance agency, who does the payout. The worker must prove beyond a doubt that the injury resulted due to the performance of work-related tasks or from a hazard in the surrounding area. To be clear, injured workers do not need to prove that their employer did anything “wrong” to cause their accident. If you were hurt on the job, you should receive benefits.
Following a serious on-the-job accident, it is crucial that you take the appropriate steps to protect your health, well-being, and rights. Failure to do so could undermine your ability to get full workers’ comp benefits. Specifically, injured workers in Central Florida should be sure to do the following four things:
In Florida, workers’ comp benefits come primarily in the form of medical coverage and wage loss compensation. To start, workers’ compensation insurance should pay for all health care services that are necessary and reasonably related to your job-related injury or illness. Next, you should receive temporary total disability (TTD) benefits until you are able to return to work. TTD benefits are paid at two thirds your average weekly wage (AWW), subject to a maximum benefit limit.
Finally, if you or your loved one suffered a more serious injury— meaning an injury that results in a permanent disability or impairments—additional benefits may be available, potentially including permanent impairment benefits, permanent disability benefits, and death benefits. As these are more complicated cases, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer before reaching a settlement.
In the state of Florida, companies must carry worker’s compensation insurance for employees. When it comes to the subject of independent contractors (not an employee), or when a worker decides to intentionally cause harm to themselves, that is things get complicated. In these cases, workers’ compensation will not cover any expenses at all for the injured party.
It is no secret the insurance companies are constantly trying to find ways to reduce or even deny claims made. Many times the worker’s very own company will take part and argue that whatever injuries arose were due to pre-existing injuries or conditions and not due to the workplace.
In the state of Florida, workers’ compensation is given to undocumented workers. The court ruling for HDV Construction Systems, Inc. Vs. Luis Aragon made this possible. The court ruled that since the employer knew, or should have known that his employee was undocumented upon hiring, that therefore, the employee could not be denied their right to workers’ compensation. If you or your loved one is an undocumented worker who was hurt on the job in Central Florida, our attorneys will protect your rights. Call our Orlando law office now for a no cost, fully private consultation.
At Jon Lambe Law, our Florida work injury lawyers fight aggressively to protect the rights and interests of our clients. Do not be left without any payment to cover your medical bills or your lost wages. Contact an experienced Orlando workers’ compensation attorney right away. Contact us at (407) 625-7330 for a free, fully confidential case evaluation. We have experienced personal injury attorneys available to handle your case and ensure you receive the best terms possible.