Workers’ Compensation
Have you been injured on the job? You could be eligible to receive worker’s compensation benefits for medical expenses and/or lost wages. Florida statutes §440.02 and §440.10 require employers across all industries, excluding construction, who have four or more employees must have workers compensation coverage. For the construction industry, employers with more than one employee must carry workers compensation coverage. State or local governments and farmers with five or more regular employees or twelve or more seasonal employees must provide workers compensation coverage.
Are you eligible for workers compensation? To collect workers compensation following a work-related injury, you must have been injured within the scope of your routine employment and tasks. Also, the injury must have occurred while physically on the job, not including commuting to and from work. Finally, if you were traveling as part of your employment such as a business trip or operating a company vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation.
When it comes to workers compensation, it generally does not matter who is at fault for the injury. For example, if you are injured while lifting a box at work and subsequently you are injured but there is no one to blame, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Oftentimes, insurance companies and employers may try to deny your benefits or minimize them to the smallest extent possible. Thus, the workers’ compensation system does not always work as it is intended. Employers or insurance companies may claim your injuries did not occur in the workplace, downplay the severity of your injuries, or claim your injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition. It is important you are treated fairly regarding injuries sustained at work and Meldon Law is here to help in the event you are not. Having the help of a knowledgeable attorney with your best interests in mind can greatly simplify the entire process of receiving benefits for your workplace injuries.
If you are injured, the Department of Financial Services and the Office of the Judges Compensation Claims require that the workplace injury is reported within 30 days. The report must include specific details of the incident; such as, location, witnesses, time, and cause. After the initial report is filed, you have up to two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. In the event your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal your claim. An attorney at Meldon Law can file a petition for you with the Division of Administrative Hearings. The case will be assigned to a judge and an appeal hearing will be scheduled within 40 days. At the appeal hearing, a Meldon Law attorney will present evidence to prove you are entitled to your benefits. Employers and insurance companies are notorious for their efforts to deny workers’ compensations claims. Luckily, Meldon Law knows how to combat these tactics. Meldon Law will obtain benefits for your medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, permanent impairment, and prescription drugs and will not hesitate to litigate your workers’ compensation case. You deserve an attorney who has your best interests at heart, and though we hope you never need it, Meldon Law is here to help.
