Getting hurt on the job can happen to anyone at any time. You have a right to work in a safe environment, and it is your employer’s job to always promote safety. Still, accidents can happen. When they do, many injured employees apply for workers’ compensation benefits. While they know these benefits are available, they may not anticipate undergoing a complicated process to get them.
While you could qualify for workers’ compensation after getting hurt on the job in Ocala, your employer or its insurer could challenge or flat-out deny your claim. When this happens, it is important to remember you have rights, and an Ocala personal injury lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you with your case. We can review your situation and advise you of your next steps. You can call us today for a free consultation.
How We Can Help Your Marion County Workers’ Compensation Case
Workers’ compensation protects the employer and its employees in cases of injury or illness in the workplace. Generally, the no-fault compensation insurance pays the claims of employees who suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their jobs. The insurance also shields employers from liability for their workers’ injuries or illnesses. Only employers who bought workers’ compensation insurance can offer this coverage.
In many cases, what seems like a straightforward process turns complicated for some workers for various reasons. When this happens, some people turn to a lawyer to handle their case. Our Ocala workers’ compensation lawyer understands Florida’s laws and will protect your rights while looking out for your interests.
You deserve to receive your full benefits under this insurance, and we can help you navigate the process as you seek your due. If you hire us to manage your case, we can:
- Investigate how and why your workplace injury or illness happened
- Gather evidence to prove your case, including witness testimony and expert witness testimony
- Identify all liable parties responsible for your injury or illness, including third parties
- Manage claim-related paperwork and help you file your claim on time
- Defend you against claims that you caused your own injury or against demands that you return to work before you’re physically able
- Explaining applicable laws and answering your questions about what to expect during the process
We Can Appeal A Denial Of Your Ocala Workers’ Compensation Claim
Florida workers’ compensation claims are denied for various reasons. Sometimes, people do not fill out the forms correctly or miss the filing deadline. If you receive a claim denial notice, your letter should state why your claim was rejected.
If you feel the reason for the denial is wrong, you can challenge it. We can prepare your case and represent you in all appeals hearings as we seek your recovery.
Recoverable Compensation After Getting Hurt On The Job In Ocala
If you qualify for workers’ compensation, your benefits will depend on the kind of injury or illness you suffered. Your award could cover the following:
- Medical expenses related to your workplace injury or illness
- Ongoing costs of your treatment and recovery
- Partial compensation for lost income until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or go back to work
- Reduced earnings or earning ability if you must take a job that pays less because of your injury or illness
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Vocational training, retraining, or education assistance
- Survivor death benefits (if a person died from an on-the-job injury)
Suing Third Parties for Damages After an Ocala Work Injury
The above benefits can be recovered from an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. If your Ocala workplace injury involves a negligent third party, such as a property owner or general contractor, you could be eligible for damages not covered under this insurance. This includes pain and suffering, mental anguish, property damage, lost or reduced earning potential, wrongful death, and other accident- or injury-related costs.
Our workers’ compensation benefits attorney can help you review any benefits an insurance company offers for an Ocala workplace injury or illness. It is possible that an initial offer may not cover your needs, which means you could negotiate for a better one. It is important to know that once you accept the offer’s conditions, you cannot sue the party later for more compensation.
We Must Start On Your Ocala Workers’ Compensation Claim Soon
You should report a work-related injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible, generally within 30 days from the time it occurs. Failure to do this could bar you from collecting compensation. Once you report your injury, your employer should notify its insurer. If you are suing a third party for your injury or illness, you have four years from the date of injury, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
Strict time limits govern workers’ compensation claims in Florida. Per Florida Statutes § 440.19, you must file a petition for benefits within two years after the date you knew or should have known about the work-related injury. Two years sounds like a long while, but time can go by quickly when it takes months to investigate a workers’ compensation claim and build a solid case.
It can take weeks to months to secure documentation of your injuries and other evidence, including talking with witnesses and others who can support your compensation case. The sooner we know about your claim, the sooner we can get to work for you.
Our Lawyers Can Start On Your Ocala Workers’ Compensation Case Today
We help injured workers throughout Florida with their compensation cases, so we understand that money can be tight right now, especially if you have been out of work for some time. If you hire us to manage your case, you won’t have to worry about us adding upfront expenses or fees.
We are a contingency law firm, which means we do not receive any payment unless and until we recover awards for you. If we do not win your case, we do not get paid.
We will be with you every step of the way in your Ocala compensation case after a work injury or illness. When you become our client, you will get a legal professional who will give you frequent case updates, respond promptly to your calls and text messages, and answer your questions. You will also get your attorney’s phone number so you can reach them directly. We want you to focus on getting better while we take care of everything else.
Call Today To Get Started On Your Ocala Workers’ Compensation Case
There’s no time like the present to get help with your workers’ compensation claim. We advise you to start looking into your options now. You deserve medical care and compensation that helps you optimize your recovery. We are here and ready to talk with you about your work-related injury or illness and more during a complimentary consultation.
You deserve to know what benefits and damages you could recover, especially if a negligent third party harmed you or a loved one. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine now so we can learn more about how we can help your case.
We Can Help.
