Get Help from Our Leto Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
We Get Justice for Workers
Have you suffered a work-related injury or disabling condition while on the job in Leto? If so, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation law is complicated, and the process of obtaining the benefits to which you may be entitled is confusing and often frustrating. Engaging the services of an experienced Leto workers’ compensation lawyer is wise.
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 claims 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.
Our workers’ compensation attorney in Leto, FL, stands ready to advocate for the benefits you need and deserve. You can rest assured that Feldman Law Group will leverage all our resources to maximize your settlement. Contact us today at 877-946-8293 to schedule a consultation.
Understanding Workers’ Comp Law in Florida
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Leto, FL, 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 become ill or are 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 Leto workers leaves those struggling with illness or injury as a result of their job in a place of potential financial crisis.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Leto 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 be injured at work in Leto, 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 Leto, 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 Leto workers’ compensation attorneys 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 Lawyers in Leto
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’ comp lawyer in Leto, 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 Leto
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 Leto 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 Leto 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
- 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 Leto workers’ compensation attorney, we can offer a better estimate of what your settlement may be once we have more information regarding your specific case.
Get the Best Possible Representation in Your Leto Workers’ Compensation Case
Leverage Our Experience
Our team is experienced in providing legal representation to clients in Leto 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 Leto 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 get the settlement you deserve.
FAQs to Ask a Leto Workers’ Comp Lawyer
How long do I have to report an accident to my employer?
Always report your accident as soon as possible so that you can start collecting benefits. However, you have up to 30 days to report an accident. If you report it after 30 days, your claim could be denied.
I keep getting medical bills. Do I have to pay them?
No. The medical provider should be submitting medical bills to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
Do I get paid if I can’t work?
You do not get paid for the first seven days you are out of work. However, if your injuries cause you to lose over 21 days, workers’ compensation might pay for the first seven days.
How much does workers’ compensation pay me?
Most people collecting workers’ compensation receive 66-2/3 percent of their average weekly wages bi-weekly. Workers’ compensation uses an average of the wages you earned in the past 13 weeks, not counting the week you were injured, to calculate your benefit. However, if you worked less than 75 percent of that 13-week period, workers’ compensation will base your benefit on a similar employee in the same employment who worked at least 75 percent of the 13-week period.
I now receive Social Security benefits. Can I collect both at the same time?
Yes. However, if both payments equal 80 percent or more of the average weekly wage you earned prior to your injury, you will receive a reduction in the workers’ compensation check.
What do I do if my employer fired me for being unable to work?
If you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits due to an injury at work, your employer cannot fire you for filing the workers’ comp claim.
I settled my workers’ compensation claim; however, my condition worsened. Who pays for the new medical care I receive because of the worsening condition?
Once you settle a workers’ compensation claim, you cannot go back and ask for more compensation. If you settled, you must pay for all future medical expenses once your settlement runs out.
Does workers’ compensation limit my medical treatment?
As long as the medical treatment is related to the injuries you suffered at work, the medical provider must provide the medical care, prescriptions and treatment that are related to the injury.
How long does my employer have to report my injury to its insurance company?
Your employer has up to seven days to report your injury but should report it immediately. The insurance company has three days from the time your employer notified it to send you a brochure explaining your rights and responsibilities. The brochure also includes information regarding workers’ compensation law.
Are workers’ compensation benefits taxable?
No. However, if you can go back to work on limited or light duty and you are still under your authorized doctor’s care, you must pay taxes on the wages you earn.
‘Don’t Wait to Get Help
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Leto 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 Leto?
- 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 Leto 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 Leto 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 workers’ compensation lawyers in Leto and learn more about how we can help you.
Our goal is to maximize your settlement and protect your future.
