Tampa Workers’ Comp Lawyers Protecting the Rights of Those Injured on the Job
If you’ve been injured on the job, you may expect that workers’ compensation will assist you with paying medical bills and a percentage of your wages. However, there are too many instances where the workers’ comp insurance company refuses to pay a claim, leaving an injured worker uncertain about the future.
Under Florida law, businesses with at least four employees must have workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ comp protects employees by paying for medical bills attributed to their work-related injuries. Generally speaking, Florida law does not permit employees to sue their employers if they’re hurt at work.
Unfortunately, insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation coverage often try to deny workers their benefits. If you’ve been injured on the job, you need the help of a highly qualified workers’ compensation lawyer who can evaluate your claim and determine your next legal move.
Contact RTRLAW in Tampa by calling (813) 370-0229 or our toll-free number, 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787), for a free, no-obligation case review with a qualified workers’ comp attorney.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against My Employer Instead of Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
As we mentioned above, Florida law does not permit employees to file a lawsuit against their employers if they have been injured. Instead, they must file a workers’ compensation claim. One of the primary benefits of allowing employees to draw workers’ comp benefits comes down to time and money. Without workers’ compensation, employers would face a slew of lawsuits from employees who have been injured while on the job. Additionally, employees would have to wait for an extended period while their cases made their way through the court system to try and receive compensation for their injuries.
However, when an employer carries workers’ comp insurance, an employee’s medical bills and a percentage of their lost wages are paid. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’ve been injured on the job by a third party, you may be able to file a separate claim against them.
Workers’ compensation claims can be quite complex and often require the assistance of a skilled and knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney who can help you obtain benefits. Contact RTRLAW in Tampa immediately to find out more about how we may be able to help you and for a free, no-obligation case review.
What Are Some Reasons Workers’ Comp May Be Denied?
Workers’ comp may be denied for any number of reasons. However, certain factors may cause the insurance company that provides workers’ compensation to deny your claim, including:
- The injury did not arise at work.
- The injury occurred due to the employee being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.
- The injured employee did not report the accident on time or did not file it on a timely basis.
- The injured employee made misrepresentations to a doctor or insurance company.
- The treating physician was not an authorized workers’ comp medical provider.
- The injured employee’s need for treatment was due to a preexisting condition.
Even though there are a number of reasons that your claim may be denied, you still have the right to appeal. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for workers’ comp benefits, you need to contact RTRLAW immediately and speak to a qualified workers’ comp attorney who can provide you with a free case review.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Comp Claim is Denied?
If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation, the first thing that you must do is file an appeal. The letter you receive in the mail will have detailed instructions about what you need to do to file the appeal.
Injured workers have up to two years from the date of the injury to file a Petition for Benefits. After that, you will be required to go to an administrative judge to present your case. You may also present evidence relevant to your case. If the judge finds in your favor, you will receive benefits. If the judge doesn’t find in your favor and denies benefits, you still have the option to file another appeal to the First District Court of Appeals.
If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation benefits, one of the best measures you can take to protect yourself and your future is to hire a highly trained attorney who can advise you of your rights and determine how to proceed with your case.
Why Should I Choose RTRLAW to Represent Me in a Workers’ Comp Claim?
RTRLAW recognizes that being injured in an accident at work can have long-lasting consequences for you and your family. In addition, due to your inability to work, you may quickly face a financial crisis, making an already stressful situation seem even more overwhelming.
If you’ve been injured while on the job, the first steps are to report the incident to your supervisor and seek medical treatment from an authorized workers’ comp medical care provider. However, to protect your health and future, you must also speak with a qualified workers’ comp attorney who can advise you of your rights and answer your legal questions.
RTRLAW’s workers’ comp attorneys can assist you with filing your workers’ comp claim and ensure that the paperwork is filled out correctly and turned in on time. In addition, if you have already submitted a claim but have been denied, our experienced attorneys can help you file an appeal and provide representation at your hearing in front of the administrative judge.
It is essential to keep in mind that insurance companies are the entities that provide workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, insurance providers are often more concerned with their bottom line than the needs of injured workers. However, our lawyers are not afraid to stand up for your rights to see that you receive the justice and benefits you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about how RTRLAW may be able to help you, contact us by calling (813) 370-0229 in Tampa or our toll-free number, 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787), and ask for a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your case.