Orlando Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Orlando, Florida

Work injuries are inevitable – they can occur at any time and in any kind of work setting. Fortunately, state laws in Florida require employees injured while at work to get workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of negligence or fault. The sad reality is that dealing with the complex workers’ compensation regulations can be quite frustrating when all you want is to be healthy again. Sometimes, employers and insurance companies may not always be willing to pay you if you are unable to work. They will either deny liability or even try to reduce the benefits you are owed. In such instances, it’s apparent that you might feel like the loyalty you’ve shown your employer throughout your years of service was all for nothing. But there’s no need to feel upset.

If you got injured in the course and scope of your employment, the Orlando workers’ compensation lawyers at Sternberg & Associates are ready to help. We will diligently handle workers’ compensation claims on your behalf so you can focus on what matters – your recovery. Talk to us today for a free consultation with no obligation. If you trust us to handle your claim, you’ll pay nothing unless we help you obtain a favorable judgment or settlement.

Orland Florida Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you have been injured while on the job, the first thing you need to do is establish whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In both Orlando and all of Florida, the general rule for most industries is that any business owner with at least four employees, whether full-time or part-time, must have workers’ compensation insurance. The purpose of this business insurance is to:

• Cater for medical bills and lost wages in the event of workplace injuries
• Cover legal expenses if an injured employee files a lawsuit related to their workplace injury or illness

However, workers’ compensation laws in Florida are without exceptions. For instance, employers in the construction industry must offer workers’ compensation insurance, no matter how many employees they have. Additionally, workers’ in the agricultural sector can receive workers’ compensation if their employer either has 12 seasonal workers’ or six regular employers, provided they work for 30 days.

Considering how broadly workers’ compensation laws are defined in Florida, the best place to start is by contacting us for a free case evaluation. We will look into your case to let you know if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and apprise you of your legal rights and options.

Common Causes for Workers’ Comp Cases

Every employee in Orlando has a right to be safe, comfortable, and free from any kind of injury while performing their job. What that means is, employers in the Sunshine State are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of their employees while at work. They must maintain their premises, keep them in a reasonably safe state and warn employees or any occupants of any hazardous conditions they should be aware of. Unfortunately, however, work-related injuries can happen even with all safety measures in place due to a wide range of actions related to performing your job. These may include dangerous working environments, fights at work, walking into objects, inhaling toxic fumes, and repetitive strain injury, among others. Regardless of what has caused your work-related injury, you do not need to prove fault to qualify for benefits. Workers’ comp in all of Florida is a no-fault system that compensates injured workers’ even when their own negligence caused the injuries.

Common Types of Work Injuries

Although there’s no shortage of ways to get hurt while performing your job, industries like manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, warehousing, and transporting pose more workplace hazards compared to others. However, it’s important to note that anyone, regardless of the industry they work in, is susceptible to workplace injuries. At Sternberg & Associates, our workers’ compensation attorneys handle different workplace injury claims involving, but not limited to, the following:

• Chemical burns
• Knee, neck, shoulder, and back injuries
• Whiplash injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Broken and dislocated bones
• Hand or feet injuries
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Psychiatric injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Neurological injuries
• Vision or hearing problem
• Quadriplegia and paraplegia
• Stroke or heart attack caused by work
• Carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries

While most of these injuries occur instantly, some, such as neck injuries resulting from operating a telephone, will develop over extended periods.

Workers’ Compensation Claim Process

In Florida, workers’ compensation laws require employees injured while at work to report the injury to their employer within the first 30 days of the injury in order to qualify for benefits. Upon reporting, the employer has up to 7 days to forward the matter to their insurance company, lest they face fines and penalties. As soon as the insurance company receives a report on the injury, the Employee Assistance Office will send you information regarding your rights to benefits and several forms for you to sign. After this, you’ll need to see a doctor authorized by both your employer and their insurance provider for further evaluation.

With the employee’s initial claim and the medical report from the doctor, the insurance company can now determine the validity of your claim. While the Orlando workers’ compensation claims process should be quick and painless, your employer’s insurance company may deny your claim. Sometimes, they will offer (or even coerce you to accept) benefits that are not worth your injury.

You owe it to yourself to contact a capable workers’ compensation attorney before attempting to recover the benefits on your own. At Sternberg & Associates, we will help you navigate every step of this process and do everything possible, including filing a lawsuit, to ensure you get the benefits you deserve from your employer. If there’s a third party – such as a manufacturer or subcontractor – who may be held liable for your workplace injuries, our Orlando workers’ compensation lawyers will go the extra mile to pursue more benefits on your behalf.

How Can Our Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help?

Getting injured in a work-related accident can be quite overwhelming. Dealing with the pain, suffering, and lots of unfamiliar legal processes do not make things any better. If anything, it makes you susceptible to manipulation by your employer or their insurance company. But there’s no reason to feel frustrated.

You can count on our extensive experience and legal resources if you allow us to handle your case. We will begin by finding out how your workplace injuries occurred and liaising with your doctor to understand the nature of your work-related injuries or illness. After reviewing all the aspects of your case, including how the injury may affect your ability to keep working in a similar capacity, we will do everything in our power to ensure that you get the benefits you are owed. Sometimes, this may include filing a lawsuit against your employer.

Talk to Our Lawyers Today!

If you have been injured at the workplace, the team of attorneys at Sternberg | Forsythe  P.A. is ready to help you as your Orlando workers’ compensation lawyer. We will work with you to determine how much your claim is worth, negotiate a fair settlement offer on your behalf, and even take your case to trial if that’s necessary. Give us a call at 561-687-5660 for a case evaluation and appraisal of your legal rights and options. The sooner you do, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable judgment or settlement will be.

Read More

When Your at Work Injury is Caused by a Co-Worker

Can I Be Fired For A Work Injury?