Why You Should Always Contact a Lawyer After a Workplace Injury in Palm Bay, FL
One of the worst things you can do after a workplace injury is sitting back and hope things will work out. Doing nothing could put your financial well-being and health at risk. The least you should do is see a medical professional and talk to a Florida workers’ compensation attorney. While you may be tempted to handle things independently, one mistake can make the difference between getting workers’ compensation benefits and struggling to make ends meet. Still, have some doubts? Here are some reasons why you should always hire a personal injury lawyer after a workplace accident.
Workers Compensation Lawyers Help Protect Your Rights
Injured workers are entitled to different benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation law, including temporary partial disability, wage benefits, medical benefits, death benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies routinely deny workers compensation claims. The insurance adjuster and lawyer working on behalf of the insurance company do everything to justify minimal to zero payouts, even when the claim is genuine.
With a trusted worker’s compensation law firm by your side, you can rest assured that your rights are protected. Workers compensation lawyers communicate with employers and insurance companies on behalf of injured employees. They gather medical evidence to support your worker’s compensation, negotiate a reasonable settlement, and represent you at your workers’ comp hearing.
Workers Compensation Lawyers are Great at Negotiating a Settlement
Dealing with the insurance company directly when negotiating your workers’ compensation claim is a big mistake. This is because profit matters more to insurance companies than the well-being of their clients. Moreover, those who hire experienced injury attorneys get higher compensation settlements for medical bills and other necessities than those who opt for self-representation.
As an injured employee, it’s essential to hire a workers compensation attorney who will negotiate a maximum settlement with the insurance claims adjuster. An experienced attorney will weigh your case by establishing your medical expenses and associated lost wages. They also help set the proper settlement for pain and suffering, general damages, and permanent total disability. If you are a surviving spouse, Florida’s workers’ compensation law entitles you to death benefits. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you get the settlement you need to pay for medical treatment, funeral expenses, and more.
Experience and Skill Navigating the Workers’ Compensation System
The beauty of getting legal counsel after you’re injured on the job is that such attorneys have experience handling cases similar to yours. Whether it’s a major or minor injury, a lawyer’s extensive knowledge of Florida workers’ compensation laws will come in handy when negotiating your benefits with the insurance company.
Moreover, a deep understanding of Florida workers’ compensation law means your attorney knows what procedure to follow and understands legal matters like the statute of limitations. They will ensure issues like paperwork mishaps or technicalities don’t keep you from getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
They Can Help When Your Boss Hits Back for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Florida workers’ compensation law requires employers with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The coverage helps businesses avoid the cost of medical treatment and lost wages after a workplace injury. But even with the coverage, some employers take kindly to employers filing a workers’ compensation claim. They often resort to intimidation tactics like demoting you, reducing your hours, ducking your pay, or even firing you altogether.
If you find yourself a victim of this unlawful and unfair treatment, seek legal advice from a work injury lawyer. The attorney will leverage their experience to ensure you get fair compensation as per Florida law. They will take proper care of you, ensuring your rights are protected and that you get compensation for your injuries and the harassment you faced from your boss.
A Lawyer Can Reignite Your Workers’ Comp Claim After It’s Denied
A common misconception among people is that getting workers’ compensation benefits is easy. After all, you have an excellent work record, your colleagues witnessed your on-the-job injury, and you underwent treatment for your broken bones with a reputable medical professional. But despite all of that, you’ll face a bitter reality when you file for workers’ compensation. It’s only then that people think about enlisting the help of a law firm.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can build a stronger case than you can. They know the actual evidence needed to force the insurance company to a fair settlement, such as detailed medical records, the initial accident report, photographs, and witness statements.
A Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help Differentiate Pre-Existing Conditions
Injured workers find it incredibly challenging to differentiate pre-existing conditions when trying to recover benefits. This is particularly true when you suffer a back injury or repetitive stress injury at work. And while most of us have had a sore back at one time or another, the insurance company will try to use what was a minor ache as a reason for refusing your claim.
Having an attorney-client relationship can prove beneficial when you have a pre-existing condition. The attorney might arrange for an independent medical examination if the insurance company doesn’t agree with the doctor’s disability rating.
An Attorney Gives You Peace of Mind
Getting a work injury can be traumatizing because of the physical pain and the mental and emotional distress. Many people worry about the mounting cost of medical care, the possibility of permanent work restrictions, and the loss of wages. Permanent disability exacerbates these worries.
In such cases, hiring an attorney can give an injured worker peace of mind. An experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and get you the workers’ compensation you need to pay for medical treatment. This frees you to focus on getting healthier and trying to live a better life.
Have You Been Injured on the Job? Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
At Alpizar Law, we are prepared to do what it takes to protect your rights. We have a deep understanding of Florida’s workers’ compensation system and will ensure that your claim isn’t taken for granted. Contact us today at 321-676-2511 to provide a detailed account of the accident and learn more about how we can help you.