Being injured in the process of your job could have disastrous consequences. Your injuries could prevent you from working and may put you and your loved ones in a difficult financial position. Your injuries may even have lifelong consequences that diminish your quality of living.
You may face pushback when it comes time to collect compensation from your employer. A Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyer can represent you during negotiations.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 to get a free consultation. Our team will explain the next steps for you to pursue compensation.
Your Employer May Have Workers’ Compensation
Florida § 440.055 indicates that your employer likely has workers’ compensation insurance so long as they employ more than four employees. Your employer may be legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance covering:
- On-the-job injuries
- Illnesses related to professional circumstances
Employers who do not carry workers’ compensation insurance may be subject to lawsuits when their employees become injured or sick. Your lawyer will review your employer’s insurance status and determine whether to bring a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit.
Workers’ Compensation May Cover Your Injury or Illness
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FOIR) echoes that most employers in Florida are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance. It also explains that such insurance generally covers:
- Medical costs for an injured or ill employee
- The cost of being disabled
- The cost of the passing of a loved one from work-related circumstances
If your loved one has passed away from a work-related injury, your lawyer may consider bringing a wrongful death lawsuit. Your lawyer will explain this type of lawsuit to you and determine whether this is a possibility in your case.
If your lawyer pursues a workers’ compensation claim, then you may obtain coverage for specific losses. These losses may include:
- The cost of emergency transportation and care just after a workplace injury
- The cost of hospitalization for an injury or illness
- The cost of diagnosing an injury or illness
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- The cost of a long-term or permanent caregiver
Every victim of illness or injury has different losses. Therefore, the exact coverage that workers’ compensation provides will vary from one person to the next.
Workers’ compensation may also cover a portion of your lost wages. This is an important feature of workers’ compensation, as you may not be able to work for the foreseeable future.
Your Lawyer Will Fight for Fair Compensation
Insurance companies may not be eager to pay your workers’ compensation claim. Even if they ultimately agree to pay for your losses, they may not agree with the amount of compensation that your lawyer requests.
Your Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyer will rely on documentation and evidence to make your case for fair insurance coverage. They will negotiate with the insurance company if necessary and will stand firm when making your case.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 to learn how we go the extra mile for clients dealing with a workplace injury or illness.
Employers Are Responsible for Workplace Conditions
Employers have a duty to keep their employees reasonably safe. Even jobs that are considered inherently dangerous come with required safety standards.
An employer may be responsible when a workplace results in injury, illness, or death. Your employer could be required to cover your losses through insurance or a lawsuit. They may be responsible for exposing you or a loved one to the following hazards.
Exposure to Toxic Material
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that toxic materials pose numerous health threats. Exposure to toxic chemicals may:
- Cause illnesses including but not limited to cancer
- Result in a fire and resulting burns
- Cause irritation of your eyes or other body parts
- Cause sensory damage
Injury and illness stemming from the presence of toxic material may entitle you to compensation.
Slipping and Tripping Hazards
Any workplace may become dangerous if slipping or tripping hazards are present. Whether you work in an office space or construction site, the presence of these hazards can result in serious injury. Broken bones and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the injuries that may come from a slip or trip and fall accident.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Some employees must drive a motor vehicle as part of their employment. This means that they may be put at consistent risk of being in a motor vehicle collision. Being in a motor vehicle collision may:
- Cause a serious injury
- Lead to permanent disability
- Cause death
An employer could be required to cover losses from an on-the-job motor vehicle accident in Gainesville.
Your Lawyer Will Complete Your Case
Every client has different needs. Some victims of workplace injuries may be best served by bringing an insurance claim, while others may benefit from a lawsuit.
A lawyer can advise you on whether to bring an insurance claim or lawsuit. They will then complete whichever type of case you choose to pursue. A lawyer can:
- Draft and file your claim or lawsuit
- Ensure that all defendants are notified of your claim or lawsuit
- Calculate your losses
- Determine which losses should be covered
- Gather any relevant witness accounts
- Gather evidence
- Move the legal process forward through all necessary means
- Negotiate a settlement
You may be entitled to different types of coverage depending on whether you bring a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit. Your lawyer will speak with you about this possibility before you decide which type of action to take.
Call Us for a Gainesville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You may not want to wait any longer to contact a lawyer’s team. Insurance claims and lawsuits may be governed by certain deadlines, and acting quickly is the safe course of action.
Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 to speak with our team about hiring a Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyer.
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