If you are injured on the job, you must report your injury to recover the financial help required for treatment and to help you fully recover. However, attempting to file for workers’ compensation benefits without the help of a workers’ comp lawyer Florida can be complex, to say the least.
There is a lot of paperwork that goes with receiving compensation, and if you make even a small mistake, it may result in you receiving fewer benefits than what you are owed. In some cases, your claim may be denied altogether.
There are more than a few mistakes that you may make when you attempt to file alone; however, our workers’ comp lawyer Florida will help you with each step of the legal process.
Common Mistakes Made When Filing for Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are more than a few mistakes that are made when attempting to secure workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. These include:
Failing to Report the Accident
It’s necessary to report your accident and all injuries to your employer in writing. You should do this as soon as you can after the incident. Be sure that you follow the policies set by your employer when it comes to reporting and responding to an on-the-job incident. Be sure that your business’s human resource department or your supervisor receives this in a timely manner.
Not Being Timely or Accurate with Your Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
A workers’ compensation claim requires specific forms and documents to be complete and accurate. It’s also necessary to submit these forms in a timely manner after you suffer an injury on the job. In some cases, filing too late may keep you from getting the benefits you deserve.
Not Providing a Full Explanation of Your Accident to Your Doctor or Healthcare Provider
Most of the benefits that you receive will be based on the records provided by your doctor or healthcare provider. The report that is filed at the scene will also come into play. Be sure that your doctor, along with your entire medical team, knows everything about your injury and how it has impacted your life.
Not Following Orders from Your Medical Team or Doctor
Benefits from workers’ compensation are designed to help you recover after your injury. However, if you are doing things that will negatively impact your recovery, then the benefits will be discontinued or denied. Make sure that you follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor carefully so that you don’t make this mistake.
Get Another Opinion
If you are injured at work, it’s important to go to the doctor that your employer sends you to. However, you need to see your doctor, too. After all, it’s your private doctor who will know your entire medical history. If the doctor the employer requires you to go to states that you can go back to work before you have made a full recovery, then your private doctor may disagree and make another medical claim.
Going Back to Work too Soon or Not Trying to Find Work
The worker’s compensation benefits you receive are costing the insurance company money. To reduce their costs and protect the business’s bottom line, you may be pressured to find any type of work, even while you are still injured. This is done so that they can stop paying the benefits you are owed. Be sure that you don’t do this until you have fully recovered to the point that you can safely work again. If you have been determined to be partially disabled because of an at-work accident, it may be necessary that you search for work and accept a job that you can do safely.
Not Talking to or Hiring a Florida Workers’ Comp Lawyer
It is a good idea to retain the services of a workers’ comp lawyer Florida when you are trying to receive the benefits that you are owed. Even in situations where things seem to be moving smoothly, issues can occur unexpectedly. Because of this, you need an attorney who has your best interests in mind. Our legal team will ensure that you get the benefits you deserve and that you can get on with your life.
Is There Anything That May Disqualify You from Receiving Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Insurers that offer workers’ compensation insurance policies may be able to deny your claim for benefits if your statement and the statement from your company don’t align. Any inconsistencies may result in a denial. For example, if your supervisor claims that one thing happened, but you say it was something else, then the insurers can use this as a reason to deny your claim.
This is when having a workers’ comp lawyer on your side and protecting your rights is invaluable. Your attorney can help ensure that you get the benefits you deserve and that you are not unfairly denied these benefits.
Contact Our Workers’ Comp Lawyer Florida for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Situation
There is no question that if you are injured on the job, you should be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits (in most cases). Unfortunately, one of the common mistakes above may result in your claim being denied. One of the best ways to avoid being in this situation is by letting our workers’ comp lawyer Florida help with your case. We have handled thousands of cases, just like yours, and can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
The first step in getting your workers’ compensation benefits is to get in touch with our legal team so we can discuss your case. We are here to help and provide new clients with a free initial consultation. Call today to learn more.
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