After you sustain injuries in a Florida workplace accident, you should report your incident to your manager or human resources representative as soon as possible. You are entitled to receive Florida workers’ compensation benefits through the provider who insures your employer. The fault does not matter in a Florida workers’ compensation case, so even if you have some responsibility for the accident you can still be covered. While it may seem like an easy process to go through for benefits, many times it is a complicated and complex task. 

So many things can happen while you try to obtain Florida workers’ compensation benefits. It is not uncommon for employers to argue your accident didn’t really happen at work. Or you may be denied specific types of treatment. It is essential that you obtain benefits when you have been injured at work because, without them, you will be responsible for paying your medical bills. Additionally, if you are unable to work because of your injuries, you will be missing out on the necessary income you need to support yourself and your family. 

Denials can be appealed and overturned. To ensure that your claim is handled properly and that you aren’t being given the run-around by your employer or the insurance company it is best to work with an experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney who will advocate on your behalf. Stephen M. Andrews is a Tallahassee workers’ compensation attorney who knows the game well and will not allow you to be taken advantage of or to go without the benefits you need.

Secrets that Workers’ Compensation Companies Try To Hide from Victims 

• They will do what they can to prevent you from hiring a Florida workplace injury attorney. A lawyer makes their job of trying to settle with you for less than you deserve or outright denying your claim without appeal much harder.
• You will be asked to have an independent medical examination done by the insurer. The I.M.E. serves to diagnose your injuries and evaluate how serious they are, while also providing treatment options. The doctor performing your I.M.E. will make a determination on if your injuries were from pre-existing conditions or if they were sustained during a workplace accident. However, if you don’t agree with the findings of the I.M.E. you are allowed to seek to have another evaluation done by a different doctor one time while your case is open.
• They will be nice to you and appear caring in order to gain your trust and make you think they want to sincerely help you. Insurance adjusters are not looking out for your best interests, they are trying to find ways to devalue your claim.
• The workers’ compensation insurance company may decide to deny or accept your claim, they may even ask for more time to perform an investigation. Either way, they have 30 days to inform you of what their decision is regarding your claim.
• When you need immediate medical care the insurance provider has only seven days to pre-authorize payment for your medical care, and they must acknowledge that you have requested pre-authorization within two days.
• If you need emergency treatment, insurers are not allowed to require pre-authorization for payments for medical care.

Find a Trusted Florida Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

When you are working through the Florida worker’s compensation claim process, don’t go it alone. Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. is a Tallahassee worker’s compensation attorney who will ensure your case is handled fairly. Stephen M. Andrews, P.A can be reached at his Tallahassee workers’ compensation law firm by calling (850) 906-9599 and scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation.