Why You Need to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

In Florida, if you suffer injuries on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should provide benefits for your medical care and lost wages. State law requires most employers to have this coverage, and the coverage is no-fault, which means that an employee does not have to prove negligence to get benefits.

With the law on the side of injured workers, you might assume that the workers’ compensation claim process is straightforward and easy to handle. Unfortunately, many workers encounter obstacles in the process, which can delay benefits and increase stress in an already stressful time.

Anyone who suffered job-related injuries should discuss the claim process with a workers’ compensation attorney. Having an attorney can ensure you get the benefits you deserve and can take the stress off your shoulders.

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process

Injured workers do not automatically begin receiving benefits following an accident. Instead, they must file a claim and present evidence to support it, and there are strict guidelines that claimants must meet. This claim is not directly with your employer, but with the company’s workers’ comp insurance provider. Like most types of insurance claims, it is not easy to successfully collect the full amount your claim is worth.

Workers’ compensation insurance providers are corporations and focused on profits. When you file a claim, an adjuster will work to challenge the claim or minimize your payments as much as possible. There are different ways they might challenge a workers’ comp claim, including:

• Stating the injury was not work-related
• Claiming most of your losses were due to a pre-existing condition
• Asserting that you did not require all the medical treatment you received or the time off work you took during your recovery
• Challenging whether your injury creates a disability that prevents you from returning to work

A workers’ compensation lawyer will know what evidence to gather and provide to prove your injury was work-related and the benefits you need. If your claim is denied outright by the insurer, we can help you with every step of the appeal process.

Communicating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters will tell you they are on your side, but they do not have your best interests in mind. They might try to get you to say something against your claim or - if you have a disabling injury - convince you to accept a lump-sum settlement offer that is far less than you deserve.

You are already dealing with your injury and medical treatment, so the last thing you need to deal with is an insurance adjuster and their tactics. Let an attorney handle all of these communications and negotiations for you.

Consult with a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you would like to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney in West Palm Beach, reach out to Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa. Contact us for a no-cost consultation today, and we can assess your rights under workers’ compensation laws.