Get Help from Our Lakeland, FL, Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
We Get Justice for Workers
Have you suffered a work-related injury or disabling condition while on the job in Lakeland? If so, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation law is complicated. The process to obtain the benefits to which you may be entitled is confusing and often frustrating. Engaging the services of experienced Lakeland workers’ compensation attorneys is wise.
Workers’ compensation law becomes even more complex if you are injured on the job by a third party. A Lakeland workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and let you know if you have a claim against a third party and how that might affect your workers’ compensation claim.
These professionals can help you navigate the difficult terrain that comes with workers’ compensation claims as a result of an on-the-job injury. With a clear understanding of both federal and Florida laws, the claim submission process, and the appeals process, the right experts can truly help. Allowing them to focus on the administrative side of your claim provides you the opportunity to focus your attention where it is most needed… on your recovery.
Understanding Workers’ Comp Law in Florida
Our Lakeland Workers’ Comp Lawyer Explains
Sometimes what should be straightforward can end up becoming complex. This is absolutely the case with workers’ compensation. What was first designed as a hassle-free way for workers to get compensated when they became ill or injured on the job has become difficult to traverse for most who don’t have legal experience. As a result, these critically important benefit claims are often denied. Denial of benefits to Lakeland workers leaves those struggling with illness or injury as a result of their job in a place of a potential financial crisis.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Lakeland are well-versed in all aspects of employment law, including those benefits to which you are entitled. These include:
- Immediate Coverage: Employees in Florida become eligible for workers’ compensation insurance as soon as they begin their job – on the very first day. Workers’ compensation is also known as temporary disability and is used to compensate for lost wages due to time off work. Additionally, should you become injured at work in Lakeland, even early in your employment, you also are afforded free medical care and compensation for disability, disfigurement, or any permanent injury sustained.
- Benefits for Employees of Out-of-State Organizations: If you are an employee of an out-of-state employer and were injured on the job while in Lakeland, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
- Compensation and Negligence: Negligence plays a much lesser role in workers’ compensation claims in Florida. Even if your employer is not at fault, you can still collect your benefits. Even more interesting, in some cases, you may still be eligible for benefits if you were at fault for the injury.
Want to know how Florida workers’ comp laws impact you? Our Lakeland workers’ comp lawyers can review your case and explain other aspects of the law that may affect your settlement. They can explain what your settlement might look like and the process of filing and approval. They can also address the possibility of denial and what the next steps might be.
Why You Should Work with Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Lakeland, FL
While workers’ compensation laws are in place to protect employees across the state, the claim process is not always a smooth one. In fact, it can be downright contentious. Paying these claims has a negative financial impact on both your employer and the insurance carrier. The reason for this is that the insurance company is going to be required to pay out, and the employer is likely going to have to pay increased premiums.
Convincing you to settle for less money or outright denying your claim is in their best interests. Workers’ compensation insurance companies will try to disprove your claim at every turn.
The impact of claims on the bottom line can be so great that oftentimes these parties work together to minimize the benefits provided. Many injured workers find themselves in a position where their benefits are reduced or terminated once their insurance-approved physician indicates they have achieved maximum medical improvement. When companies are found to owe compensation to workers, premiums for insurance coverage from that point on can increase. This means reducing those benefits is in the best interest of the employer that must pay higher premiums and the insurance company that has to pay out the settlement.
When you work with a well-regarded workers’ compensation attorney in Lakeland, you engage individuals who not only understand the law but are also familiar with tactics insurance companies and employers take to minimize claims. They know how to address these unscrupulous practices and maximize your benefits. Having someone in your corner is essential; with their support, you can not only get better benefits, but you will also actually have someone on your side.
Managing the Workers’ Comp Process in Lakeland
Understanding Claims
Claims for which you can be compensated in Florida are considerable. While some are obvious — like injuries from falls, burns, cuts, or slips while working — others may be more surprising. These include injuries from traffic accidents sustained when traveling as part of your job, injuries from repetitive motion (like typing or hammering), carpal tunnel, muscle injury, or illnesses from exposure to chemicals.
