Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Jacksonville

A workplace injury can put your future in doubt. If you’ve been hurt on the job, a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.

The workers’ compensation process may seem straightforward. However, many employees encounter delays, low settlement offers, or even denials.

The team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered over $250 million for our clients. If you’ve suffered an injury at work, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Jacksonville can take on your case and help you obtain the benefits you deserve.

Why Hire a Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

If you decide to file for workers’ compensation, an attorney can provide crucial help by:

• Gathering strong evidence: An attorney can collect medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to build a winning case.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: A lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations with adjusters so you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
• Representing you at hearings: If your claim is disputed, your attorney will represent you before the Judge of Compensation Claims.

Above all, a Jacksonville workers’ compensation attorney can work to secure the maximum possible benefits available to you.

How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Charge?

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you won’t owe anything up front.

Rather, your lawyer will receive a predetermined percentage of your settlement or award, which you can discuss at your consultation.

Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

In Florida, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation from their first day of employment. To qualify for benefits, you generally must:

• Be an employee (not an independent contractor)
• Suffer a work-related injury or illness
• Report the injury to your employer within 30 days

Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Florida

Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits. Depending on the injury you suffered and its impact on your life, you may be eligible for:

• Medical benefits: You can receive coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications from authorized providers.
• Temporary total disability benefits: You can receive a portion of your wages if you are completely unable to work while recovering from your injury.
• Temporary partial disability benefits: You may collect benefits if you return to work in a limited capacity but earn less than before your injury.
• Permanent impairment benefits: You can receive compensation if you have a lasting loss of function after reaching maximum medical improvement.
• Permanent total disability benefits: You may be entitled to ongoing payments if you can never return to work because of your injury.
• Death benefits: If a worker suffers a fatal injury in Florida, their dependents may be entitled to financial support.

A workers’ compensation attorney in Jacksonville can make sure you receive all of the benefits you’re entitled to.

How Long Do I Have to File for Workers’ Compensation?

Florida law requires you to notify your employer about your injury within 30 days of the accident or the date you realized your injury was work-related.

In addition, you have two years from the date of your injury to file for a petition for workers’ comp with the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC).

If you miss either of these deadlines, you could lose your right to seek benefits. A workers’ comp attorney in Jacksonville can make sure you file all of your paperwork on time.

What Happens if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

In Florida, workers’ compensation claims can be denied for several reasons, including missed deadlines, disputes over whether the injury is work-related, or insufficient medical evidence. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal, which will involve:

1. Filing a Petition for Benefits with the Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims
2. Participating in mediation to try to resolve the dispute
3. Attending a final hearing if mediation fails

A Jacksonville personal injury attorney can help you prepare a strong appeal and challenge the denial.

Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including:

• Broken bones
• Burns
• Lacerations and deep cuts
• Concussions and other head injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Respiratory illnesses from workplace exposure
• Skin conditions caused by chemicals or irritants
• Aggravation of pre-existing injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to workplace trauma

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, an attorney can help you pursue compensation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Case in Florida?

While you aren’t required to hire a lawyer to file for workers’ comp, you will benefit from having legal representation, especially if:

• Your claim was denied or delayed
• Your benefits are less than expected
• You have a permanent disability
• Your employer disputes your injury
• You’re unsure how to navigate the appeals process

An attorney can make sure you receive the maximum possible payout for your injury.

What to Do After a Work Injury

If you’ve been injured on the job, these steps will be critical to your claim:

1. Report the injury: Notify your employer about your injury as soon as possible.
2. Seek medical treatment: Visit an authorized provider and follow their treatment plan.
3. Keep records: Save copies of medical bills, accident reports, and any correspondence with your employer or insurer.
4. Avoid giving recorded statements: Without a lawyer present, you could unintentionally harm your claim while speaking to your employer or insurance adjusters.
5. Consult a lawyer: Get in touch with a workers’ comp attorney to discuss next steps.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Jacksonville

If you’ve sustained an injury on the job, you may feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. A Jacksonville workers’ compensation attorney from Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate your case, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can secure benefits.