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Workers Compensation

Rights and Responsibilities of Workers’ Compensation Insurers

By Workers Compensation

Greg Linehan Law: Navigating Disputes in Florida Workers’ Compensation Insurance Claims

Workers’ compensation insurance is a crucial safety net for employees in Florida, ensuring they receive the necessary medical treatment and wage replacement in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses. However, navigating the complex claims process can sometimes become challenging, as insurance companies often prioritize minimizing their payments. This article will explore the rights and responsibilities of workers’ compensation insurers in Florida and the potential disputes that may arise during the claim process.

The Duties and Responsibilities of Workers’ Compensation Insurers

In Florida, workers’ compensation insurers are entrusted with several crucial duties and responsibilities to ensure the well-being and rights of injured employees. These include the timely provision of medical treatment, payment of wage replacement, payment of medical bills, and reporting the claim to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Florida’s workers’ compensation law states that insurers must provide employees injured on the job with “reasonable medical treatment.” According to Florida Statute 440.13(2)(a), an insurance carrier must authorize such treatment promptly, and any disputes regarding medical necessity must be resolved promptly through an independent medical examination (IME). This provision ensures that employees receive timely medical care and eliminates undue delays in the process.

Furthermore, insurers are also expected to provide timely wage replacement to injured employees. Florida law stipulates that an employee is entitled to Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits, which amount to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, subject to certain maximum and minimum limits. The insurance carrier must make these payments promptly to minimize any financial hardships the injured employee faces.

Disputes and Challenges

Despite their obligations, insurance companies may deny workers’ compensation claims or absolve themselves of liability, leaving injured employees without necessary medical care. Some common disputes that may arise include:

  1. Claim Denial or Disputing the Relation to Workplace Accident:

    In some cases, insurance companies may deny workers’ compensation claims or dispute the connection between the injury/illness and a workplace accident. They often do this to limit their financial liability. It is crucial to gather substantial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to support your claim as outlined in Florida Statute 440.13(2)(c).

  2. Delayed Medical Treatment:

    Insurers may delay or deny medical treatment recommended by healthcare providers, resulting in prolonged suffering for the injured employee. It is important to seek legal assistance promptly to challenge such actions and ensure you receive the necessary care.

  3. Delayed Payment of Wage and Medical Bills:

    Insurers may also delay or minimize payments of wage replacement and medical bills. This can have a significant impact on an injured employee’s financial stability and access to proper healthcare. Florida Statute 440.20 ensures these payments are made promptly, and disputes can be addressed through the workers’ compensation system.

  4. Retaliation or Termination:

    It is illegal for an employer to retaliate or terminate an employee solely based on filing a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, as stated in Florida Statute 440.205. However, employers are not obligated to hold a position open indefinitely, as this may create undue hardships for the employer. Thus, it is important to consult legal advice to understand your rights and responsibilities during the recovery process.

Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to protect employees and ensure they receive adequate medical care and wage replacement in the event of a work-related injury or illness. However, disputes may arise between the injured employee and the workers’ compensation insurer. These disputes often center on denying claims and delaying treatment or payments. Under Florida law, employees have fundamental rights that must be protected, and insurance companies have distinct obligations to meet.

If you find yourself in a dispute with a workers’ compensation insurance company, seeking legal assistance is crucial to maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Contact us today to better understand the applicable Florida statutes. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of the claims process. We will ensure your rights are upheld throughout. Remember, prompt action and a knowledgeable advocate can make a significant difference in obtaining the benefits you deserve. We are that advocate. 

Workplace accident and Workers Compensation

Construction Site Accidents: How to Pursue Compensation for Injured Workers

By Personal Injury, Workers Compensation

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments where accidents can occur, often leading to serious personal injury for workers. These accidents can be caused by various factors such as machinery malfunction, falls from heights, electrocution, or being struck by falling objects. While employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace, accidents can still occur due to negligence or other factors. Injured workers must understand their rights and how to pursue compensation when an accident happens. This article will explore the steps involved in seeking compensation for construction site injuries and provide valuable information for injured workers.

