When you sustain a work-related injury, Florida’s workers’ compensation medical benefits pay for medical care and treatment. Even though workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, some restrictions and rules must be followed. Our Clearwater medical benefits lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you file workers’ comp claims and get the benefits you deserve.
Our lawyers have over 300 years of combined experience helping injured workers in Florida. We use our skills, resources, and knowledge to help workers like you receive workers’ comp benefits to help them get back on their feet after a work injury.
Contact our law firm in Clearwater, FL to schedule a free consultation with one of our Clearwater workers’ compensation attorneys at (727) 796-8282. We handle cases involving premises liability, Clearwater slip and falls, Clearwater social security disability matters, catastrophic injuries, and more.
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How Our Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Medical Benefits Claim
Trying to handle your workers’ comp claim on your own can be overwhelming. In addition, it can be difficult to navigate the system and regulations.
Beginning in 1955, our law office has advocated for injured workers. We’ll take care of filing and pursuing your workers’ comp claim while you focus on your recovery.
When you hire our award-winning Clearwater injury lawyers to handle your claim, you can expect us to help by:
- Filing all forms and documents necessary to pursue your claim
- Working with medical experts and specialists to assess your injuries
- Arranging for an independent medical examination (IME) to confirm the severity of your injuries
- Fighting to ensure that the insurance company pays for all your medical expenses
- Addressing any attempts by the workers’ compensation provider to deny payment for your medical bills
Our Clearwater workers’ compensation lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers understand Florida workers’ compensation laws. In addition, we know how insurance companies operate, including the tactics they use to deny and undervalue workers’ comp claims. Call our law office today to schedule your free case evaluation with a Clearwater medical benefits attorney.
What Medical Benefits Can Injured Workers Receive in Florida?
Workers’ comp benefits include reimbursement for lost time and income. They also include disability benefits. However, these benefits are limited.
Florida workers’ compensation laws require the employer or insurance provider to pay for all medically necessary care and treatment related to a work accident or injury.
The types of medical benefits you could receive in Pinellas County include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalizations
- EMS and transportation
- Primary care physician visits
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medications
- Specialists
- Surgeries
- Medical equipment and devices
- Prosthetics
- Diagnostic tests and lab work
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
In addition to paying medical bills, medical benefits include reimbursement for travel costs to and from medical appointments.
Can I See Any Doctor I Choose for a Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you require emergency medical services, go to the nearest emergency room to seek treatment. You can also go to an urgent care facility if it is closer. Your health comes before your employer’s or its insurance provider’s preferences for medical providers.
However, medical benefits are only paid if you receive non-emergency treatment from an authorized provider. The authorized provider is a doctor or health care provider approved by your employer or its workers’ comp insurance company. Therefore, the company can deny medical benefits if you choose a medical provider who is not authorized to provide treatment for your medical conditions.
What Is an Independent Medical Examination (IME) for a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Florida Statute §440.13 defines an Independent Medical Examination as an objective evaluation of your medical condition. The IME includes an assessment of your impairment and ability to work. The IME may be requested by a party, a judge, or the department (Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation – DWC).
The insurance company may request an IME if you sustain a catastrophic injury, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and neck injuries. You can request an IME if you believe your medical condition is worse than the authorized physician has stated. IMEs can also help you prove permanent disabilities and impairments to receive additional workers’ comp benefits.
What Is Permanent Disability Compensation?
When you are permanently disabled, there are no restrictions on the number of weeks you can receive workers’ comp benefits. You may receive 66 2/3 of your average weekly wages until you are 75 years old for permanent total disability.
Many disabled workers also apply for Social Security benefits. However, your Social Security benefits decrease based on the amount of workers’ compensation you receive.
It is crucial that you continue medical treatment and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. The insurance company may challenge your doctor’s findings of permanent disability. An IME can help you overcome these challenges, but it is wise to talk with a workers’ comp lawyer for help with an appeal.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Clearwater Medical Benefits Lawyers
Do you have questions about a medical benefits claim? If so, we are here to help. Contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys in Clearwater, FL.
Our personal injury law firm in Clearwater, FL also provides:
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- Slip and Fall Attorneys in Clearwater, FL
- Social Security Disability Attorney in Clearwater, FL
- Taxi Accident Lawyer in Clearwater, FL
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- Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Clearwater, FL
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