Workers' Compensation Attorney in Port St. Lucie

Getting injured at work can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. You’re in pain, out of work, and worrying about how to provide for yourself and your family.

Injured workers in Port St. Lucie generally qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, including healthcare costs, rehabilitation, and wage replacement payments. However, getting what you deserve may not be straightforward. Insurance companies and employers frequently dispute claims, making it challenging for workers to obtain the benefits they need to manage their lives after a workplace injury.

This is where Morgan & Morgan can step in. We are compassionate advocates for workers who struggle to recover what they deserve after experiencing a work-related injury or condition. Our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers in Port St. Lucie can listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to move forward. Contact us now for a free case review to learn about your next best steps.

Benefits Injured Port St. Lucie Workers Could Receive

According to the Florida Department of Financial Services (FLDS), injured workers and their families in Port St. Lucie can receive three main types of benefits related to their work injury: healthcare costs, wage replacement payments, and death benefits. Here’s what you could receive in detail:

Medical Benefits

Florida’s workers’ compensation program should cover all necessary and reasonable medical care required to treat your work-related injury or illness. Medical benefits can include, among others:

• Doctors and specialist appointments
• Hospital stays
• In-home care
• Prescription medication
• Diagnostic tests
• Physical therapy
• Medical devices, such as prostheses
• Transportation expenses or mileage reimbursements

You must follow doctor’s orders and not skip appointments to retain medical benefits.

Lost Wages

If Port St. Lucie employees cannot work due to work-related injuries or illnesses, they are generally eligible for wage replacement benefits. These benefits typically amount to 66.67% of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum weekly amount. As of 2023, the maximum weekly wage replacement payment is $1,197.

Disability Benefits

If you experience a permanent disability or impairment due to a work-related injury or illness, you could receive disability benefits. Benefits will be based on the severity of your impairment and your pre-injury earnings.

Death Benefits

If an employee passes away from a work-related injury or illness, their dependent family members, such as the spouse and children, may qualify for death benefits. Currently, the family of a deceased worker could be entitled to the following:  

• Funeral and burial costs of up to $7,500
• Weekly benefit payments to dependents
• Education benefits for the spouse

Other Workers’ Comp Benefits

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, injured workers could also qualify for vocational rehabilitation services if they cannot return to their previous job due to the injury. Vocational benefits can help a worker retrain for a new job or career, including job placement assistance.

Benefits May Vary

It’s worth noting that the specific benefits you can receive when injured at work will depend on the nature and severity of your injury or illness and other factors, such as your employment status and the requirements of Florida’s workers’ comp program.

If you suffered a significant injury and are unsure of what you’re entitled to, Morgan & Morgan’s workers’ compensation lawyers in Port St. Lucie can help you understand your rights and options for obtaining the necessary benefits.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Port St. Lucie Can Help

Suffering a work injury can be a traumatic experience and throw your career and home life into uncertainty. A Port St. Lucie workers’ compensation lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can support you through every step of your legal journey and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. Here are some examples of how we can help workers obtain the workers’ comp benefits to which they are entitled:

Filing Workers’ Comp Claims

Filing a workers’ comp claim involves numerous steps and dealing with legalese which can be confusing and frustrating. Our attorneys are here to explain your rights in plain language, guide you through the claims process, and help you recover the payments you need.

Appealing a Claim Denial

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, our determined workers’ compensation lawyers in Port St. Lucie can appeal the decision. We can gather the required medical evidence to support your claim, prepare legal arguments, and represent you at the appeal hearing.

Filing a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit

Workers’ compensation may not be the only way to get compensated for your injuries. If a third party, such as a contractor or property owner, negligently causes your work accident and injuries, you could file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue additional damages, such as pain and suffering. Our attorneys can assess your case and move forward with a lawsuit.

Fighting Your Case at Trial

If your workers’ comp case goes to trial, Morgan & Morgan’s workers’ compensation lawyers in Port St. Lucie can present your case strongly in court and fight hard for your rights and benefits.

Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer May Be Crucial for Your Claim

Claimants may be able to handle a minor injury claim on their own. However, if you were significantly hurt at work and are now facing life with a catastrophic or disabling injury, getting what you deserve can be tricky without an experienced advocate. Hiring an attorney can be crucial for your claim if:

• An employer or insurer disputes your injury
• A pre-existing condition complicates your claim
• Your workers’ comp claim was denied or reduced
• You are unable to get all the benefits you need
• You are permanently impaired due to a work injury
• An employer retaliated against you after filing a workers’ comp claim
• A third party, such as another contractor, caused your injury

Morgan & Morgan believes all injured workers have the right to fair treatment and adequate benefits. When we take your case, we thoroughly investigate your accident and injury, gathering the evidence and information necessary to build a strong case on your behalf. Our tenacious worker’s compensation lawyers in Port St. Lucie have helped countless clients obtain their workers’ comp benefits. We could help you, too, get justice.

Your Next Best Steps After a Work Injury in Port St. Lucie

When you are hurt at work or experience a work-related health condition, taking the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights can be critical for recovering the benefits you need and deserve.

Notify Your Employer

You must tell your employer about your injury or work-related condition as soon as possible. Florida law requires employees to report their injury to an employer within 30 days. Failing to do so could lead to losing your benefits.

See a Doctor

After telling your employer about your injury and receiving emergency medical attention, if required, your employer’s insurer will determine the doctor you need to visit for further treatment. Cooperating with the insurance company and following your medical provider’s orders can be critical for obtaining workers’ comp benefits.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

The workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove that your employer was responsible for your injury or condition to receive benefits. However, according to Florida law, you must file a claim within two years of your accident or injury date. Better yet, aim to file a workers’ comp claim as soon as possible so that you can receive your benefits on time.

Contact a Port St. Lucie Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The workers’ comp process can be complicated, especially if you have a significant injury or your employer disputes your claim. An insurance company may try to deny or minimize your claim. A tenacious lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can protect your rights and ensure that you are treated with the dignity you deserve.

While you will need some patience when waiting for benefits, keeping an eye on your claim can be a good idea. Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation process can be slow and convoluted, and it may take several weeks or even months before you receive full benefits. Stay in close contact with your workers’ compensation lawyer in Port St. Lucie during this time to ensure your claim isn’t getting stuck in the system.