Carmen Gallardo
Clients at Gallardo Law Firm often ask our employment and workers’ compensation attorneys about their workers’ comp coverage. The majority of workers compensation cases in Miami are fairly straightforward. When an employee gets hurt at work, they report it to their human resources officer or department who in turn is required by law to report it to the insurance company. Then, the employee files a claim through the workers’ compensation insurance. Complications may arise if the employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance or denies the injury occurred at work, in which case the injured party should explore their legal options with the aid of a workers’ comp lawyer.
The truth is no one ever wants to be in a position where they need an attorney and often put off calling a lawyer for as long as possible while their legal situation escalates or worsens. When attempting to collect workers’ compensation, time is of the essence, especially in the state of Florida.
The majority of cases involving minor injuries are not typically disputed. Once the injured party files a claim, a representative from the insurance company will ask for a detailed explanation of how the injury occurred and what kind of injuries were suffered, and whether any medical treatment was received. The interview process may be repeated several times throughout the processing of the case. Employees should not be overly dramatic or exaggerate the nature of the accident or symptoms and injuries. Upon processing, the injured employee will be compensated for medical bills and lost wages.
Complex cases, such as those resulting in serious permanent injury or disability, may be denied on behalf of the insurance carrier attempting to avoid a large payout. These kinds of cases often end up in mediation, arbitration, or being heard in front of a judge. The insurance company will have a team of attorneys arguing on their behalf, making claims to downplay the nature of the alleged injuries or denying the injury occurred while at work.
In the event of a denial of workers compensation benefits, injured workers are advised to seek an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer to handle their situation.
In Miami, if an employee suffers an injury at work, the workers’ compensation insurance benefits they may be entitled to collect include:
Under Florida Law, not all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Any company which has less than four employers may forego coverage; except for the construction industry where if the company has just one employee they must be insured. Agriculture businesses are only required to be insured if they have six or more employees.
It is important for people injured at work to remember two things:
If workers’ compensation insurance does not cover the employer, refuses to report the injury, or begins to retaliate, then a civil suit will cover the lost wages, medical and legal bills. That is often the best course to take. Unfortunately, injured workers who choose to sue the employer may waive their right to claim workers compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation was developed not only to protect injured workers but also to protect businesses from injury claims. Those injured at work are entitled to collect workers compensation benefits even if they were partially or entirely at fault for the accident or injury; with some exceptions of course.
In cases where the injury suffered is due to battery, for example, a suit for an employer’s torts may be the best course of action. A tort is defined as “a wrongful act that causes harm to someone else and covers a wide range of actions”. Tort injuries are not only limited to physical injuries; they encompass emotional and psychological damages as well. The most common torts are:
Following an injury at work, workers’ compensation benefits should cover medical expenses related to the accident such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, and adjustments made to the home like installing bars in the shower, or a ramp or lift to go upstairs.
Long-term coverage, like what is needed to cover ongoing physical therapy treatment, may be met with some resistance from the insurance company. If an insurance company refuses to pay for part of the treatment necessary to heal, it is time to call a workers’ compensation lawyer to handle your case.
Getting hurt at work is unpredictable and unfortunate. Most simple workers’ compensation cases do not require legal representation and can be resolved quickly and amicably. However, in Miami, not all employers comply with the protocol and may deny a claim or have inadequate insurance coverage.
If you or a loved one is in pain following an injury at work, call Gallardo Law Firm. Our team of Workers’ Compensation attorneys is well versed in defending employees’ rights. You deserve excellent and affordable right legal representation. Call Gallardo Law Firm and schedule a consultation today.
