What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near St. Petersburg Florida

What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?

If you’re injured on the job, you should be able to depend on workers’ compensation to pay for your medical care and wages until you can return. However, the benefits process can be confusing without experienced guidance. Let’s discuss what a workers’ compensation lawyer does and how they can support your claim. A workers’ compensation lawyer will:

Focuses on Your Maximum Benefit

Your workers’ compensation lawyer can handle all kinds of workers’ compensation claims, whether your employer is at fault, another employee, or an outside party. They will determine how much your workers’ compensation case is worth so you have the resources you need for a full recovery. They put their knowledge of the law and the claims process to work for you, striving to get your full benefits flowing to you quickly.

Your attorney can ensure you have all the documentation correct so your application has the best chance of approval. They’ll walk you through explaining how your work injury happened and how you were injured. Your attorney can monitor your claim and keep you updated on its progress.

Your lawyer will negotiate fiercely for the benefits you deserve and guide you through managing a denial. If you were hurt by a third party, such as a vendor, contractor, or another worker, we can file a third-party lawsuit to seek compensation from them. In many cases, you may be able to take this action while also receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Your workers’ compensation attorney can advise you whether this is true in your case. 

Helps You Recover Several Types of Benefits

In Florida, workers’ compensation provides the following benefits for injured workers:

  • Payment for all medical bills associated with your injury
  • Partial wages while you recover, usually ⅔ of your weekly wages
  • Death benefits for families of deceased workers

You must report your claim to your manager or supervisor within 30 days, preferably in writing, and they must report it to the insurance company within 7 days after they’re aware. Once you complete your application, you must keep all your doctor’s appointments and maintain your treatment. Otherwise, the insurance company may limit or deny your benefits if they feel you aren’t taking your recovery seriously. 

Helps When Your Claim Is Denied

Perhaps you have already filed a claim, and it was denied, or your workers’ compensation insurance company reduced your benefits while you are still recovering. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you take action to show how you deserve continuing coverage. So, don’t give up hope even if you’ve already gotten a denial letter.

Under Florida Statutes 440.191 and 440.192, you can file a Petition for Benefits, asking the Bureau of Employee Assistance and Ombudsman to hear your appeal. Some common reasons you might be denied include:

  • You or your employer didn’t report your accident in time.
  • The insurer believes you weren’t hurt at work.
  • The insurance company claims your long-term exposure illness isn’t work-related.
  • You didn’t have all the documentation needed.
  • You made mistakes or left out information on your application form.

If your claim has already been denied, your workers’ compensation lawyer can review the denial and help you build a powerful appeal. They’ll work with medical providers and other sources to collect the information you need to support your claim. They will also be at your side through the appeals hearings, so you aren’t facing things alone. 

What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Charge?

Fortunately, you don’t have to stress about how you will pay your workers’ compensation lawyer. This is because most personal injury lawyers offer their services on a contingency fee structure. This means you only pay when they win for you. If they don’t win, you owe them nothing. This lets you get the legal representation and help you need, no matter your financial circumstances.

Contact the Pinellas County Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg workers’ compensation law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728