West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

If you have suffered an injury at work, you know the physical and emotional toll it can take on you and your family. The legal process can be overwhelming and complex, which is why you need experienced and dedicated West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers on your side.

Our team at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A., has a proven track record of success in handling Florida workers’ compensation cases and providing personalized attention to our clients injured on the job in West Palm Beach.

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, we understand that a work injury can significantly affect your life.

You may face medical bills, lost wages, and physical limitations that can affect your ability to work and provide for your family. Our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in West Palm Beach is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our West Palm Beach location is conveniently located, and we serve clients throughout the area. We have built a strong reputation for providing personalized attention to each client, and we understand that every case is unique. We take the time to listen to your concerns and understand the details of your case to build a strong legal strategy that works for you.

Our team has a comprehensive understanding of workers’ compensation law, as well as other related areas such as personal injury, social security disability, and long-term disability law. This expertise allows us to provide you with comprehensive legal representation that addresses all of your needs.

We believe that our clients deserve the best possible legal representation, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly to protect your rights. With our team on your side, you can be confident that you are getting the highest level of legal representation available in West Palm Beach.

If you have been injured on the job, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, today for a consultation and find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to making the legal process as stress-free as possible and helping you get back on your feet after a workplace injury.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation in Florida is a state-mandated insurance program that benefits employees experience an on-the-job injury or work-caused illness. The program is designed to provide employees with medical care and financial support without going through a lengthy lawsuit process.

In Florida, workers’ compensation is regulated by the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, which oversees the program and enforces its laws and regulations.

Florida’s workers’ compensation laws require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance covers employees who suffer injuries or illnesses, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. The benefits provided by workers’ compensation in Florida include medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. If an employee cannot work due to an injury, workers’ compensation may pay some of their lost wages.

Florida workers’ compensation laws also provide certain rights and protections to employees. For example, employees can choose their doctors for medical treatment, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file workers’ compensation claims. Employees dissatisfied with the outcome of their workers’ compensation claim may have the right to appeal the decision.

What Injuries and Illnesses Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

In Florida, workers’ compensation covers injuries and illnesses arising out of and during employment. This includes any injuries or illnesses that occur while an employee is working, including injuries caused by repetitive motions, exposure to harmful substances, and mental health conditions related to work-related stress.

Some examples of injuries and illnesses that Florida workers’ compensation may cover include:

• Slip and fall injuries at work
• Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Occupational diseases, such as lung disease caused by exposure to harmful chemicals
• Injuries caused by heavy lifting or other physical strain
• Illnesses caused by exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos or lead
• Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, caused by work-related stress

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation covers not all injuries or illnesses, and there are specific requirements for filing a claim. Additionally, some types of injuries, such as those caused by horseplay or intoxication, may not be covered.

What Benefits Are Offered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

In Florida, workers’ compensation covers a range of benefits for employees injured or who become ill due to their job. These benefits include:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation pays for all necessary medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: Workers’ compensation pays a portion of the employee’s lost wages if they cannot work due to their injury. The amount paid is typically two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, subject to certain maximum and minimum limits.
• Death benefits: If a work-related injury or illness results in an employee’s death, workers’ compensation may provide death benefits to the employee’s dependents to help with funeral expenses and lost income.
• Disability benefits: Workers’ compensation provides disability benefits to employees who are permanently or temporarily disabled due to a work-related injury or illness.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If an employee cannot return to their previous job due to their injury, workers’ compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation to help them learn new job skills or find new employment.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation covers not all injuries or illnesses, and there are specific requirements for filing a claim. Consulting with our experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

What To Do if You Are Injured On the Job in West Palm Beach

If you are hurt on the job in Florida, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do if you are injured at work:

Report the Injury

You should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the incident. Failure to report the injury within this timeframe could result in a loss of benefits.

Seek Medical Treatment

You should seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Your employer may have a designated medical provider, or you may be able to choose your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor that your injury occurred at work.

Document the Incident

Keep a record of the details surrounding the incident, including the date, time, and location of the injury, as well as any witnesses. Take photographs of the scene and your injuries, if possible.

