Accidents
Fighting for the rights of injured workers in Okeechobee for over 40 years
If you’ve been injured on the job in Okeechobee, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the process is complex and many work comp claims are denied.
Our experienced Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyers have successfully represented hundreds of injured workers, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm for free. Call (863) 357-5800 or click the button below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
For over 40 years, our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm has been helping workers in our community get the full compensation they deserve after a workplace injury. We specialize in disputing denied workers’ compensation claims, but we can also help you file a claim, as well as protect you from employer retaliation.
We know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying claims, and we have our own strategies to help increase your chances of getting paid.
Speak with an Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer for free. Call (863) 357-5800 now to schedule a meeting with our Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorneys and learn more about your legal options.
Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 2.8 million Americans were injured on the job in 2022.
The most common causes of workplace injuries and illnesses are overexertion, injuries caused by heavy equipment and machinery, slips and falls, and motor vehicle accidents. If you suffered an injury or illness while on the job in Okeechobee, you may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim.
In the State of Florida, workers’ compensation laws provide essential benefits to employees who suffer from workplace injuries or illnesses. These benefits are intended to help injured workers recover and manage the financial burdens associated with their injuries.
However, getting a workers’ compensation claim approved in Okeechobee can be challenging. As a result, many claims are disputed or denied.
That’s why you need an experienced Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney to represent you to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
On this page, you will find answers to the following questions:
Before you can file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee, you first must determine if you’re eligible. The first step is to determine if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance.
In Florida, just about every business is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t carry this form of insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against him or her, especially if he or she is supposed to have insurance.
However, if workers’ compensation insurance is in place, you must then determine if your injury qualifies. Injuries or illnesses that occur in the workplace as a result of you performing your duties and that leave you unable to work are generally covered by workers’ compensation.
These injuries and illnesses may be caused by repetitive motion, lifting heavy objects, using certain chemicals, or the result of a traumatic incident, such as a slip and fall, an incident with heavy machinery, or even a motor vehicle accident. These injuries may also happen away from the workplace or job site.
For instance, if you are sent on an errand and you’re still on the clock, and you get in a car wreck caused by someone else, you may be covered by workers’ comp.
However, Florida law does exclude some injuries from workers’ compensation coverage. These include, but are not limited to:
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee involves several important steps to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to after a workplace injury. Here’s a concise guide to help you through the process:
In Florida, workers’ compensation provides several key benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits include medical care coverage, which encompasses doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
Additionally, injured workers are entitled to wage replacement benefits, such as Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for those unable to work during recovery and Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) for those who can work in a limited capacity.
Permanent disability benefits are available for workers with lasting impairments, and vocational rehabilitation services help those who need assistance returning to the workforce. In the event of a work-related death, death benefits are provided to the dependents, including compensation for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t worry. Many claims are denied every year. Insurance companies deny claims both to deter fraud and to pad their profit margins.
After all, if you accept your denial, they don’t have to pay your claim. However, you can always choose to appeal the denial.
The most efficient way to do so is to file a petition for benefits with the help of an Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer. Under Florida law, you have two years from the time of your injury to file a petition of benefits.
A petition may also be filed if you believe you did not receive the full compensation you’re owed or if the insurance company is being slow in paying out benefits.
If your claim is still denied, you can take the case to court. Your Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer can provide more information about this process and what you should expect if you take the case to court.
A workers’ compensation claim may be denied for several reasons, often due to procedural or evidentiary issues. Common reasons include failure to report the injury promptly within the required timeframe, insufficient medical evidence linking the injury to workplace activities, and discrepancies in the injury report.
Claims can also be denied if the injury is deemed to be a result of a pre-existing condition rather than a new work-related incident. Additionally, if the employee was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury or if the injury occurred due to misconduct or during activities outside of job duties, the claim is likely to be rejected.
Lastly, missed deadlines and errors in the claim paperwork can also lead to denials.
Workers’ compensation is ideally designed to be a streamlined process. You get the benefits you deserve for your injuries, and in return, you don’t take up the court’s time with a lawsuit.
Unfortunately, this system simply doesn’t work like it should in many cases.
If your claim is denied or if you don’t get the full benefits you deserve, you have legal options. An Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney can help you figure out if you do actually qualify for benefits and how you can fight the insurance company to get them.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve been helping injured workers get the compensation they deserve for over 40 years. Call us today at (863) 357-5800 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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