How To Preserve My Workers’ Compensation Claim In Florida?
The steps you take after sustaining an on-the-job injury play a critical role in the success of your workers’ compensation claim. For this reason, it is vital to understand what you can do following a workplace accident to preserve your claim.
If your injury occurred in the course and scope of employment, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Florida law. However, it is necessary to preserve your rights and protect your claim.
If you have been hurt at work, contact a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney to investigate your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident to Preserve a Workers’ Compensation Claim
These are the essential steps to take following a work-related injury to protect and strengthen your workers’ compensation claim.
- Report your injury
Florida law requires injured workers to report most injuries within 30 days of the workplace accident. Failure to report your injury within the 30-day timeframe could prevent you from obtaining workers’ compensation.
Most employers have company policies on reporting work-related injuries. Make sure that you follow your company policies when notifying the employer or supervisor of your injury.
- Document your treatment and injury details
It is vital to document your medical treatment and the details of your workplace accident to preserve your workers’ compensation claim in Florida.
Memories fade over time, which is why it is helpful to write down how the injury occurred. Document how your injury affects your life. Talk to witnesses and write down their statements.
Gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses are important steps to take to strengthen your claim. Without strong evidence, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company may find excuses to deny or devalue your claim.
- Follow your doctor’s orders
After a doctor’s appointment, you should follow all of your doctor’s orders. Doing so is essential to preserve your workers’ comp claim. Your doctor may provide instructions on when and how to take medications, when to attend physical therapy, and other orders that help you recover faster.
Following your doctor’s orders is a vital step not only to recover from your injuries but also to protect your claim. If the insurance company finds out that you are not following the doctor’s instructions, it will have an excuse to challenge the severity of your injury or may even deny your claim altogether.
- Speak with a workers’ compensation attorney
Just because you were injured at work does not mean that receiving workers’ compensation benefits will be easy. It is still advisable to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Your Tampa workers’ compensation attorney will handle all aspects of the claims process to protect your rights.
Reach out to Kobal Law to schedule a consultation with our workers’ compensation attorneys. Call 813-873-2440 to receive a consultation today.
