Winter Haven Workers Compensation Lawyer

More than 1,870 people file workers’ compensation claims each year in Polk County, Florida, because they were injured on the job. Throughout the state, more than 60,000 workers suffer work injuries every year. The vast majority of people who file workers’ compensation claims do receive benefits.

Often, though, people have problems along the way. Their claims may get turned down, and then they have to appeal to get the benefits that are rightfully theirs. Some do not receive the correct amount. Others have trouble navigating Florida’s workers’ compensation system on their own.

If you were injured on the job, you live or work in the Winter Haven area, and you have any problems with your workers’ comp claim, an experienced Winter Haven workers compensation lawyer from Van Dingenen can help you get the benefits you deserve.

Do All Winter Haven Employers Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Most employers in Winter Haven and throughout Florida are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees. There are a few exceptions, including some businesses that have fewer than four employees, although that doesn’t apply to construction workers. There are also some special rules for agricultural workers. For most workers, you can assume that your employer will have coverage. If you have any questions about this, you can talk to a Winter Haven workers compensation lawyer.

What Are Common Florida Workplace Injuries?

In a typical year in Florida, there may be more than 300 fatal workplace injuries and a much greater number of non-fatal injuries. More than a third of the fatal injuries are from transportation incidents. Falls, slips, and trips cause about 20% of the fatal injuries, followed by exposure to harmful substances or environments, contact with objects and equipment, violence, and fires or explosions.

Many of the employees who suffer non-fatal injuries work in retail, warehouses, transportation, or healthcare. However, workers get injured at work or become ill because of workplace conditions, such as being exposed to toxic chemicals, in every industry, and all are eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits.

What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover in Winter Haven, Florida?

The Florida workers’ compensation system is designed to enable injured workers to receive compensation without having to file a traditional personal injury lawsuit based on the negligence of their employer. With workers’ compensation, you don’t have to prove negligence. You are entitled to compensation no matter whether your employer was at fault or not. The process of getting workers’ compensation benefits is faster and easier than seeking compensation by filing a lawsuit.

However, with workers’ compensation, you will receive benefits only for your medical care and for a percentage of your income. A personal injury lawsuit may also provide compensation for non-economic damages, which include subjective harms, such as physical pain, emotional anguish, and lower quality of life. You can find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit for negligence by talking to a Winter Haven workers compensation lawyer from Van Dingenen Law. If you are, the lawyer will help you decide whether you would be better off filing a workers’ comp claim or filing a lawsuit.

What Types of Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Pay in Winter Haven?

If your claim gets approved, Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides two types of benefits: medical and wage replacement.

Medical Benefits
Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier must pay benefits for:

• Doctor visits
• Hospitalizations
• Medications
• Diagnostic testing
• Physical therapy
• Prostheses
• Travel expenses to receive medical treatment

The insurance company is required to pay at least until the time that you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Wage Replacement Benefits
Your weekly wage replacement benefit will be two-thirds of your regular weekly wages before you were injured, but it can’t be more than the average weekly wage in Florida. You will receive benefits in one of four categories: temporary partial or temporary total benefits, or permanent impairment or permanent total benefits. If you pass away because of your on-the-job injury, workers’ compensation will pay funeral expenses and benefits to your dependents.

Do I Need a Winter Haven Workers Compensation Lawyer if I Was Injured on the Job?

You’re not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim in Winter Haven. However, your chances of having a successful outcome and receiving timely benefits can be substantially better if you have an experienced Winter Haven workers compensation lawyer guiding you through the process. It’s especially helpful to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you are having any of these problems or circumstances:

• Your claim was denied.
• Your employer claims your injury was not work-related.
• Your employer fired you or retaliated against you in any other way because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.
• The settlement offer isn’t enough to cover your medical bills or the correct percentage of your lost wages.
• The waiting period is over, but you haven’t started to receive your benefits.
• You want to appeal a claim that was denied or sustained.
• Your injuries have caused you to be partially or totally disabled.
• A third party was involved in the accident.

How a Van Dingenen Law Winter Haven Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Van Dingenen Law have extensive experience helping injured workers deal with all the issues described above. Many workers’ compensation insurance companies want to avoid paying claims. Because of this, your claim could be denied, delayed, or underpaid. With a Winter Haven workers’ compensation lawyer from Van Dingenen Law at your side, you will get the help you need. We’ll stand up to the insurance companies and make sure your right to compensation is protected.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses for hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, and our fee is a tiered percentage of the benefits you receive, only after you win or settle your case. The percentages are set by law.

For help with your claim or for advice and support, call us today at 407-967-5377 or fill out the FREE CASE EVALUATION form above to get started.