Getting injured at work can make you feel stressed, scared, and confused about what you should do next. Florida does have a workers’ compensation system to help people in these situations, but it only works if you take the right steps and follow the rules carefully.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2023 alone, private industry employers recorded 2.6 million cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses at work. These numbers are a reminder of how common workplace accidents are, and why it’s essential to know how to proceed if you get injured on the job. That’s where we can help.
Below, this workplace accident lawyer in Haines City, Florida is going to explain what to do to protect yourself, secure your benefits, and get the compensation you deserve.
Report the accident to your employer as soon as it happens.
No matter how small the injury might seem (like a sprain, bruise, or bump), you should report it to your employer immediately. Don’t wait because injuries can sometimes get worse over time. And if you don’t report your injury within 30 days, you could lose your chance to file a workers’ compensation claim.
When you tell your employer about the accident and your injury, they will start the process of filing your claim for workers’ compensation benefits. You will need to fill out a form to make it official. Your employer should give you this form, but if they don’t, you can download the “First Report of Injury or Illness” form from the Florida Department of Financial Services website.
File your claim yourself if you need to.
After you report the accident to your employer, they are supposed to notify their workers’ compensation insurance company within seven days. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned.
Some employers might forget to file the claim, and others might try to ignore the whole thing completely. If this happens to you, it’s important to know that you can actually file the claim yourself by contacting the Florida Department of Financial Services Employee Assistance Office (EAO). Your workplace accident lawyer in Haines City, Florida can help you with the filing process.
Once the claim is filed, the insurance company must send you an informational brochure about your rights within three days. If you don’t receive this brochure, remember to follow up with the company.
Go to all your medical appointments and do what the approved doctor says.
After your claim is approved, you will be assigned a doctor approved by your employer’s insurance company. You absolutely have to follow the treatment plan they give you — go to all of your appointments, follow their treatment plan, and do everything they recommend to help you recover.
Some people might think it is okay to skip a few appointments or try home remedies instead, but this can be damaging to your claim. The insurance company will look for any reason to deny your benefits, and if you skip appointments or do not follow your doctor’s medical advice, it can give them an easy excuse to do so.
Get a lawyer’s help to make sure your case is handled correctly.
Florida’s workers’ compensation system is designed to financially support injured people who get injured on their job, but the process can admittedly be confusing and complicated. There are many rules to follow, deadlines to meet, and forms to fill out. If you don’t do everything correctly, you could lose your chance to claim the benefits you need.
This is where an experienced workplace accident lawyer in Haines City, Florida can help you. They know how to handle the complicated parts of the process, deal with all the paperwork, and fight for your rights.
Looking for a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Haines City, Florida?
Have you been injured in a workplace accident and need to file a workers’ compensation claim? Ready to partner with an experienced workplace accident lawyer in Haines City, Florida who can handle all the legal work on your behalf? If so, Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA are the people to call. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free case evaluation.