Workplace Injuries in Homestead: Your Guide to Filing for Workers' Compensation

Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for tens of thousands of Florida workers. You’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and the fear of losing income, all while trying to figure out how to file a workers' compensation claim so that you get the benefits to which you are entitled. If you’ve been hurt on the job in Homestead, you’re not alone, and Florida law is on your side. Workers' compensation benefits are there to help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages during your recovery. But the process isn’t always straightforward. Often, employers and their insurance companies do everything possible to stand in your way. But that’s where the Homestead workers’ compensation attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada come in. For more than 45 years, we’ve been helping injured workers in Homestead obtain the benefits they need to facilitate a smooth, quick recovery after their on the job injury.

Florida’s workers' compensation system is designed to protect employees who are injured at work. If you’ve been injured while performing your job duties, you’re likely eligible for benefits. Workers' compensation provides you with the financial assistance you need while you’re unable to work, covering your medical expenses, the majority of your lost wages, and rehabilitation services.

However, the process of getting these benefits can sometimes feel frustrating. Insurance companies might try to minimize your claim, and the required paperwork can be challenging, given everything else you have going on in your life.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Homestead, it’s crucial to take the right steps from the start. Following these steps can help ensure your workers' compensation claim goes as smoothly as possible:

1. Report the Injury: In Florida, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. The sooner you report it, the better. Even if your injury seems minor at first, reporting it immediately can prevent future complications with your claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: After notifying your employer, you’ll likely be sent to a workers' compensation-approved doctor. It’s important to follow their treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments. Not doing so could give the insurance company grounds to deny your benefits for non-compliance. So, even if you don’t like the doctor or think they don’t understand your injury, follow through and then a change in doctor can be secured.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, and any communications with your employer or the insurance company. This documentation can be critical if your claim is denied or delayed.

Once your injury has been reported and you’ve seen a doctor, your employer is responsible for filing a workers' compensation claim with their insurance company. After the claim is filed, you should receive information about your entitlement to benefits and medical coverage. But remember, the process doesn’t always go smoothly.

Sometimes, claims are delayed or denied outright. The insurance company might argue that your injury isn’t severe enough to warrant benefits or that it wasn’t work-related. If this happens, it’s important to stay proactive and not give up. You have the right to appeal any decision. In fact, many workers’ compensation cases are initially denied and then subsequently approved. If you have any doubts about a denial, consult with an experienced Homestead workers’ compensation lawyer at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada.

Workplace injuries come in many forms, and the type of injury you suffer can impact the kind of workers' compensation benefits you receive. Some common injuries Homestead workers experience include the following:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained areas can lead to dangerous slip and fall accidents. Injuries from falls can range from minor sprains to more severe issues like broken bones or head injuries.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Workers who perform the same task over and over, like lifting or typing, may develop repetitive strain injuries. These can affect joints, tendons, and muscles and often require long-term treatment.
• Vehicle Accidents: If you drive as part of your job, car accidents can lead to serious injuries. Even if you were at fault, you can still be eligible for workers' compensation.
• Machinery Accidents: For those working in construction, manufacturing, or farming, accidents involving machinery are common. These injuries can be particularly severe, often requiring extensive medical care.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Some jobs require you to work with chemicals or other dangerous substances. Exposure to these materials can lead to serious health conditions, and workers' compensation should cover the cost of medical treatment associated with your specific injury.

When you file for workers' compensation, you may be entitled to several different types of benefits depending on the nature and severity of your injury:

• Medical Treatment: All necessary and reasonable medical expenses, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and professional or nonprofessional attendant care should be covered.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Workers' compensation typically covers a portion of your lost wages while you’re unable to work. This is usually around 66% of your average weekly wage, but there are caps in place depending on your injury and recovery time.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury leads to a permanent disability, workers' compensation may provide additional benefits to help support you financially for the long term or even for your lifetime.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: In cases where you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, vocational rehabilitation services can help you train for a new position and benefits may be paid to you while you receive those services.

While workers' compensation is meant to be straightforward, the reality is that many workers in Homestead encounter obstacles. If your claim has been denied, your benefits seem too low, or the insurance company is pressuring you to return to work before you’re ready, it may be time to seek the help of a Homestead workers’ compensation lawyer. Having someone in your corner who understands Florida’s workers' compensation laws can make a huge difference. With our office in Homestead for the last 20 years, our staff is available to help you.

If you’ve been injured at work in Homestead, don’t wait to start the workers' compensation process. The sooner you act, the sooner you can start receiving the benefits you need to recover from your injury. We are not paid unless and until there is a monetary recovery for you. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our Homestead workers’ compensation attorneys have extensive experience assisting injured employees in Homestead and throughout South Florida. 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.