Report the Accident and Seek Medical Attention

The first and most crucial step after a construction site accident is to report the incident to both your employer and the appropriate safety authorities. Timely reporting ensures that an official investigation can take place, helping to establish liability and evidence for your claim. Additionally, seeking immediate medical attention is paramount, even if the injuries appear minor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and a medical professional can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Document the Accident Scene and Gather Evidence

While the immediate aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, it is essential to collect evidence that can support your claim. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, showing any hazardous conditions or defective equipment. Gathering witness statements can also be valuable, as their testimony may strengthen your case. Additionally, keep track of any documents related to the incident, such as accident reports, medical records, and any communication with your employer or insurance company.

Consult with an Experienced Attorney

Navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies can be complex and overwhelming, particularly when you are recovering from injuries. Seeking guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in construction site accidents can provide invaluable assistance. An attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case, determine liability, gather evidence, and help protect your rights throughout the entire process.

Determine Liability and Workers’ Compensation Eligibility

Establishing liability is crucial to pursuing compensation for your injuries. In some cases, workers’ compensation benefits may be available to injured workers. Under workers’ compensation laws, injured employees are generally entitled to receive medical treatment and wage replacement benefits, regardless of fault. However, workers’ compensation benefits may not fully cover the extent of your damages. In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

On construction sites, multiple parties may share the responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. This may include general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or architects. If third-party negligence played a role in causing your injuries, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against those responsible, in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.

Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit

To pursue a personal injury lawsuit, it must be established that third-party negligence directly contributed to or caused the accident. This could include situations where defective equipment or machinery, inadequate training, or unsafe working conditions were responsible. To succeed in a personal injury claim, the injured worker or their attorney must prove that the at-fault party had a duty to maintain a safe work environment, breached that duty, and the breach directly caused the injuries and resulting damages.

Personal injury lawsuits may provide compensation for damages beyond what is covered by workers’ compensation benefits. These damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of future earning capacity, and medical expenses not covered by insurance. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney will help determine the viability of your case and the best course of action.

Special Considerations for Independent Contractors and Subcontractors

In some cases, injured workers may be independent contractors or subcontractors rather than regular employees. Independent contractors often have different rights and legal options compared to employees. While they may not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, they may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the parties responsible for their injuries. It is vital to consult with an attorney who can assess the specific circumstances of your case and determine the available legal options.

Construction site accidents can have devastating consequences for workers. Understanding the steps involved in pursuing compensation for construction site injuries is crucial for injured workers seeking justice and fair financial recovery. Timely reporting, seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney, and considering both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims are important factors in maximizing your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Remember, your rights matter. Seeking guidance from legal professionals experienced in handling construction site accidents can protect those rights and help you navigate the legal process successfully. Contact our office today to understand the proper course of action for your personal injury case.

Who is responsible for dog bites on the job?

What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog on the Job

By Tort, Workers Compensation

Being bitten by a dog while working can be a scary and traumatic experience. Whether you work for a postal service, delivery company, or any other occupation that requires you to enter people’s properties, there is always a risk of dog bites. If this happens, it is important to know what actions to take next.

If you are bitten by a dog while working, it is typically considered a workers’ compensation claim. This means that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance would cover medical expenses and lost wages related to the injury. However, if the dog was owned by a third party and not related to your job duties, it may also be considered a personal injury claim. It is important to report the incident to your employer immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Does Worker’s Compensation Apply?

Worker’s compensation is a benefit provided to employees who are injured at work as a result of their job duties. When it comes to dog bites, worker’s compensation may only apply if the bite occurred while the employee was carrying out their job. If an employee is bitten by a dog while working, their first step should be to seek medical attention immediately. Even small bites can quickly become infected, and it is essential to get appropriate care as soon as possible.

After seeking medical attention, the employee should inform their employer right away. The employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover any medical expenses and lost wages if the employee is required to take time off work to recover from their injury. However, a workers’ compensation claim may not apply if the employee was bitten while not in the course and scope of their work.

Personal Injury vs. Worker’s Compensation

In some situations, a dog bite at work may not be eligible for worker’s compensation and may instead be considered a personal injury claim. This is particularly true if the bite occurred on a property outside of the employee’s job duties.  If a dog bites an employee off the clock or during their lunch break, they may still seek compensation from the owner of the dog under the premises liability doctrine.

It should be noted that worker’s compensation cases may be paid out more quickly than personal injury claims. Personal injury claims can be lengthy, requiring extensive documentation and investigation. While the victim will likely recover more financial compensation in personal injury cases, these claims can take years to resolve.

