Have you been seriously injured at work in St. Petersburg, Florida? Is the resulting disability permanent? A St. Petersburg, FL injury attorney can help fight for permanent disability benefits through worker’s compensation.
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril, & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of experience in workers’ compensation law. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions for our injured clients.
Contact our St. Petersburg attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers today by calling (727) 349-1728. Schedule a free consultation with a permanent disability attorney.
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How Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Work Accident in St. Petersburg
Places of employment and their insurance prefer not to pay worker’s compensation benefits. Even in what seems to be cut-and-dry situations, they might try and fight against your worker’s compensation claim. Experienced attorneys can help you through this battle.
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers is Tampa Bay’s first personal injury law firm. We have been around since 1955 and recovered over $675 million for our clients.
When you hire us, you can trust our attorneys to:
- Conduct an investigation to gather evidence regarding your work injury
- Calculate the value of your medical expenses and related losses
- File all claims and appeals to get your full benefits
Contact us today for a free case review and consultation with a St. Petersburg workers’ compensation lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida.
How Common Are Permanent Disability Accidents at Work in St. Petersburg, Florida?
In the United States, over two million people get hurt at work every year. Of that number, about 36% of those injuries were to people between ages 51-61. Their disability limited the work they could perform.
In Florida, the most common worker’s compensation injuries are:
- Joint injuries (30%)
- Cuts and puncture wounds (19%)
- Contusions (12%)
- Inflammation/burns (5%)
- Broken or fractured bones (5%)
Any job can have an accident occur at work.
Overview of Permanent Disability in St. Petersburg, FL
A permanent disability is an impairment that is not expected to improve or go away over time, regardless of treatment. The disability can be partial or total, but it prevents you from working. Permanent disabilities can be physical or mental.
There are many ways that you can get injured at work and suffer a permanent disability. If you have a manual job, injury occurs at a higher rate.
Permanent disabilities can include:
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Repetitive traumatic injuries
- Loss of limb
- Spinal injuries
With mental disabilities, a traumatic event can have lasting effects that make you unable to work. Speak with an attorney to assess your case and see if it falls under permanent disability.
What is Permanent Disability Compensation?
Worker’s compensation is generally a temporary compensation package. It covers medical treatment for your injury and a portion of your wages while you cannot work. The compensation is supposed to last until you are well enough to return to work.
You must appear for hearings periodically and present medical evidence to determine if you are still unable to work. The worker’s compensation doctors evaluate you as well to determine the percentage you are disabled.
If you are permanently disabled, there is no limit of weeks that you can receive benefits. Generally, those who are permanently disabled receive worker’s compensation and apply for Social Security Disability benefits.
While you can receive both benefits at the same time, the amount you receive in Social Security Disability benefits gets decreased based on your worker’s compensation. Once worker’s compensation ends, Social Security benefits would increase.
Worker’s compensation benefits have a weekly maximum that varies by state. In Florida, it is 62 ⅔ percent of your average weekly wages during your period of total disability. If you qualify for permanent disability compensation, you are eligible for benefits through the age of 75.
How Do I Apply for Compensation for a Permanent Disability in St. Petersburg, Florida?
In order to start a claim, you should:
- Write down details of what happened
- Obtain available evidence
- Get medical treatment
- Report your injury to your employer
- Try to resolve any disputes
- File a petition
An attorney makes sure that you document everything and file your claim correctly. They advise you on what to expect when you speak to insurance companies as well as anyone working with your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL
Getting injured at work can be a tumultuous time. Everything gets disrupted and you have a life-altering injury. If you were hurt at work, or had a roofing accident you deserve compensation. Whether you have a temporary or permanent disability because of your injury, it might not be an easy journey. Your employer and their insurance might fight your claim. Plus, you will have to deal with doctors and the worker’s compensation board regularly.
Having an experienced attorney through the process gives you an advocate. They will fight for your right to benefits. They will make sure that you are following any necessary guidelines to get the compensation you are owed.
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has successfully won millions in settlements and verdicts. Collectively, our attorneys have centuries of experience. Contact us today to get started. Our St. Petersburg permanent disability lawyers offer free case evaluations to get started.
Other Common Workers’ Compensation Claims We Cover
- Debris Falling
- Defective Machinery
- Excavation Accidents
- Factory Accidents
- Forklift Accidents
- Heavy Equipment Accidents
- Electrocution Accidents
- Ladder Accidents