Homestead Workers' Compensation: A Comprehensive Guide for Local Employees

If you’ve been injured on the job, knowing your rights and options is essential. The Workers' compensation system in Florida is designed to help employees cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs when a workplace injury or illness keeps them from working. However, the process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. The Homestead workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada created this guide to help you understand workers' compensation in Homestead and ensure you’re well-equipped to navigate each step.

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance provided by employers to support employees who are injured or who fall ill due to work-related activities. In Florida, nearly all employers are required to carry workers' compensation coverage. This system aims to make sure employees receive necessary medical treatment and partial income replacement while they recover, without the need for lengthy lawsuits.

Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada understands that when you’re dealing with a workplace injury, managing paperwork and following up with insurance companies is the last thing you want to do. We’re here to help ensure that your claim is handled properly so you can focus on recovery.

Injuries on the job can lead to hefty medical bills and an inability to earn an income. Workers' compensation aims to cover most of the financial burden that follows in the wake of a workplace injury or illness. In Florida, workers' compensation benefits can include:

• Medical Expenses: Workers' compensation covers medical treatment directly related to your injury, such as doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: While you’re unable to work, workers' compensation offers partial wage replacement, generally around 66% of your average weekly earnings. There are caps on the lost wages depending on the maximum compensation rate at the time of injury and the amount of time it takes to recover.
• Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury is long-term or results in a permanent disability, you may be eligible for additional benefits to help with ongoing medical needs or lost earning potential.
• Death Benefits: In tragic cases where a work-related injury results in death, workers' compensation provides financial assistance to the employee’s dependent family, including coverage for funeral expenses and lost income.

In an ideal world, workers' compensation claims would be straightforward, but reality is often more complicated. While there are many problems that can crop up, some of the most common issues our Homestead workers’ compensation lawyers help our clients overcome include:

• Claim Denials: Sometimes, claims are denied for seemingly minor reasons, such as incomplete paperwork or doubts about the work-related nature of the injury. If this happens, don’t give up—there are steps you can take to challenge the insurance company’s denial.
• Disputes Over the Severity of the Injury: Insurance companies may downplay the extent of your injury to minimize their payout. Medical records, witness statements, photographs and documentation can help build a stronger case.
• Pressure to Return to Work Early: Some employers may pressure you to return to work before you’re fully healed. This can lead to further injury or complicate your recovery. You have the right to a safe and complete recovery period, and Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can advocate for you if you’re facing unfair pressure.
• Low Settlement Offers: Insurance companies may offer you a settlement to close your case quickly, but these offers are often lower than what you deserve. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand if a settlement offer is fair or if it’s worth negotiating for a higher amount.

If your workers' compensation claim is denied, you have the right to challenge that decision. The claim process in Florida often starts with a mediation conference, where you’ll meet with a mediator, representatives from the insurance company, and your attorney to discuss the case. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, your case may go before a workers' compensation judge.

Navigating a challenge to a denial can be stressful, but with Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada on your side, you don’t have to handle it alone. We’ll gather the necessary evidence, prepare for mediation, and represent you in court if needed, giving you the best possible chance of securing the compensation and medical benefits you need on account of your injury.

In some cases, workers' compensation may not provide you with all of the damages you are entitled to if your injury was caused by a third party, such as a negligent contractor, defective equipment, or a reckless driver. Third-party claims can provide additional compensation beyond what workers' compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada can help identify whether a third-party claim might be possible and pursue additional compensation on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured on the job, workers' compensation should be there to support you. However, the claims process can be complex, and insurance companies often have their own priorities. Let the Homestead workers’ compensation lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada help. Our dedicated team is here to ensure you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward. We do not get paid unless and until there is a recovery. To learn more and schedule your free consultation, call us at 305-448-8585 or connect with our staff by completing our secure online contact form.