When we first meet with a new worker’s comp client, we have no idea what is going on with their claim. Sometimes, our clients come to see one of our Florida workers comp lawyers within days of their workplace accidents. Other times, we don’t see them until they’re halfway through their workers comp claim. It’s important that we know exactly what the issues are before we take any action. This is why we suggest you take advantage of the free, initial consultation we offer all new clients. Not only does this give you a chance to ask our Tampa injury attorneys questions, but it gives us a chance to see what’s going on with your case.
Here, we’ll talk about the various ways in which our Florida workers comp lawyer can help you. If you still have questions about your case, feel free to contact our office directly.
If You Start Receiving Bills for Your Medical Treatment, Call a Florida Workers Comp Lawyer
If you’re injured at work, you’re entitled to two types of benefits. First, you’ll receive your weekly replacement wages. Second, you’re supposed to receive the medical care you need at no expense to you. If you start receiving medical bills in the mail, call your Tampa injury attorney immediately. It’s one thing if you receive “explanation of benefit” forms. That is just a record of what treatment you have received. If you receive actual bills for services rendered, there’s a problem. Not only can this be scary and frustrating, but it can also damage your credit. Rather than have this happen, contact your Tampa injury attorney right away.
Are Your Benefits Less Than What You Thought They Would Be?
If your workers’ comp claim is approved, you’re going to receive weekly benefits. These benefits are going to be equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages. Technically, all of your income is supposed to be included when your employer determines your benefit rate. If you believe that your benefits are less than they’re supposed to be, you should call us right away. The longer you wait to get this issue resolved, the more money you are going to lose. What we’ll do is reach out to your employer and find out what calculations they used when determining your weekly benefits. If they refuse to make the necessary adjustments, we will pursue the matter with the workers’ compensation commission. It usually doesn’t come to this. However, it’s good to know your Florida workers comp lawyer has your back in case it does.
A Tampa Injury Attorney Can Help if Your Employer Demands You Return to Work
If, midway through your medical treatment, your employer demands that you return to work, you should definitely call our office. You should not go back to work until you’re fully healed. We understand that your employer wants you back to work. They don’t want to have to pay another employee to do your job any longer than absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, if you go back to work too soon, you can reinjure yourself. You may even end up in worse shape than the first time you got hurt at work. That’s the last thing we want to happen.
When you sit down with your Tamp injury attorney, they’ll review your workers comp claim and see what has transpired so far. If they don’t believe you’re anywhere near ready to return to work, they’ll let your employer know. Or, more precisely, they’ll let the insurance company know that you are not returning to work until you’re ready. They will send you out for a second opinion.
Now, if your employer is asking that you return to a light-duty position, that’s a different story. It’s very common for an employee to go back to work in an augmented position while they’re waiting to fully recover.
Your Florida Workers Comp Lawyer Will Step in If You Need a Second Opinion
At some point, your workers’ compensation doctor is going to say that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. This means that there is no point in administering further medical treatment. In other words, there’s nothing your doctor can do that will make you any better. The problem is that you may not agree with this. You may feel like you’re still far from being 100%. If that’s the case, you should contact one of our Florida workers comp lawyers.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling workers compensation cases. There have been times when an employee feels like they need further treatment but their doctor disagrees. When this happens, we recommend that you get a second opinion. We arrange for you to see an independent doctor who can evaluate you. If they don’t believe you have achieved maximum medical improvement, they’ll put this int their final report. We can then use this report to negotiate an extension of your medical care.
With So Much on the Line, You Should Retain a Skilled Florida Workers Comp Lawyer Right Away
We understand why people wait until they run into a problem with their workers’ comp claim before they call us. Nobody wants to pay a Florida workers comp lawyer if they don’t have to. That makes sense. If your workers compensation claim is approved right away, you may not need the help of a Tampa injury attorney. It isn’t until you find out your benefits have been denied that you realize you need help. However, even if your claim is initially approved, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
All sorts of things can happen while you’re out on workers comp. if you start to feel overwhelmed or feel that your employer is taking advantage of you, give us a call. We offer all new clients a free, initial consultation. This gives you a chance to sit down with a seasoned Tampa injury attorney who can answer any questions you may have. They can also let you know if it’s worth pursuing legal action.