Not every injury at work is covered by workers’ comp. While covered injuries are significant, there are also injuries and illnesses for which you would not be able to collect workers’ compensation. An example is tripping over your own feet and hitting your head or doing something that is intentionally dangerous that results in injury. This is not to say that if you are to blame you cannot get compensation. It is best to speak with an attorney to see what your options are prior to filing a claim.
Some Lakeland employers and their insurance carriers may claim that your preexisting conditions render you ineligible for compensation.
This may not be true. If an accident at work is the major contributing cause and results in your needing medical treatment, your care should be covered.
Available Compensation for Injuries to Lakeland Workers
“How much can I expect to receive?” is a question regularly asked of our legal professionals. Because we understand that each case is based on a specific incident with unique factors, offering a generalization regarding settlements is not possible.
However, we can provide information about the benefits to which you may be entitled. These include:
- Lost wages or salary
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and follow-up appointments
- Expenses related to rehabilitation
- Costs associated with retraining or recertification after time off work
- Compensation for permanent disability
- Recovery for dependents if a worker dies.
As your Lakeland workers’ compensation attorney, we can offer a better estimate of what your settlement may be once we have more information regarding your specific case.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Workers’ compensation injuries can be anything from minor cuts, scratches, scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries or even death. Injuries can be caused by falling because of defective or out-of-date safety equipment, unsafe ladders and scaffolding, or even because debris was left on scaffolding.
Car accidents could cause injuries if you are driving while on the job. If the accident is not your fault, you might have other avenues to recover compensation. Contact a Lakeland workers’ compensation attorney for questions regarding workplace accident injuries caused by someone other than your employer.
Some injuries could be catastrophic. While there is no set description of a catastrophic injury, the injury is normally considered catastrophic if it affects you for life or results in the death of a loved one. For example, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are usually catastrophic injuries.
These types of injuries often result in long-term or permanent pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship and/or consortium, and inconvenience.
If you lose a loved one because of a workers’ compensation accident, you are also entitled to collect benefits. However, if the workers’ compensation wrongful death claim turns into a lawsuit, you will have to prove the employer’s liability. A Lakeland workers’ compensation attorney can help you by investigating the case and will advise you as to whether you should continue with the workers’ comp claim or file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Get the Best Possible Representation in Your Lakeland Workers’ Compensation Case
Leverage Our Experience
Our team is experienced in providing legal representation to clients in Lakeland and throughout the state of Florida. Our managing attorney, Mitchell Feldman, has over 25 years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases. He and his team know all too well the strategies that insurance companies use to lower benefits and keep settlements low.
We are a highly regarded part of the Lakeland business community and are well-known for our success in protecting area employees. Because of our years of experience, we know the judges, doctors, and lawyers in the workers’ compensation world and understand the influence they have. We can leverage this knowledge when representing you, helping you to get the settlement you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Contact Our Lakeland, FL, Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you have been injured on the job or fallen ill as a result of the work you do, you likely have a host of questions, including:
- What should you do after you are injured?
- Does your injury qualify for workers’ compensation in Lakeland?
- When should you file your claim?
- Should you waive your workers’ compensation benefits?
- Should you appeal your settlement offer?
For the answer to these and other questions, contact the skilled, knowledgeable, and reputable Lakeland workers’ compensation attorneys at Feldman Legal Group. Our team has a reputation for actively listening to our clients’ concerns, providing complete answers to their questions, and successfully representing their interests.
We understand the complex laws in effect and know what to expect from Lakeland employers and their insurance carriers. Our team is committed to protecting your rights.
Contact us today at 877-946-8293 to schedule a consultation with one of our Lakeland workers’ comp attorneys and learn more about how we can help you.
Our goal is to maximize your settlement and protect your future.
