TAMPA WORKERS' COMP ATTORNEY/

The Feldman Legal Group has Tampa workers’ comp attorneys with extensive experience protecting the rights of workers affected by workplace accidents or job-related health conditions.

The workers’ compensation insurance program was designed to be a simple, no-hassle way for workers to get compensation for costs related to workplace injuries. These benefits are crucial for injured workers, but it’s far too often the case that workers get denied the full payment they deserve.

If you have suffered a work-related injury or disabling condition, you can be confident our attorneys can maximize your benefits or negotiate a higher lump sum settlement of your workers’ compensation case. We represent a diverse clientele, from construction workers and factory workers to drivers, nurses and office workers injured on the job.

The Feldman Legal Group attorneys fully understand complex workers’ compensation laws and will not hesitate to fight your insurance company to obtain the just benefits you need and deserve. If you would like to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Tampa, please contact us today at 877-946-8293 for a free initial assessment.

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WHAT ARE YOUR WORKERS' COMPENSATION RIGHTS?/

FLORIDA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS/

The Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Act (Chapter 440) provides injured workers with many important rights and benefits. For example, you should have an automatic entitlement to disability payments to make up for lost income. Workers’ compensation benefits are available to workers on the very first day of employment. You also have the right to free medical care and additional compensation for permanent injury or disfigurement. This is true even if the injury or illness occurred outside of your normal job functions.

In addition, if you are an employee who travels to Florida on business for an out of state employer, you are entitled to benefits under Chapter 440 if you were injured in Florida. Call our Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer at the Feldman Legal Group for a free assessment, even if your employer is out of state.

You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even in the absence of your employer’s fault or negligence. In fact, if the injury was your fault, you may still be eligible for compensation. If a loved one was killed in a workplace accident, dependent spouses and children are also entitled to workers’ comp death benefits. Don’t hesitate to contact the Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys at the Feldman Legal Group by calling 877-946-8293.

WHY YOU MAY NEED A TAMPA WORKERS’ COMP ATTORNEY/

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims do not always go as smoothly as one would hope, which is why you may need legal counsel. When you are injured, the reality is that you become an adversary of the employer and insurance carrier. The two have a mutual, joint financial interest in keeping you from receiving your full entitlement to benefits for medical treatment and disability. In fact, it is not uncommon for an employer and insurance company to join together to find means to avoid or minimize an injured worker’s benefits.

Many times, a worker’s benefits are unfairly slashed, reduced or terminated after the insurance-approved doctor says they have reached “maximum medical improvement” (MMI).

Our Tampa workers’ compensation lawyers have seen this type of thing happen time and again. Sometimes, an employer goes so far as to unlawfully retaliate against a worker for pursuing benefits, or even terminates the injured employee. Our firm has filed many lawsuits seeking justice for clients who are victims of unlawful retaliation and wrongful termination.

Call us at 877-946-8293 to speak to our Tampa workers’ comp lawyers today.

CLAIMS AND COMPENSATION/

There are a wide variety of compensable claims under worker’s comp, including work-related traffic accidents (which may involve employees traveling into Florida for an out-of-state employer) and any chronic condition that develops as a complication of an on-the-job accident. Common cases involve falls, burns, repetitive traumas, chemical exposure, slips and falls, and more.

By working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you’ll be sure that you are given payment that reflects the costs you are facing. If a worker is unfamiliar with the process, they might be neglecting to pursue compensation they deserve.

The Feldman Legal Group helps employees get fair compensation for injuries and illnesses sustained in the workplace. Our Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer can help you pursue any and all benefits you are entitled to under the law, including:

Compensation for permanent disability
Lost wages or salary
Rehabilitation expenses
Retraining costs
Dependents’ recovery for a worker’s death.

WHAT ARE NON-COMPENSABLE INJURIES UNDER FLORIDA WORKERS’ COMP LAWS?/

Not all injuries are compensable under Chapter 440. For instance, many people will make statements such as, “My job is very stressful, and it is responsible for my heart attack.” This is not a compensable injury under the workers’ compensation statutes in Florida. Another example of a non-compensable injury is rocking back in your chair and falling down, causing a back or neck injury, or tripping over your own feet and landing on your wrist causing a fracture. Claims for these non-compensable injuries can be rejected by insurance carriers and employers.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS/

Contrary to what your employer or their insurance carrier may be telling you, a pre-existing condition does not make you ineligible for workers’ compensation. Employers take on employees as they are, whether they have suffered past injuries or not. Insurance carriers will often deny claims and benefits citing a pre-existing condition or idiopathic condition. In reality, as long as the accident is the “major contributing cause” of the need for care and treatment according to the treating physician, then the insurance carrier must treat the injuries or conditions. Aggravations and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions are covered.

