Tampa Workers' Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured at work, you’re covered by the workers’ compensation insurance your employer carries. This is a no-fault system, and you give up the right to sue your employer for negligence in the process. In exchange, you’re covered, but your compensation will be less comprehensive than it would be for a personal injury claim. If you find yourself in the difficult position of having been injured on the job in Tampa Bay, our experienced Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer at Rooth Law Firm is well prepared to help.
Key Concepts of Workers’ Compensation in Tampa Bay
There are several workers’ compensation basics that it's important to know in relation to your claim, including:
- You have only 30 days to notify your employer in writing of your work-related accident or of your doctor’s diagnosis of a work-related condition.
- A statute of limitations of two years applies. This means your formal claim for benefits must be filed within two years of your work-related accident.
- Medical benefits pay 100 percent of all necessary and reasonable medical care. You must, however, see a doctor who is approved by the workers’ comp insurance provider. It’s important to note, though, that you do have the right to request a one-time change.
- Your lost wages, or disability benefit, will very likely be calculated at two-thirds of your average gross weekly wages prior to the injury. A maximum cap that is set by the State of Florida applies.
- If your claim is denied in Tampa Bay, you have two years from the date of your work-related injury to file a formal petition for benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims in Tampa.
One of the most important steps you can take in the protection of your claim is consulting with a seasoned workers’ comp attorney early in the process.
Protecting Your Tampa Bay Workers’ Comp Claim
Your workers’ compensation claim will be specific to you and to the unique circumstances of your injury. There are, however, several steps you can take to help protect your claim from the start. These include seeking the immediate medical attention that you need and following your doctor’s instructions carefully. This is not only the right thing to do in terms of your health but is also an excellent means of demonstrating that the damages you’re seeking compensation for are very real.
It’s also in your best interest to discuss your claim with a trusted workers’ comp attorney as soon as you’re able to do so. From here, it’s important to allow your focused legal counsel to speak on your behalf and to skillfully represent you throughout the legal process.
Our Experienced Tampa Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help
Joseph Rooth is our dedicated Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer at Rooth Law Firm, and his more than two decades of impressive experience inform the work he does for all our valued clients. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 727-849-3400.