Accidents on-the-job happen all of the time in Florida. You shouldn’t feel like you cannot file a Florida workers’ compensation claim if you were injured in an accident. Workers’ compensation does not take into account who is at fault. Workers’ compensation runs on a no-fault system which means that even if you had some responsibility in your accident, you can still obtain benefits. Additionally, if you are frightened to file a claim because you fear retaliation by your employer, don’t be. It is unlawful for your employer to punish you because you file a claim. Most employers in Florida carry workers’ compensation insurance for instances just like yours where an accident happens and you are injured. You deserve those benefits and you should report your accident when it happens. Delaying a report of your accident could eliminate your chances for obtaining compensation if down the road you realize the implications of your injuries are more severe than you originally thought.

Working with a Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyer will help answer your questions, provide you guidance on your options for compensation, and ensure that your case is handled properly. Florida worker’s compensation is a highly complex and specialized area of law that should only be handled by an experienced and knowledgeable Florida workers’ compensation attorney. 

How to Handle Medical Care After a Florida Work Injury

One of the most common questions after a Florida workplace injury is if the victim should use their own private health insurance after their injuries. They do this instead of telling their employer about their accident and then opt not to use the workers’ compensation system to obtain medical treatment. When you have a legitimate accident at work, your care should be covered through workers’ compensation insurance. That is why companies carry this insurance. 

Using your own insurance comes with residual costs such as co-pays and deductibles that will cost you personally to pay for. When you are using your workers’ compensation benefits you don’t have to worry about these extra costs because the worker’s comp insurance pays for all of the expenses associated with your treatment. This is why it is not advisable to go through your own coverage. Even the cost of your mileage to get you to and from appointments is covered under the workers’ compensation insurance which is something you aren’t likely going to have covered with your own policy. 

The other consideration is that if your injures are very severe and they cause you to have to miss work, using your own insurance won’t cover lost wages. When you are injured and requiring expensive medical interventions and therapies in combination with a loss in earnings you are going to need financial assistance to help you through.  If you used workers’ compensation insurance, you would have your wages and benefits compensated.

Find an Experienced Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

You may have questions about your rights and what to do after you have been injured at work. That is understandable. Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. can help you by answering your questions and giving you guidance on the options you have with your best interests in mind. Call the Florida worker’s compensation law firm of Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. today at (850) 906-9599 to schedule a free consultation.