File a workers’ compensation claim: If your injury is work-related, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You should file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

Consult with an Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Our experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. We can also help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and advocate for you if your claim is denied.

If you are injured at work in Florida, you must take prompt action to protect your health and legal rights. Following these steps can help you receive the medical treatment and financial support you need to recover from your injuries.

Steps to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in West Palm Beach

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Florida can be complex. Here are the steps

you should take to file a claim:

Report the Injury to Your Employer

You should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the incident. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident and your injuries.

Other reasons you must report your workplace injury to your employer immediately include the following:

• It ensures that you receive medical treatment: By reporting your injury, your employer can arrange for you to receive medical treatment for your injuries. This can help ensure you receive the care you need to recover from your injuries.
• It protects your legal rights: Reporting your injury establishes a record of the incident and your injuries. This record can be important if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or take legal action against your employer.
• It helps prevent future injuries: Reporting your injury can help your employer identify any workplace hazards or safety issues that must be addressed to prevent future injuries.
• It may be required by law: There are legal requirements for reporting workplace injuries in many states, including Florida. Failure to report an injury within the required timeframe could result in a loss of benefits.

Seek Medical Treatment

You should seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Your employer may have a designated medical provider, or you may be able to choose your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor that your injury occurred at work.

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your injuries. It is important to follow their instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate care and making progress in your recovery.

You should keep track of all medical expenses related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, prescription medications, and any other medical expenses. This information may be necessary if you file a workers’ compensation claim or take legal action against your employer.

Keep your employer informed about your medical treatment and any time off work you must take. Your employer may need to make accommodations for your recovery, such as light duty or modified work.

Fill out the First Report of Injury or Illness

Your employer should provide you with a First Report of Injury or Illness form, which you should complete and submit to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

The process involved with filling out and submitting this form includes the following steps:

• Obtain the form: Your employer should provide you with the First Report of Injury or Illness form. If your employer does not provide the form, you can obtain it from the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.
• Provide your personal information: The form will ask for your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
• Provide information about the injury: The form will ask for information about the injury or illness, including the date and time of the incident, the location of the incident, and a description of what happened.
• Provide information about the medical treatment: The form will ask for information about the medical treatment you have received, including your medical provider’s name and contact information and the type of treatment you received.
• Provide wage information: The form will ask for information about your wages, including your average weekly wage and any other income you may receive.
• Sign and date the form: After you have completed the form, be sure to sign and date it.
• Submit the form: You should submit the completed form to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier as soon as possible. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

Additional Documents Required to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in West Palm Beach

To file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, you must provide certain documents and information. Besides the first report of injury or illness, the other documents needed to support your claim for benefits include the following:

• Medical records: You must provide medical records documenting your injuries and treatment. These records should include information about the diagnosis, treatment plan, and any prescriptions or medical devices needed for your recovery.
• Wage information: You must provide information about your wages, including your average weekly wage and any other income you may receive.
• Witness statements: If there were witnesses to the incident, their statements might help support your claim.
• Employment records: You may need to provide employment records, including your job description and any relevant policies or procedures.
• Any other relevant documents: You may need to provide other documents that are relevant to your claim, such as photographs of the scene, police reports, or incident reports.

It’s important to note that the specific documents required may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

Wait for a Response from the Insurance Carrier

The insurance carrier will investigate the claim and determine whether workers’ compensation covers the injury. If the claim is approved, the insurance carrier will provide you with benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services.

Appeal a Denied Claim

If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. You should consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to help you prepare your appeal.

West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Laws FAQs

What are your rights after an on-the-job accident?

After an at-work accident in Florida, you have several important rights to protect you and ensure you receive the care and compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Here are some of your rights after an at-work accident in Florida:

• Right to medical treatment: You have the right to receive medical treatment for your injuries, including doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services. Your employer must provide you with the necessary information to access medical care.
• Right to file a workers’ compensation claim: If your injury is work-related, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation services. Your employer must provide you with information about how to file a claim.
• Right to choose your doctor: In Florida, you have the right to choose your doctor for medical treatment. However, this right has some limitations, and your employer may have a designated medical provider that you must use.
• Right to return to work: After you have recovered from your injuries, you have the right to return to work. Your employer must make reasonable accommodations for your recovery, such as modified work or light duty.
• Right to legal representation: You can consult with and hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and advocate for your rights.

