Incurring an injury while on the job is a reality that can happen to anyone. When this happens, it can be confusing to know how to file a claim.
The reason it is necessary to file a claim is because you want financial compensation in the event you cannot work and/or you accumulate costly medical bills due to the injury. Each case can be unique, which is why you need to understand the rights afforded to you by Florida law.
In this regard, here are some tips on filing your worker’s compensation claim.
Timing Matters
In Florida, you must report your workplace accident to your employer within 30 days of it occurring. Once reported, your employer has seven days to report the incident to the insurance company–most employers have worker’s compensation insurance for this reason. Meanwhile, once you report the injury to your employer, you have two years from the date of the accident to file for worker’s compensation benefits.
In the event you received authorized payments for medical expenses, you have one year from the date of the incident. If you fail to file in these timeframes, you forfeit the rights afforded to you by Florida law.
Be Meticulous With Information
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your case is to gather as much information as you can. To begin, you want to start with the accident, noting when it happened, where, what caused it, any injuries suffered from it, and the names of any witnesses. If you can, you should also take pictures of the accident site and include pictures of your injuries.
Next, when you are finished with medical attention, you should record everything that happened while it is still fresh in your mind. If you require medical care, be sure to keep all paperwork concerning your injuries, diagnostic tests conducted, treatments prescribed, and bills.
The more meticulous you are with your information the better you can present your case.
Consult Legal Advice
Our team understands the complexity of worker’s compensation claims and we have the experience necessary to effectively work on your behalf. One of the best things to do when you are about to file worker’s compensation claims is to receive legal advice. We offer a free one-hour consultation where we review your case and can present you with sound legal advice relevant to your situation.
