Accidents in the workplace happen often, and a work-related injury can be a life-changing event. In the most unfortunate circumstances, these accidents can result in permanent injury and an inability to earn a living. Injured workers often experience financial hardships that affect not only them but their families too.

If you experienced a work-related injury, illness or disease and your employer refuses to cover all current and future medical costs and lost wages, let one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys help get you the compensation you need and are entitled to.

We help obtain benefits such as:

•Temporary total disability benefits — payment of part of your wages when you are unable to work for a period longer than seven days

•Payment of necessary medical bills, including anticipated future medical expenses

•Permanent partial or total disability benefits — payment of part of your wages if your injury keeps you from full employment or from working ever againes here

It is important to be aware of the steps you should take following a work-related injury to obtain the Pensacola workers’ comp benefits you deserve:

•Report your injury to your employer immediately. In Florida, an injured worker generally has THIRTY DAYS(30) to report a work related injury. Once the injury is reported, it becomes the employer’s duty to provide medical care and to report the injury to its workers’ compensation insurance company and the State of Florida.

•Seek advice from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. A good lawyer can help protect your rights and make sure that all necessary paperwork is filed completely and on time.

•Get medical treatment. Your health is the top priority. Importantly, medical reports may be used as evidence to support your case later in the litigation process.

•File a Loss of Wages Claim. You have the right to file this claim if a doctor puts you on medical leave for more than seven consecutive days.es here

Unfortunately, the claims process in Florida is far more complex and confusing than it should be. It almost seems designed to cause employees to get frustrated and give up on seeking the benefits that they are entitled to.

Furthermore, the workers’ compensation insurance company is not on the side of the employee when it comes to processing claims. Their goal is to pay the employee as little as possible for their workplace injury. To do this they operate under the three D’s: Deny, Delay, Don’t Pay.

One of the most common question from injured employees is, “Do I need a lawyer for my workers’ compensation claim?” or “Will a lawyer increase my workers’ compensation settlement?”

There are many complicating issues that arise in any given workers’ comp claim that suggest hiring an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. For example:

•Your employer has denied your claim. It is not uncommon for an employer to wrongfully deny a workers’ comp claim or deny it on a technicality with the assumption that the employee will not appeal their decision. If you have received a denial from the employer’s insurer, this is not necessarily the final word. An attorney can review your case and help you prepare an appeal.

•Your employer has made a low settlement offer. Injured employees without legal representation often receive very low settlement offers, sometimes not even enough to cover their medical bills and lost wages. If you are not sure you have received a fair offer, contact an attorney to look it over.

•Your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. Some workplace injuries result in a partial or total disability that might prevent the employee from going back to their previous job and/or keep them from participating in any other type of gainful activity. Cases like these are very expensive for insurance companies, and again they will try to settle the case for as little as possible. This is another instance when you definitely want an attorney working hard on your behalf.