On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | June 18, 2023 | Workers' Compensation
No one expects or plans to get injured while working. Being away from work, recovering from an injury, and attempting to fight an insurance provider that doesn’t want to pay what you deserve or denies your claim can be one of the most challenging experiences you’ll go through in your life. But it is perfectly natural to be overwhelmed and stressed when this happens to you. After all, a work injury can result in life-changing consequences, even death.
If you have yet to schedule your free initial consultation with our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney, here’s what you should do after getting injured at work.
Inform Your Employer About Your Work-Related Injury
Florida workers’ compensation laws provide that you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a work-related injury. However, you must take certain steps within specific time limits to receive these benefits, the first of which is to inform your employer about your injury.
You must inform your employer, supervisor, or manager about the incident that resulted in your injury within 30 days of the incident or the date a doctor diagnoses you with a work injury or condition. Otherwise, your employer’s insurer will most likely deny your claim.
Get Medical Attention ASAP
This step is immensely crucial, even if you think you only suffered a minor injury. Getting prompt medical attention will ensure that you obtain proper medical treatment and have an official record that you can use when your employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier disputes your injury.
Complete a Work Injury Form
OSHA requires employers to have work injury forms that employees can fill out. Your employer must keep this record and report your injury to their workers’ comp insurer and OSHA. You should also obtain a copy of the report.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim On Time
You only have two years from the workplace incident or diagnosis of your work-related injury or illness to file your claim. Otherwise, you forfeit your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Speak to a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney
After getting hurt or developing an illness or disease at work, you must do everything you can to safeguard your legal rights and secure the benefits you are entitled to. Your lawyer can help you do that by:
- Gathering and organizing the evidence you require to establish and prove the cause and severity of your work-related injury.
- Ensuring you understand your rights and all laws that apply to your claim.
- Helping you navigate the workers’ compensation claims process and appealing a denial if needed.
- Resolving disputes and negotiating with your employer’s insurer.
- Figure out whether you can pursue more compensation through a third-party liability claim.
Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, the goal of our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys is to make sure your employer treats you and compensates you fairly, so you’ll have the funds you need to pay for all your work injury-related expenses. To arrange your free consultation, please reach us online or call 561-478-2500.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
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