NOT SURE IF YOUR INJURY QUALIFIES FOR WORKERS’ COMP?/

Workers’ compensation laws are complex and the efforts by insurance carriers and employers to avoid paying medical costs are many. Rely on the experienced workers compensation attorneys at the Feldman Legal Group to protect your rights. Contact us for a free initial assessment. We maintain offices in Tampa and Atlanta enabling us to fight for injured workers anywhere in Florida. For your convenience, we can arrange a meeting at your home, hospital or any public place, or the consultation can be completely handled over the telephone.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?/

If you suspect you may have been treated unlawfully, get a free assessment from one of our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers to find out if you have a case.

The Feldman Legal Group can step in to protect your interests at any stage of the process. We routinely handle initial claims for treatment of injuries and wage loss benefits, as well as denied claims and appeals of the judge’s final compensation orders. Our Tampa workers’ compensation attorney will provide complete assistance in work injury cases from start to finish — when the case ultimately yields a lump-sum benefit. Call us today at at 877-946-8293.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER A WORKPLACE INJURY/

Injured workers must take appropriate steps to ensure their workers’ compensation claim is as successful as possible. If you have sustained an on-the-job injury, the following actions should be taken:

Report the injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Workers’ comp claims must be reported within 30 days of the initial injury.
Request a notice of injury form (DWC-1). This form is provided by your employer, who must fill out the top section and send the form to the insurance carrier.
Seek immediate medical treatment, even for “minor” injuries. It is important to document your injury and get a diagnosis. Unless it is an emergency situation, you must select an initial physician approved by the insurance company.
Make a list of witnesses. Witnesses will usually be your coworkers, unless you are involved in a job-related traffic accident. Collect names and contact information, if possible.
Find out whether the employer has a managed care arrangement (MCA). A workers’ comp MCA means you are limited to a preselected group of medical providers and care facilities.
Write down everything your employer says to you. Taking down notes after your conversation(s) will help refresh your memory of events that could be important to your case.

Do not give any recorded statements to the insurance carrier. The insurance representative is trained to elicit comments that could prove detrimental to your case.
Contact our firm to schedule your free initial assessment. In many cases, it is in your best interest to secure the help of a Florida workers’ comp attorney from the outset.
Follow the doctor’s orders, including staying off the job. Give your injury due time to heal in order to avoid complications or a chronic condition.
Do not treat injuries on your own or with private health insurance unless the employer and carrier refuse to provide benefits. It is important to follow strict procedure if you wish to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Document your mileage to and from medical appointments. You are entitled to be reimbursed by the insurance carrier for travel expenses related to your injury.
If you are placed on work restriction by the treating physician, ask whether your employer has any light-duty positions. Your employer should make every effort to accommodate your need for less strenuous work.

WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER SUFFERING A WORKPLACE INJURY/

There are several mistakes you can make that will hurt your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. This is one of the reasons we encourage people to contact us as soon as possible. We help our clients avoid any missteps in the process. Keep in mind the following things…

DO NOT wait to report your injury or the accident that led to the injury. Delaying the process delays your payment, and it gives your employer and their insurance carrier room to doubt the severity of your injury. Always promptly report an injury and the accident to your supervisor as soon as possible. Submitting the notification in writing is ideal.

DO NOT forgo medical treatment. Seek immediate medical attention by going to the emergency room and telling them that you suffered a workplace injury. If seeing a doctor outside of the emergency room, you will want to see whether your employer has designated healthcare providers that are covered by their workers’ compensation insurance plan.

DO NOT ignore the doctor’s orders. You need to be diligent about doing what healthcare providers recommend. This is best for your health, but it also might impact the compensation you are given.
DO NOT attempt to work if you are still hurt. It’s difficult for some people to sit on the sidelines, but going back to work before you are healthy is a sure-fire way to get injured again. You’ll also stop receiving benefits once you go back to work full-time.

We also encourage you to call the Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys at the Feldman Legal Group as soon as possible. We help our clients make sure that they are in compliance with the law and that they are treated fairly by their employers and their employers’ insurance companies. Call the Feldman Legal Group at 877-946-8293 to get started.

WAIVING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION/

It is important to understand that accepting workers’ compensation benefits will limit your rights to other legal remedies against a negligent employer. A personal injury claim can include compensation for general damages and pain and suffering, whereas a workers’ comp claim cannot. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Tampa are skilled at analyzing whether it is best for you to waive your workers’ comp claim and seek recovery for negligence in civil court.

We can also help you determine whether you should also pursue a negligent third-party case. The Feldman Legal Group legal team explores third-party lawsuits against machinery manufacturers, jobsite subcontractors, property owners or other parties whose negligence may have contributed to a serious job-related injury or death.

You might not know for sure what course of action is best for your situation. That is completely okay. The Feldman Legal Group is here to help you better understand your options. Contact our Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys today by calling 877-946-8293.

APPEALING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DECISIONS/

Florida workers’ compensation laws and the process of obtaining benefits can be complicated and frustrating. In many cases, workers’ compensation claims are initially denied. If your claim is denied, you have a limited time to appeal the decision. Our workers’ comp attorneys can help you successfully maneuver through the complex bureaucratic process of appealing to the Florida workers’ compensation board.

SKILLED WORKERS' COMP LAWYERS WHO PROTECT OUR CLIENTS/

Only experienced workers’ compensation lawyers put you in a position to obtain the best possible recovery or financial settlement for your injuries. Unlike other firms who push their clients to take a quick and easy (low ball) settlement, the Feldman Legal Group is always willing to take your case to court. We don’t back down from any employer or insurance carrier. Our attorneys have fought national, big-name insurance companies for years, working to obtain the full workers’ compensation benefits our clients are entitled to receive.

WHEN TO FILE A WORKERS' COMP CLAIM/

FLORIDA’S STRICT STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR A WORK INJURY CLAIM/

During anytime atwork, an accident can happen that will leave you with injuries and other side effects that make it impossible to do your job. But that is not the only timing issue that must be addressed after a work–related injury. In Florida, there is a strict statute of limitations for bringing forward personal injury claims.

After the accident that caused your injuries, you must continue to receive treatment for your injuries orfile a petition within two yearsaccording to the statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim in Florida. However, it is not advisable to put off making a claim as it takes time to properly prepare a successful claim.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS?/

You typically won’t receive any workers’ compensation benefits for the first seven days of disability. However, there is an exception if a doctor determines that you have been disabled for more than 21 days due to the workplace injury.

WHAT DOES THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROCESS LOOK LIKE?/

After suffering an injury, you will immediately report the incident to your employer. You’ll be given a form that you’ll send to your employer’s insurance company. Depending on whether your employer has a managed care arrangement, you will visit a doctor specified by your employer. If they determine you are unable to work, you will start receiving payments after a week of being injured.

Of course, every situation is different, so the process may vary from one worker to another. At any point in the process, you should consider contact a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney to make sure you are getting treated fairly.

The Feldman Legal Group knows this process well. We want to help you get payment promptly and to protect your rights along the way. Call our team today at 877-946-8293.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIM?/

The amount of compensation you can expect depends on many different factors, including the severity of your injury, your ability – or inability – to do your job, the classification of your disability by a doctor, and your wages at the time of the workplace accident.

If you are unable to work because of your work-related injuries, you will receive 66.66 percent of your current wages. If your injuries are severe, you might be able to receive 80 percent of your current wages. If you are still able to work in a limited capacity, you might be eligible for temporary partial disability. These benefits go to workers who are unable to earn 80 percent of the wages they were earning before they suffered an injury.

Workers’ compensation insurance also covers medical treatment for your injury. Expenses that should be covered include hospitalization, visits to the doctor’s office, tests, rehabilitation or physical therapy, medications and prosthetics. You should also be compensated for travel to the doctor’s office and to the location where you get prescription medications.

WHEN EXPERIENCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE/

Managing attorney Mitchell Feldman has argued dozens of cases before judges of compensation claims throughout the State of Florida and has amassed an excellent, winning trial record.

Attorney Feldman has handled thousands of workers’ compensation cases dating back to 1996 and knows the complex legal framework that governs these claims. His many years of experience defending insurance companies before the OJCC in multiple geographic regions gives him and the firm valuable insight into the workers’ compensation system — as well as an understanding of the tactics insurance companies use to minimize benefits. We know the judges, the physicians and the attorneys routinely involved in Florida workers’ comp cases, and we know how their involvement can affect the outcome of a case (either negatively or positively).

WHAT IF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ISN’T ENOUGH?/

You might find that the injury you’ve suffered is so financially and physically devastating that you worry whether workers’ compensation benefits will be enough to cover your costs. In some cases, workers’ compensation benefits can be waived in favor of another method of seeking payment. In other cases, you might be eligible for other types of disability compensation.

However, it’s important to speak to a workers’ compensation attorney before choosing another path. Circumventing workers’ compensation should be done only after considering all your options and working with an experienced attorney who knows the system. Taking the time to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney will position you to make the right decision for your condition.

Contact the Feldman Legal Group today to speak with Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys you can trust. We want to help you find the best path forward.

GET THE HELP YOU NEED FROM A TAMPA WORKERS’ COMP ATTORNEY/

The Feldman Legal Group, helps employees throughout Florida and Georgia to file workers’ comp claims and appeal workers’ comp denials./

To discuss specific information regarding your injury with a dedicated attorney, contact us to schedule a free initial assessment. With the Feldman Legal Group, you’ll find convenient workers’ compensation attorneys in Tampa and in our additional location in Atlanta. For your convenience, we can arrange a meeting at your home, hospital or any public place, or the consultation can be completely handled over the telephone. Call us at 877-946-8293.

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Tampa Workers’ Comp Attorney