Five Quick FAQs About Workers’ Compensation in Florida
In the old days, shortly after workers and management struck the Grand Bargain, most job injury victims had few or no questions about their workers’ compensation benefits. The system quickly replaced lost wages and paid medical bills, usually as soon as job injury victims filed official claims.
But those days are over. Today, insurance company interests dominate the workers’ compensation system. As a result, people have many questions not only about the system, but about their right to compensation.
A Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer is an important resource person, in addition to a strong advocate for victims. The more understanding that victims have about the system, the better choices they make, for themselves and their families. We do more than answer your questions. We don’t quit until we obtain maximum benefits in workers’ compensation matters.
Can I settle my claim?
Absolutely. In fact, most workers’ compensation claims settle out of court. Necessary medical expenses and the disability onset date are usually the biggest issues a Tampa workers’ compensation lawyer must resolve prior to settlement.
Most insurance companies use actuarial tables to pay medical bills (e.g. X injury in Y zip code requires Z dollars to successfully treat). But not all injuries are created equally, especially if the victim has a pre-existing condition.
The disability onset date is often different from the claim filing date. Many job injury victims try to keep working as long as possible, even though they aren’t physically capable of doing so. As a result, the amount of back pay in a workers’ compensation matter could be substantial.
What about future medical expenses?
This question is closely related to the previous one. A workers’ compensation settlement or judgment must include money for probable future medical expenses. If the settlement omits future medical expenses, the victim is financially responsible for them.
The pharmacy is giving me a hard time about workers’ compensation medicine. What can I do?
In Florida, an injured worker has the right to select a pharmacy or pharmacist. State law prohibits interference with your right to choose a pharmacy or pharmacist. However, a pharmacy is not required to participate in the workers’ compensation program. If at any time, you become dissatisfied with your pharmacy or pharmacist’s services, you can seek another pharmacy to fill your prescriptions.
When must I report a work-related accident to my employer?
Usually within thirty days.
When must my boss report the injury to the workers’ comp insurance company?
Your employer should report the injury as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) days after their knowledge. The insurance company must send you an informational brochure within three (3) days after receiving notice from your employer. The brochure will explain your rights and responsibilities, as well as provide additional information about the workers’ compensation law.
Connect With a Tough-Minded Hillsborough County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to important financial benefits. For a confidential consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Tampa, contact Kobal Law. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
Source:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications/working-paper/rejecting-grand-bargain-what-happens-when-large-companies-opt-out
