subject: How Can A South Florida Work Accident Attorney Help You? [print this page] By Helping You Understand the Claims Process
When you are hurt in the workplace, Florida Workers' Compensation laws prescribe a course of action for both you and your employer to help you receive compensation when you have to miss work due to an injury. While it is designed to be fairly straightforward, sometimes problems can arise. Your employer may drag their feet about reporting the incident to their Workers' Comp insurer, or you may be sent to a doctor who is beholden to the insurer and may not be objective in assessing your situation. Speaking with a South Florida Work Comp attorney is a smart first move after you've been injured on the job.
By Helping You Appeal a Claim That Has Been Denied
If you file a Workers' Comp claim and it is denied, that doesn't mean you're out of options. You have the right to appeal your claim, and a South Florida work accident attorney is the right person to help you do this. Sometimes the problem is as simple as a technicality, but sometimes there are differing opinions on the severity and nature of your injury. If your Workers' Comp claim has been denied, don't give up. Work with an attorney whose job it is to protect your rights rather than the rights of your employer or their Workers' Comp insurer.
By Helping You Get the Medical Help You Need
If you go through the Workers' Comp claims process with a committed work accident attorney by your side, you are much more likely to get the best quality medical care as well as the ongoing care you need, along with necessary durable medical equipment, and physical rehabilitation benefits. If your injury prevents you from ever being able to do the work you were doing before, you may be eligible to receive vocational retraining benefits. And within some constraints, hearing loss that is occupationally related may make you eligible for compensation.
By Helping Survivors in the Event of a Workplace Fatality
Sadly, workplace fatalities do occur, even in workplaces that follow safety standards. In 2010, 4,500 Americans were killed on the job. When this type of tragedy occurs, a South Florida work accident lawyer can help ensure that survivors receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. No amount of money can make up for the workplace death of a loved one, but even in tragic cases insurers will watch their bottom line. The right attorney can make sure survivors' rights are protected and that they receive all the compensation they're entitled to.
By Protecting Your Rights
Your employer and your employer's Workers' Comp insurer have different points of view of your workplace injury than you do. Your employer does not want to pay higher insurance premiums, and their insurer wants to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. Your South Florida Work Comp attorney is there to protect you and to work the case from your perspective. If you are injured on the job, seek any emergency medical help necessary, and call an experienced work accident attorney at your first opportunity.