When Should I Call a South Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

The whole point of workers’ compensation in Florida is that it’s supposed to provide crucial benefits to you relatively easily if you’re injured at work. However, many employees find that they have trouble getting their benefits when they really need them. Many decide to work with workers’ compensation lawyers in South Florida.

If you’re not sure whether you can benefit from working with a workers’ compensation attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group for a consultation. Even if you think your situation is simple, there’s no harm in getting a second opinion and finding out how you can protect your rights to benefits.

When Should I Contact an Attorney About My Workplace Injury?

If you’re not sure whether to call a workers’ comp lawyer about your workplace injury, it’s best to err on the side of caution and at least get a consultation. You will certainly want a consultation if any of the following apply to you:

• You have been diagnosed with an occupational injury. It is challenging to prove that lung cancer, heart disease, and other conditions were caused by your work. In these situations, it can be important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible so your lawyer can start gathering evidence and building your case.
• Your injury is serious. With serious injuries, you’ll likely need to lose a considerable time and work and your medical bills will be higher, too. This means your employer and their insurer will have a vested interest in keeping their costs low by trying to minimize your claim. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney immediately after your injury means your lawyer can fight for every dollar of benefits.
• Your employer claims you’re not covered. Sometimes, employers misclassify workers as contractors when these employees are treated as full-time workers. In other situations, employers will simply not provide coverage, even when they’re legally required to. An experienced attorney can help you seek compensation and benefits if you qualify, even if your employer is not compliant with the law.
• There was possible negligence involved. In most cases, workers’ compensation protects employers from liability, but you may still have a civil claim. For example, if your injuries were caused by defective work equipment or willful action, you may have a claim. An experienced attorney can help you pursue financial recovery if you qualify.
• Your benefits don’t cover your costs. If you’re worried about paying your bills and covering your medical expenses, it’s important to consult with an attorney before you sign any paperwork or make any statements to insurers or your employer. An experienced lawyer can accurately determine your costs and can negotiate with insurers to get you your benefits.
• There are any delays in getting your benefits. When an employer or insurance company acts in bad faith and drags their feet in getting you benefits, it can seriously affect your financial life. An attorney can use the law to convince your employer or insurance company to be compliant, so you don’t suffer needlessly.
• You’re denied benefits. Unfortunately, many legitimate claims are denied. There is an appeals process that can help you get your benefits, and an experienced lawyer can help you with this process, improving your chances of a successful appeal.
• You have a pre-existing condition. For example, if you have a previous back injury and you injure your back at work, it is likely that your employer or their insurance company will try to claim you don’t qualify for benefits. An experienced lawyer can present evidence of your injury and fight against attempts to claw back your benefits.
• You receive (or plan to receive) Social Security benefits. Your workers’ compensation benefits can lower your Social Security benefits, but an experienced attorney may be able to structure your settlement so this is less likely to happen.
• You experience retaliatory action at work. Unfortunately, some workers find themselves fired, demoted, or otherwise unfairly treated at work because they filed a workers’ comp claim. This is illegal, and an attorney can help you fight back.

What Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Do?

Workers’ compensation was designed to make it easy for injured workers to get help, but all too often the way it works now is to make it very challenging for hard-working employees to get support when they need it most.

An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can make a difference. He or she can file the necessary paperwork for your claim and can ensure you meet deadlines. Your attorney will gather compelling evidence to support your claim. Best of all, your attorney will negotiate your employer or their insurance company for you.

Your lawyer will also structure your settlement agreement so it’s most advantageous for you. And if your case goes to court because you can’t reach a good settlement, your lawyer will prepare you for your trail or hearing and represent you before the judge.

How Do I Find the Right Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

It’s always better to call a South Florida workers’ compensation lawyer too soon rather than too late. Flaxman Law Group is a boutique, family-based law firm with offices in Homestead, Hollywood, and Miami. Our legal team has supported thousands of clients in their search for justice and we’ve secured over $100 million on behalf of these clients.

Most importantly, our team is compassionate and caring. We explain your rights in plain English or Spanish and always work to seek the best possible outcome for you. If you’ve been injured at work, don’t hesitate to reach out right away and let’s talk about what options you might have.