What Are the Workers' Compensation Laws in Orlando?

When most people think of Orlando, Florida, they think of iconic amusement parks and a beautiful climate. However, like any major city, Orlando is full of potential hazards.

Injuries and accidents can happen anywhere, even at work. If you have sustained a work-related injury in Orlando, you may be able to recover the costs through a workers’ compensation claim.

 Even if you know that you are owed financial recovery, you might wonder, “What are workers’ compensation laws in Orlando?” 

Below, we will discuss some of the most important issues to understand when you are planning to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Although some employees attempt to file a claim on their own, this is not usually a good idea. The Florida compensation claims process can be very complex. You might face an uncooperative insurance provider or employer.

 Because of this, it is crucial to find an accomplished workers’ compensation attorney that can work with you to pursue financial recovery. A personal injury lawyer will help you to navigate the entire claims process and secure the money that you are owed.

 Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest personal injury law firm. Do not settle for less than the best. When you need to understand all the workers’ compensation laws in Orlando, call us first.

To schedule a free case evaluation, complete our easy-to-use contact form online. You will be glad that you did! 

How Will a Personal Injury Attorney Help You?

It is never a good idea to pursue a workers’ compensation claim without legal representation. 

Florida workers’ compensation statutes are designed to provide relief to injured employees quickly. But these cases are rarely simple. Oftentimes, employers and insurance providers will dispute elements of an injury claim. 

Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible on every workers’ compensation claim that is filed. These tightfisted corporations are more focused on their bottom lines than on the wellbeing of Florida’s workers.

This is one reason why it is so important to hire a legal representative. When you hire an accomplished workers’ compensation lawyer, they will handle the following parts of your case:

• Completing and filing relevant legal documents
• Speaking with experts and specialists, if necessary
• Consulting with any eyewitnesses to the injury
• Meeting required deadlines
• Ensuring that you receive the necessary medical treatments
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
• Negotiating with other parties on your behalf

Injured workers have enough difficulties to handle without having to manage the technical requirements of a legal claim.

What are workers’ compensation laws in Orlando? When you want to find out, turn to a professional. When you hire a personal injury attorney, they will explain all of your rights and legal options. A legal expert will handle all of these tasks so that you can focus on your recovery. 

What Are Workers’ Compensation Laws in Orlando? The Application Process Explained

Any type of workplace injury can severely disrupt your life. Accident victims often experience ongoing pain, emotional distress, and a challenging recovery.

If you have been involved in a work-related accident, you may be unsure about how to file for a workers’ compensation claim. Under Florida state law, there are many application requirements for those who hope to receive these important benefits.

Injured employees must file an application to receive benefits. These are known as Petitions for Workers’ Compensation Benefits. 

Below, we examine the steps you should take immediately following your accident or injury.

Report the Accident to Your Employer

When you have been hurt in a work-related incident, it is crucial to report the event to your employer. Failing to report the accident within 30 days can result in a dismissal of your claim.

Florida workers are permitted to report their injuries in writing or orally. Make sure to speak with your employer about the appropriate process for reporting your accident.

Work to Resolve Any Disputes

Once you report the incident, your employer should provide you with a copy of a document called the First Report of Injury or Illness. Employers are required to file these documents with their insurance providers after an accident report.

Your copy of this document should name the relevant insurance company and explain your rights as an employee. 

Workers that qualify for benefits will begin receiving checks every other week. These checks are distributed 21 days after the injury has been reported.

Occasionally, disputes will arise between the worker and the employee or insurance company. If this happens, you should attempt to resolve the dispute by discussing it with the other party 

Under Florida state law, employees are required to make a “good faith effort” to resolve any workers’ compensation disputes. If these conversations do not resolve the issue, you can file a grievance regarding your benefits.

Hiring a personal injury attorney will ensure that you take all the required steps to file a dispute and recover the money that you need.

Consult with an Attorney

Do not pursue a workers’ compensation petition without hiring a reputable legal professional. If you’ve been wondering, “What are workers’ compensation laws in Orlando?” hire a personal injury lawyer to guide you through this intricate process. This will ensure that you have the highest likelihood of success. 

A skilled attorney can thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and determine your best path forward. 

Complete the Petition

Once you have secured legal representation, your lawyer will help you carefully complete a petition. Failing to provide the necessary information on this document could undermine your workers’ compensation claim.

You must file a petition within two years of the inciting accident or injury.

Mediation and Hearings

Once you have filed the petition with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC), you should be prepared for mediation. Meditations will be held no more than 130 days after you file a petition.

A mediation is a meeting between the disputing parties. In this case, the two parties are you and your employer. During mediation, both sides will try to reach an agreement.

Unfortunately, mediation is not always successful. If negotiations fail, you may pursue a hearing with OJCC. During this hearing, you and your attorney will present the evidence in your favor. 

Once a decision has been reached, you may accept the judgment or file an appeal. A skilled personal injury attorney will give you the best chance of securing a positive outcome. 

What Are Workers’ Compensation Laws in Orlando Regarding Coverage? 

Many injury victims do not know the types of damages that they can recover through workers’ compensation. The categories and amount of recovery will depend on the circumstances of the case.

In general, more severe injuries will result in larger payments for longer periods of time. 

In Florida, there are three primary types of workers’ compensation payments:

Temporary Disability Benefits

This type of payment is relevant in cases in which the employee is expected to make a full recovery. Temporary disability benefits can be divided into “total disability” and “partial disability” categories.

Victims can collect temporary total disability payments for no more than two years. Employees who cannot return to work in any capacity before full recovery qualify for this type of benefit. 

Payments are calculated as two-thirds of the worker’s weekly earnings. Each check cannot exceed $971.

Injured employees will collect temporary partial disability payments if they can safely return to work before recovering. In these cases, the worker may need to refrain from certain job functions until they recover.

Permanent Impairment Benefits

In some cases, an injury victim may permanently lose some bodily function. If this happens, they may receive permanent impairment benefits.

This type of workers’ compensation benefit is only relevant for lasting injuries and chronic medical conditions. 

Some severe injuries are automatically considered to be permanent impairments. These injuries include amputations and significant brain injuries.

Other Benefits

Some workers’ compensation claims cover other types of economic damage, as well. Examples include:

• Medical bills and expenses
• Vocational retraining and rehabilitation
• Physical therapy costs

Sadly, a small percentage of work-related injuries are fatal. When a worker dies while performing their job function, the surviving family members may be eligible to receive death benefits.

Contacting an accomplished injury lawyer will help you to recover the financial compensation that you deserve.