It’s important to note that these rights can be complex, and specific requirements for accessing medical care or filing a workers’ compensation claim may exist.

What options do you have if your workers’ compensation claim for benefits is denied?

If your Florida workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have several options for appealing the decision. Here are some options:

• Request a hearing: You can request a hearing before a judge of compensation claims to present your case and appeal the decision. This is the most common way to appeal a denied claim.
• Mediation: You can request mediation to settle with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Mediation is a less formal process than a hearing and can be a good option for resolving disputes without going to court.
• Reconsideration: You can request a reconsideration of the denial by the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. This option is only available if new evidence that was not available at the original decision has come to light.
• Appeal to the First District Court of Appeals: If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the hearing or reconsideration, you can appeal to the First District Court of Appeals. This is a more formal process that requires the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
• Seek other legal remedies: In some cases, you may be able to seek other legal remedies, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if they were negligent and caused your injuries.

The appeals process for workers’ compensation claims can be complex, with strict deadlines for filing appeals.

How is the amount of workers’ compensation benefits determined?

The amount of workers’ compensation benefits available to injured workers’ in Florida depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury and the employee’s average weekly wage before the injury. Some key benefits may be available:

• Medical benefits: In Florida, injured workers’ are entitled to receive medical benefits to cover the cost of medical treatment related to their work-related injury. There is no limit on the medical benefits available.
• Wage replacement benefits: If an injury results in lost wages, injured workers can receive temporary total disability benefits in some situations. These benefits are typically two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, subject to a maximum amount set by law.
• Permanent impairment benefits: If an injury results in permanent impairment or disability, injured workers’ may be eligible for permanent total or partial disability benefits. The amount of these benefits is determined by how severe the impairment is, its long-term impact, and the injured worker’s average weekly pay.
• Death benefits: If workers’ die due to work-related injuries, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits are based on the average weekly wage of the worker and how many dependents they have.

It’s important to note that the specific amount of benefits available may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

How can West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys help with your claim?

Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, can provide various services to help you with your workers’ compensation claim in Florida. Here are some ways they can assist you:

• Assist with filing a claim: We can help you file your workers’ compensation claim and ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate with the insurance carrier: We will communicate with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to ensure that your claim is processed efficiently and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
• Represent you in hearings: If your claim is denied, our attorneys can represent you before a judge of compensation claims to appeal the decision.
• Negotiate a settlement: Our attorneys can negotiate with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to reach a settlement that provides the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
• Legal advice and guidance: We can provide legal advice and guidance throughout the claims process to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the medical treatment and financial support you need.

Our attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Florida. They can help ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and effectively and that you receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and return to work.

Our West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help with Your Claim

If you have suffered a workplace injury in West Palm Beach, Florida, it’s important to understand your rights and options. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the complex claims process, ensure that you receive the medical treatment and financial support you need, and advocate for your rights.

At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. We have a proven track record of success handling workers’ compensation claims in Florida and can provide the guidance and support you need to get back on your feet.

In addition to the legal expertise and guidance, we provide emotional support to injured workers’ and their families during challenging times. At Sternberg | Forsythe, PA, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a workplace injury can take on an individual and their loved ones. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every case, working closely with our clients to ensure that their unique needs and concerns are addressed.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling a wide range of workplace injury cases, including those involving slip and fall accidents, repetitive motion injuries, and toxic exposure. We are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest changes and developments in Florida workers’ compensation laws, ensuring that our clients receive the most current and accurate legal advice and representation.

If you have been injured at work in West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact Sternberg | Forsythe, PA. We offer a free initial consultation, during which we can review the details of your case and provide guidance on your legal options. Let us help you get the compensation and support you need to move forward after a workplace injury.