Steps to Take If You Are Injured at Work
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | January 21, 2023 | Workers' Compensation
Most employers in Florida are lawfully obligated to provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. The state’s workers’ comp laws protect employees by making sure they are afforded certain benefits following a workplace injury. But it’s crucial to take the proper steps to secure the benefits you are entitled to after suffering a workplace injury.
Workers’ compensation benefits include medical treatment, partial lost wages, and other lost benefits. You can receive these benefits after your injury if you seek timely medical attention, inform your employer, and file your workers’ comp claim. If you run into any issues along the way, don’t hesitate to discuss your situation with a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer.
Receiving Medical Attention is Your Number One Priority
Your main priority is getting medical attention right after getting injured at work. This will help ensure that you recover as fully and quickly as possible. Head straight to the doctor if you can or have someone else call an ambulance if you need emergency medical attention. Also, make sure that you go to a medical provider your employer has authorized. Otherwise, you’ll be on the hook for the medical bills.
Inform Your Employer About Your Injuries
After getting a diagnosis and medical treatment, inform your employer about the incident. Even if your employer was there when the accident occurred or already knew about it, it is best to inform them in writing, so you can have proof that you reported it on time. Under the law, you must report your injury within 30 days of the accident date or the date the doctor diagnosed your workplace injury.
Informing your employer of the accident that led to your injury, where and when it happened, and the details about your medical providers is the first requirement of filing a workers’ comp claim, so it’s vital that you give your employer sufficient notice. You should start receiving medical care benefits from workers’ comp as soon as you inform your employer, and they must cover all your medical expenses. Likewise, you must begin receiving wage replacement benefits after missing seven workdays.
If you find out that your employer has not reported your injury to their insurer within seven days (as required by law) of reporting the incident to them, you have the right to report your claim to the insurer.
Get Legal Advice From an Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Unfortunately, not all employers and workers’ comp insurers don’t always play fair and may make it difficult for employees to receive the benefits they need to recover from their workplace injuries. If you have taken all the necessary steps to file your claim and they refuse to pay you the full value of your claim or have denied your claim, you should consider discussing your case with our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer, who can help ensure that you secure the benefits you are entitled to under the law.
Contact Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa online or by phone at 561-478-2500 to arrange your free case evaluation with our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer.