After An Injury On The Job, Get Prompt Legal Advice
If you have been injured on the job, it is imperative that you take steps to protect your future. Considering the complex nature of workers’ compensation claims, it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your injury, even if you completely trust your employer.
Workers’ compensation is a tricky subject. Legally speaking, it is based on laws that were passed to protect employees in the event of a sidelining injury that causes physical trauma and renders them unable to work. While virtually every employer carries this insurance, it is full of pitfalls and caveats that most employers and insurance adjusters will exploit to their advantage – and your disadvantage.
Consult With An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Several things could affect the outcome of your case if you try to handle them without experienced legal counsel. Questions to ask include the following:
- If your employer’s insurance carrier insists you be evaluated by their doctor, are you allowed to decline?
- What kinds of benefits are you entitled to during your recovery?
- What happens if your injury is long-term and you need ongoing treatment?
- Can your employer look for an excuse to fire you?
- What if you are unable to return to work at all?
- Are you legally entitled to some benefits that the work comp adjuster may fail to offer to you?
At the Law Office of Craig Gibbs in Jacksonville, we provide you with a free initial consultation. We will address your questions and explain your rights under Florida workers’ compensation laws. If your employer, your doctor or the worker’s compensation insurance carrier does not treat you fairly, we stand ready to protect your rights.
Common Workplace Injuries
You are entitled to workers’ compensation for any injury sustained in the course of doing your job, including occupational diseases. Common claims include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Hand and wrist injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Stress fractures and strained ligaments
- Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents
- Toxic or chemical exposure
- Burn injuries
- Electrocution
- Loss of limb
- Cuts and bruises
Understand Florida Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you receive workers’ compensation benefits in the state of Florida, you may be entitled to:
- Free medical care from an approved doctor. If are you unsatisfied with the doctor, you are entitled to a one-time change of choice of doctor.
- Lost wages for the period of time during which you are unable to work.
- Attendant care, should you need assistance with activities such as bathing, grooming and cleaning.
- Compensation for any remaining permanent injury once you have reached maximum medical recovery.
- A personal injury case involving a third-party liability claim if your injury at work was caused by someone other than your employer.
- A product liability claim if your injury was caused by faulty equipment, such as equipment that was improperly manufactured or improperly designed.
We may also be able to help you get your workers’ compensation benefits reinstated if they have been stopped prematurely by the insurer.
Request A Free Initial Consultation With An Attorney After Being Hurt On The Job
If you were injured at work, feel free to call 904-396-4499 or fill out the simple contact form on this site. Speak with a lawyer at our firm at no charge. If we represent you, we will do so on a contingency basis. You will not owe attorney fees until we recover compensation for you.