If you are injured during the course of your job duties, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. However, to ensure that you remain eligible there are correct procedures that you will need to follow, should the worst occur.
In order to pursue a Florida Workers’ Compensation accident, follow these steps before filing a lawsuit under the act.
- Report the accident to your manager or supervisor within 30 days
This is crucial. If you do not report the accident, it will be almost impossible to file for compensation. You will need to report any injury/accident or exposure to disease within either 30 days of the accident taking place, or 30 days from the date of exposure to the disease.
If your supervisor or manager is not available, report the details of the accident or exposure to a co-worker. Somebody within the organization MUST be made aware of the incident in order for you to be able to make a claim. You will need to write down exactly what happened, in a much detail as possible, and deliver this to your supervisor or manager within 30 days of the event taking place.
REMEMBER – reporting the incident is absolutely vital to receiving any kind of compensation. Always report the work-related accident as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the date the accident occurs, or within thirty (30) days of the date the doctor says you are suffering from a work-related injury. Failure to report your injury or illness within (30) days may result in your claim being denied.
- Your Report Must Be Fully Detailed
As much as possible, you will need to provide your supervisor or manager with as much detail as you can about the injuries you sustained. Describe in full, what happened, and where on your body you were injured, i.e. a back injury or neck pain. The more detail you can provide, the better.
If you had a fall at work, or you were injured using equipment or in the course of performing your duties, you will no doubt feel pain and see the injury almost immediately. If you are worried about exposure to disease, the symptoms could take much longer to manifest. In the case of contamination, you will still need to lodge a report within 30 days of your doctor confirming that you are suffering from a disease that you were exposed to within a workplace environment.
- Document Everything
When you submit your report to your employer, be sure to include as much information as possible:
- The date that the accident happened
- What caused the accident and what happened
- The names of any witnesses who saw the accident
- The individual to whom you reported the accident
If you are planning on filing for compensation, you will want to send a copy of this information to your Attorney in preparation for filing a lawsuit as well.
- Request Medical Treatment
If you are in pain or do not feel well, you must ask your employer to find your appropriate medical care. Your employer will have a Workers’ Compensation carrier with a list of medical doctors in network, that will be able to offer you the appropriate treatment for your injuries.
- Tell Your Employer How About Any Restrictions
As a result of your injuries, your doctor may place restrictions on your work, for example, no heavy lifting or reduced hours. You must let your employer know about these as soon as you leave your doctors appointment so they can make suitable arrangements. If they are unable to offer you further employment as a result of these restrictions, you will be able to receive temporary loss of wages benefits.
Find An Attorney Who Can Really Help
At any time during the initial stages highlighted above, you may want to speak with an Attorney about your legal rights and obligations. Attorney Ala Alikhani is a dedicated and highly successful FLORIDA WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEY who can help you.
Mr. Alikhani and his team work diligently to ensure that injured workers receive the benefits they are entitled to and will be on hand every step of the way. If you were injured on the job or know of someone who was, give us a call at (844) 762-8155
When you hire the Law Offices of Ala Alikhani, P.A. to represent you, we go to extremes to ensure employers and their insurance companies are held accountable and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to by the law.
Were you injured at work? Contact us for a FREE consultation. We are available throughout all times of the day to discuss your case with you. Our office is fluent in Creole and Spanish.
-FREE CONSULTATION
-No out of pocket fees or costs unless you recover.
-Covering Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and all throughout the State of Florida.
370 Camino Gardens Blvd., Suite 325
Boca Raton, FL 33432
TOLL FREE: (844) 762-8155
PHONE: (561) 617-1672
