Anytime you are injured while performing the duties of your job in Florida, you have the right to file a Florida workers’ compensation claim. While there are limited exceptions, this is true for the majority of accidents at work that lead to employees sustaining physical, bodily harm. In many situations the details of a workplace accident are clear, and there isn’t much complexity about the situation. However, sometimes, an employee may be engaged in an activity related to work but not necessarily be considered on the job and therefore not covered by their employer’s Florida workers’ compensation insurance policy.

Obtaining Florida workers’ compensation benefits is not simple, it is not straight forward, and the rules can be difficult to understand as well as be ever-changing. The best thing that an injured worker can do to ensure they are treated fairly and receive all of the benefits they are entitled to under the Florida workers’ compensation system is to work with an experienced and skilled Florida workers’ compensation attorney. 

Stephen M. Andrews is a Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyer that has more than 35 years helping victims of workplace accidents get all of the benefits they need and deserve from the Florida workers’ compensation system. If you are confused about how to obtain benefits or if you are unsure if your accident situation qualifies for benefits, Stephen M. Andrews can answer all of your questions.

Can You Get Benefits if You were Injured in a Parking Lot or Sidewalk?

Florida workers’ compensation benefits cover workers that in the course of doing their job, are injured.  While an employee isn’t covered for injury accidents that take place when they commute to and from work, the minute they arrive at work and are on their employer’s property, Florida workers’ compensation rules kick in. Any type of real-estate that belongs to your employer for which they own, pay a mortgage, or rent for is considered your work environment. Employers can have full or partial ownership of sidewalks, common areas in a building, grassy areas, parking lots, construction sites, etc. 

Consider this example. If you are leaving work, for instance, and you are walking through a section of the parking lot where your employer has some amount of ownership and you are hit by a car and injured, you have the right to pursue a Florida workers’ compensation suit. Alternatively, if you parked your car in another parking lot where your employer does not have any ownership or relationship, and in that parking lot you are hit and injured you are not likely going to be able to apply for Florida workers’ compensation benefits.

Speak with a Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

It can be very bewildering and complicated when it comes to your legal rights. There are situations where you can not only qualify for Florida workers’ compensation benefits but also pursue a Tallahassee personal injury suit at the same time. Stephen M. Andrews is a Florida workers' compensation attorney and can give you the legal counsel and support you need to maximize the amount of compensation you deserve with regard to civil injury suits and through the Florida workers’ compensation system. Call Stephen M. Andrews today at (850) 906-9599 to schedule your free consultation.