Who’s Responsible?

Florida Statute 767.04 states that: “The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness”

In plain terms, if a dog bites someone, regardless if it is a worker or not, the owner of the dog is strictly responsible for the injury caused. The responsibility extends to any medical expenses incurred by the victim, lost wages, and even damages for pain and suffering. If the owner has homeowner’s, business, or renter’s insurance, the claim would be made against the owner’s policy, which typically includes third-party liability.

To avoid dog bites in the workplace, employers should have proper training procedures and protocols in place for their employees. Employers must also be cautious when interacting with dogs and are expected to follow any policies imposed by building owners where the employee is working.

We Can Help

Ultimately, if bitten by a dog while working, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure medical treatment is received as soon as possible. Employees should inform their employers about the incident and seek medical attention immediately after the incident. The employer or employee should contact an attorney to determine whether the dog bite constitutes a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim against the dog owner.

If you or someone you know has experienced a dog bite while on the job, contact our office today, and our team will help you establish a path forward.

 

Workplace accident and Workers Compensation

Top Mistakes Made in Workplace Injury Cases

By Law, Workers Compensation

Workplace injuries can be a significant challenge for employees. Therefore, having access to worker’s compensation benefits can help individuals navigate the recovery process by providing financial support while they’re unable to work. Nevertheless, obtaining these benefits can be challenging if the application process is not carried out correctly. Sadly, many potential claimants make several mistakes that can hurt their case. Here are the most common workplace injury claim mistakes that can impact your case for worker’s compensation.

Delaying your claim

Delaying your worker’s compensation claim can significantly impact the success of your case. Some employees may hold off on filing a claim, hoping that their injury will heal on its own. However, most workplace injuries will not heal overnight, and it can be increasingly challenging to prove that your injury is work-related as time goes by. Filing your claim immediately not only strengthens your claim but also ensures that you will have access to compensation and medical benefits as soon as possible.

Not reporting your injury immediately

When you sustain a workplace injury, ensure that you report it to your employer immediately. Reporting your injury as soon as possible helps ensure that your employer investigates the accident and helps you complete the claim process. Employers have an obligation to investigate reports of workplace injuries to maintain employee safety and ensure that hazards are identified and resolved. Ultimately, if the injury is not reported within the company’s defined timeframe, it can be challenging to prove it’s work-related, and this can reduce your chances of success on a worker’s compensation claim.

Not seeking medical care

If you’re injured while working, seek medical care immediately, even if you don’t believe the injury to be severe. By seeking medical care, it ensures that you receive necessary medical treatment and creates a paper trail of evidence that you can use to prove your claim. Additionally, not seeking medical care can hurt your claim by signaling that your injury is not severe enough. Failing to do so may reduce your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your injuries.

Not following the doctor’s orders

When you’re injured while working, it’s essential to follow the doctor’s orders strictly. Failing to do so can be detrimental to your claim and hurt your chances of receiving your worker’s compensation benefits. A lack of compliance with your physician’s recommendations signals that your injury is not severe or that you’re not trying to recover fully. It may also make it seem as if you’ve not sustained a compensable injury.

Not documenting all the details of the accident

Documenting all the details of the accident is essential when it comes to filing a worker’s compensation claim. If possible, take note of all the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the safety hazards that may have caused the injury, the location where the injury occurred, and the people who witnessed the incident. Furthermore, gather and keep any documents and reports written up by employers and supervisors, as well as any contact you’ve had with worker’s comp insurance representatives.

Not hiring an attorney

Filing for worker’s compensation can be challenging, especially if your claim is denied or rejected. In such cases, it’s essential to have the support of an experienced worker’s compensation attorney. An attorney can help you understand the complexities of worker’s compensation laws and review your case to ensure that you’re adequately represented. Besides, an attorney can negotiate with your employer or its insurance provider to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

Navigating the worker’s compensation process is not easy, and making any of the above mistakes can have a significant impact on the success of your claim. It’s vital to act quickly, report the incident right away, seek medical care, follow the doctor’s orders, document all details surrounding the accident, and have an experienced attorney by your side. By avoiding these mistakes, you can strengthen your chances of success with worker’s compensation claims.

If you have experienced a workplace injury, contact our firm today to review your options before it’s too late.