How To File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida
How do you file a claim for workers’ compensation after a workplace injury in Florida?
Workplace injuries can cause serious disruptions to your professional and home life. In the event that you have been injured on the job, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits including medical care, wage compensation, and potentially others. However, in order to receive these benefits it is important that you file your claim quickly after your injury occurs or you discover it. While this is supposed to be a simple process, filing your claim and securing your benefits can often be complicated.
I’m attorney Joseph Rooth. Since 1994 I’ve helped the people of Florida who have been hurt at work receive their deserved benefits from workers’ compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, I offer a free consultation to help you determine your best course and answer your questions.
I have been injured on the job in Florida: what do I do next?
Once you have been injured or discover an injury or illness, it is important to report the injury to your employer quickly. Generally speaking, you have 30 days from the date of the injury or the date a doctor diagnoses you with a work-related injury to report the injury or illness to your employer. At this point, the following should occur:
- The employer reports the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance provider.
- The provider will seek information from you, including certain legal and medical forms(such as a mandatory fraud statement) and information about your wages that you may be losing while hurt or sick.
- You may need to continue to see a specifically authorized physician.
- The insurance provider will make a determination about your benefits.
What can I do if the insurance provider denies my workers’ compensation claim?
If you have been denied benefits and believe that you deserve workers’ compensation, you have several resources at your disposal. First, you can contact the Florida Employee Assistance Office and speak with a specialist about your rights and responsibilities. They will not offer legal advice, however, just general information about the claims process.
You can also petition for benefits through the Office of Judges and Compensation Claims. To start this processes, you need to submit a form, however when petitioning for a claim, representation from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Joseph Rooth can help you increase your chances of gaining your compensation.
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If you have been denied benefits and believe that you deserve workers’ compensation, you have several resources at your disposal. First, you can contact the Florida Employee Assistance Office and speak with a specialist about your rights and responsibilities. They will not offer legal advice, however, just general information about the claims process.
You can also petition for benefits through the Office of Judges and Compensation Claims. To start this processes, you need to submit a form, however when petitioning for a claim, representation from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Joseph Rooth can help you increase your chances of gaining your compensation.