Workplace Accident Lawyer in Lakeland
Millions of employees head out the door to work every day throughout Florida, always assuming that they’ll be facing an average day. While this is the case for many, other workers lives will be shattered due to injuries in workplace accidents. According to the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, more than 61,000 employees file claims for benefits every year, based upon a five-year average. Not only do these workers incur sky-high medical bills for treatment, but they’re also losing wages for time away from their jobs. Therefor Workplace Accident Lawyer in Lakeland will be the guard to your Workplace rights.
Florida workers’ compensation laws are intended to protect employees in such situations, by providing critical financial support during difficult times. You may qualify to receive monetary benefits, but the process for obtaining them is far from simple. Instead of putting your rights at risk, allow our attorneys at the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group to shoulder the legal burdens. Please contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Lakeland , and read on for some basics.
Overview of Florida Workers’ Comp Laws
Statutes covering work-related accidents are based upon a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent to obtain monetary benefits. Instead, you file a claim with your employer’s workers’ comp insurer, since most Florida companies are required to carry policies to protect employees. If you were hurt in an on-the-job accident, while performing work tasks, you may qualify for such benefits as:
- Medical costs for treatment;
- Wage replacement;
- Partial or total disability, on a permanent or temporary basis; and,
- Death benefits, if you qualify as a surviving family member who died in a workplace incident.
Our lawyers at Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group can assist with the claims process, which usually involves more than just filling out some forms. We’ll deal with your employer’s insurance provider to get the full range of benefits you’re entitled to by law.
Special Considerations in Workers’ Comp Claims
There are a few concepts you should note when injured in a workplace accident. The first is that workers’ comp is likely your sole remedy. You cannot file a personal injury lawsuit unless your situation falls into one of the exceptions described below. Another special consideration is that you can’t recover pain and suffering through a workers’ compensation claim.
Exceptions to Workers’ Comp as the Sole Remedy
Some accidents fall outside the realm of workers’ compensation, which means you may be able to file a civil lawsuit AND you can seek non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Exceptions include:
- Your employer didn’t comply with the requirement to obtain workers’ comp insurance;
- Your employer’s intentional conduct was the cause of the workplace accident; or,
- A third party caused your injuries, such as business partner, vendor, or other entity that was present at the work site.
Consult with a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Lakeland About Your Claim
To learn more about your rights as an injured worker, please call the Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group at 863-285-3746 or visiting us online. We can set up a complimentary case assessment to review your circumstances and determine the best strategy to proceed.
