In Florida, most businesses are required to offer workers’ compensation insurance for workers. Employers should pay for this insurance, so that in the event of a workplace injury or occupation illness, workers can get benefits.
The legal team at Flaxman Law Group has worked with many Florida residents who have been injured on the job but who were unsure about the benefits they were entitled to. From our offices in Homestead, Miami, and Hollywood, we help hard-working employees just like you seek fair compensation after on-the-job injuries, so if you’ve been injured, reach out to us for a free, no obligation case consultation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp, also known as workman’s comp, is a type of insurance paid for by employers. In the event you’re injured or get an occupational injury, this coverage means you don’t have to sue your employer. Instead, regardless of what caused the injury, you may be able to apply for benefits, which include:
- Wage loss benefits to cover lost income while you heal
- Medical benefits, which cover all reasonable medical expenses, including emergency care and ongoing treatment, related to your work-related injury or illness
- Disability benefits for partial or full disabilities that are permanent or temporary
Am I Covered?
Most workers in Southern Florida should be covered by workers’ compensation. There are a few exceptions. The following workers do not need workman’s comp coverage:
- Agricultural workers working for companies with no more than 12 seasonal workers or no more than six full-time employees
- Workers employed by companies outside the construction or agricultural sector with no more than four employees
- Corporation officers in some non-construction companies
- LLC members who have filed for an exemption
- Sole proprietors and independent contractors who do not work for the construction industry
In Florida, some of the strictest workers’ comp laws involve the construction sector. Construction companies with even one employee need to carry workers’ compensation coverage and even independent contractors in construction need to covered. Employers who fail to carry insurance for workers who should be covered can face penalties and fines.
When Should I Call a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
If you have been injured in the workplace, the idea behind the workers’ comp system is that you don’t have to sue. You should be able to get benefits you need simply by filing a claim.
Unfortunately, many dedicated employees find that it’s not so simple. There are strict deadlines and processes you need to follow to apply for workers’ compensation. Many employees also run into problems when filing a claim and sometimes face:
- Employers who did not carry required insurance
- Employers who fill out workers’ comp paperwork wrong or fail to file it, resulting in no benefits
- Employers or insurers who deny rightful claims or try to offer less than workers need
With all these challenges, it can be important to have a Florid workers’ compensation claims attorney by your side. An attorney can make sure you apply correctly, with the evidence needed to prove your injuries. If you encounter a problem, your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and pursue the benefits you deserve.
If you’d like to speak to a Florida workers’ comp claims attorney, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online. When you call us, you speak to a live person 24/7 who can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney. You can also email attorney Charles Flaxman directly at cflaxman@flaxmanlaw.com. Our offices in Miami, Hollywood, and Homestead have a dedicated team with more than 60 years of combined experience and we’d be pleased to review your potential case in a free, no obligation case consultation.