If you have been injured on the job, you are undoubtedly facing pain, anxiety, and multiple medical treatments. It may be hard to think about anything but your injuries and trying to get better. However, how you will pay your medical bills and the amount of money your accident will cost you are also legitimate concerns.
Your employer should have workers’ compensation insurance and that should pay for some of your bills. There are some situations where an insurance company may try to get out of paying your claim or pay you less money then they should and that is when it is beneficial to have a workers compensation lawyer.
When Should I Hire an Attorney
It is a good idea to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney when you are first injured. If you wait to hire an attorney until after an insurance company has made you a settlement offer, you may have to wait weeks or even months to get the money you deserve.
You never know what problems may arise with your insurance claim when you first file it and it may be helpful to familiarize an attorney with your case if you should need them to negotiate for you.
Workers’ Compensation Requirement
If you live in the state of Florida, your employer must have workers’ compensation insurance if they employ over 4 people. If they are in the construction business, they must have coverage if they employ even one person. If they are in the agricultural business they must provide coverage if they have over 6 full-time employees. The amount of insurance a company needs is contingent upon the size of the business and the kind of business they are in.
If your employer did not have insurance at the time of your accident, you will want to hire a professional attorney, to make sure the company pays for your accident. An attorney may also be able to help you if the company you worked for did not carry the proper amount of insurance for the type of business that they were in.
An Attorney Can Make you Aware of Your Rights
When you file a workers’ compensation claim with an insurance company, they are not legally required to inform you of your rights. They may try to get out of paying for certain injuries by claiming that you had pre-existing conditions.
In 2003 Florida’s workers’ compensation laws were changed. If you or the insurance company wants a second opinion, the insurance company gets to select the doctor.
Selecting an Attorney
If you are in need of a workers’ comp lawyer in Orlando, you should select one who is well versed in employment law and has practiced in the Sunshine State for many years. You should make sure the attorney has a great reputation with the state bar and can provide references.
Getting injured on the job is one of life’s worst experiences, but a trained attorney like the ones at the Lawrence Law Firm can help get you the necessary funds to recover in peace.
Authoritative Sources:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?StatuteYear=2019&AppMode=Display_Results&Mode=Search%2520Statutes&Submenu=2&Tab=statutes&Search_String=440
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/wc/infofaqs/history.htm
