WELLINGTON WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
WELLINGTON WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYER
When people go to work, they expect to make an honest living, not to become injured while on the job. Unfortunately, millions of people across the country become hurt every year. If you have been injured, you may know that you can file a workers’ compensation claim, but these claims are largely misunderstood. Additionally, a dispute could arise that places your benefits at risk. If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, our Wellington workers’ compensation lawyers can help you recover the benefits you need.
Workers’ Compensation is a No-Fault System
Many people worry that they will not receive the workers’ compensation benefits they need because they caused or contributed to the accident. Fortunately, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so it does not matter if you, a co-worker, or even your employer caused the accident.
However, due to the fact that workers’ compensation is considered no-fault, you also generally cannot sue your employer for the accident, even if they caused it. While there are some exceptions to this, they are generally quite limited. A Wellington workers’ compensation lawyer can fully explain the options available to you.
Notifying Your Employer
Workers’ compensation claims do come with some challenges. One of these sometimes arises when an employee does not notify their employer right away about the injury. In Florida, you only have 30 days to report the injury to your employer. If an illness or condition develops over time, you have 30 days from the date you discovered the condition was related to your place of work.
If you do not notify your employer of the injury within the specified time, it could hurt your chances of claiming benefits. Always provide notice to your employer as soon as possible and provide it in writing so you have valid proof in the event that it is needed.
Challenges when Filing a Claim
Most employers in Florida are required to carry workers’ compensation, leading many hurt employees to think they will not face challenges when filing their claim. Unfortunately, that is not true. These claims present several challenges, including:
- Your employer: To recover workers’ compensation benefits, you must have been hurt at work while performing duties within the scope of your employment. Your employer may dispute this fact, making it more difficult to claim benefits.
- The insurance company: Insurance companies that offer workers’ compensation coverage to employers are still insurance companies and as such, they may also try to find reasons to deny or delay your claim.
- The doctor: Under Florida law, you must see a doctor the insurance company chooses when claiming workers’ compensation. These doctors work for the insurance company and are often motivated to hurt your claim. For example, a doctor may not include in their report that your injury was work-related.
The above challenges are just a few you may face when filing your claim. An attorney can help you overcome them.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Wellington Can Help with Your Claim
If you have been hurt in a workplace injury, our Wellington workers’ compensation lawyers at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, can help you recover the benefits you need. Call us today at 561-472-8165 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.