You got hurt at work. Sometimes it’s a singular injury, sometimes it comes from months/years of repetitive work. Now you need medical attention. There’s that ubiquitous poster in the breakroom spelling out your rights but is it really as easy as it sounds?
Maybe. But maybe not. And everyone offers advice: It’s no big deal. Oh no! You need an attorney..don’t try to go it alone.
Is it worth hiring an attorney to represent you? Can you save money by not hiring an attorney? After all, how hard can it be?
Although handling this on your own might seem like a good idea, there are 6 reasons that having an attorney on your side can help.
6 Reasons to Hire a Workers Comp Attorney in Florida
1. It’s Not As Easy As It Looks:
While dealing with the worker’s comp system may seem fairly straightforward, the process is not easy. Not only do you need to have a clear understanding of the steps involved, but you also need to have a clear understanding of your rights under Florida law. If you don’t take all of the necessary steps, or if you don’t know what benefits you are entitled to recover, you don’t stand much of a chance of collecting the full benefits you deserve.
2. Workers Comp Might Not Be the Only Option:
If you were injured on the job in Florida, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation, but this also might not be your only option. If someone else caused your injury, you might have a claim outside of workers comp. This means that you might be entitled to additional compensation—but, in order to find out, you will need to hire an attorney to thoroughly assess your legal rights.
3. Did You Forget to…? Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Comp Benefits:
Do you know how long you have to file a claim if your employer denies your benefits? Do you know whether you are allowed to see your own doctor? Do you know when you become eligible for disability benefits? If your answer to any of these questions is, “No,” you run the risk of making mistakes that could jeopardize your claim for benefits. An attorney will make sure you receive the maximum available workers’ comp benefits.
4. There Might Be a Lump Sum Settlement in Your Future:
Under Florida’s workers’ comp law, injured workers who file successful claims will receive periodic benefit payments. But, what if you need more money upfront? An attorney may be able to negotiate a lump-sum settlement so that you can secure the financial resources you need (and so that you won’t have to wonder if your benefit payments will keep coming through).
5. Your Employers Comp Carrier Might Paying Prematurely…and Other Games They Play
In Florida, you only file a workers comp claim if you have been deprived of benefits. But filing is just the start of the process. If you don’t hire an attorney to negotiate a settlement, you will need to make sure you continue receiving the payments you are rightfully owed. If your employer’s insurance company attempts to terminate your benefits prematurely, you will want an attorney on your side to make sure you receive all of the benefits to which you are legally entitled.
6. There Are No Do-Overs in Florida: You Don’t Get A 2nd Chance to File for Workers Comp in Florida:
When you get injured on the job in Florida, you only get one chance to file for workers comp benefits, if your employer denied your benefits. If you run out of time, if you file a claim and don’t follow through, or if you fail to challenge a denial on appeal, you won’t be able to collect benefits for your injury.
Workers Compensation attorneys in Florida do not charge a fee in workers comp cases upfront; no hourly or bills. By statute, they collect a percentage of your benefits IF THEY WIN YOUR CASE!.
Call Martin Hoffman, Senior Partner of Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti at 305-653-5555 for a FREE CONSULTATION which includes a free case review and evaluation. He’s a good man to have in your corner.
