The workers compensation system in Florida is complex. Benefits are available to workers who are injured on the job. These benefits are regulated by the Division of Workers Compensation. If you or a loved one was injured on the job, it is important for you to find legal representation. The Daytona Beach worker’s compensation lawyers at Ogle Law, LLC., represent injured workers throughout Florida in all phases of workers compensation, from obtaining medical and compensation benefits after the injury, to pursuing claims before the Judge of Compensation Claims, and at the appellate level in Tallahassee. In Florida, thousands of workers get injured on the job resulting from all types of circumstances such as slip-and -fall accidents, exposure to toxins, and overuse injuries. Regardless of the method of injury, your rights to compensation should be protected. In some cases, a third party other than your employer may be responsible for your injuries. Many times, a defective product can be the cause of your injury, or even a negligent third party. In such cases, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit aside from the workers compensation claim.

When to Hire a Personal Injury or Worker’s Compensation Attorney

A worker’s compensation attorney may be able to help in circumstances such as:

  • An injury that requires extensive medical treatment.
  • An injury that has resulted in permanent disability.
  • You have a pre-existing injury.
  • Your worker’s compensation benefits have not been received in a timely manner.
  • Your claim for benefits has been denied.
  • The settlement offer does not cover all your lost wages or medical bills.
  • You have been released by the workers compensation medical professional before you were ready to go back to work.
  • The workers compensation medical professional will not refer out your medical care to specialists.
  • You are being retaliated against by your employer for filing a worker’s compensation claim.
  • Your workers compensation claim was denied.
  • You want to seek social security disability benefits.
  • You wish to file a third-party lawsuit.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program and many insurance companies wish to protect their own interests. There are well trained adjusters, case managers, and lawyers that are all working to save money for the insurance companies. They will use strategies to reduce or deny benefits, and may include not authorizing medical treatments and refusing to give weekly benefits. However, as an injured worker, you are entitled to recover medical benefits, lost wages, and compensation for rehabilitation services. If you sustained permanent injuries as a result of a workplace injury, you may be able to collect permanent disability benefits and well as social security.

Worker’s compensation may replace your lost wages for a specified time, and the amount you are eligible to receive depends on the nature and severity of the injury you sustained and how long you are out of work. Many worker’s compensation claims eventually reach a settlement and the decision is voluntary. In other words, a judge cannot force an insurer to pay you nor can they force you to accept an offer. If you decide to settle your case, it is advisable to consider your current medical condition and your prognosis, your work status, and your financial situation. Deciding to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries and how those injuries will impact your future is not recommended. To learn the proper course of action, it is recommended to consult with a worker’s compensation attorney.

You Don’t Have to Face a Workplace Injury Alone

At The Ogle Law Firm, no worker’s compensation claimant pays for services rendered unless benefits are secured, and any fee is approved by the Judge of Compensation Claims. Florida law currently allows for Attorney’s fees to be paid by the employer/carrier under many circumstances, and it is the policy of Ogle Law, LLC. to obtain a fee either from a settlement or directly from the employer/carrier and not from the personal funds of our clients. For a consultation on your worker’s compensation case, please contact our office located in Daytona Beach at (386) 253-2500 or our Alachua office at 386-462-0476.