Fort Pierce Workers Compensation Lawyer

40+ years of fighting for injured workers in Fort Pierce

If you are injured on the job in Fort Pierce, our experienced Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyers will protect you from employer retaliation, challenge any denials of your claim, and fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, and our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorneys personally offer free, no-obligation case reviews.

FREE CASE CONSULTATION

Injured on the job and not treated fairly? Our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorneys will stand up for you.

If you are injured on the job in Fort Pierce and report your injury to your employer, your rights under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws kick in immediately. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, what job you are doing, or what company you work for.

At a minimum, all your medical care should be covered, and if you are unable to work, you are entitled to a portion of your salary. Period!

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorneys have over four decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers. We will help you file or appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim, protect you from employer retaliation, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Take the first step today. Contact our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How our Fort Pierce Workers’ Compensation Law Firm can help you:

• Free consultations – Our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation law firm offers free consultations where we will evaluate the details of your claim and provide guidance on next steps and your legal options.
• File work comp claims – Our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation law firm will help gather all necessary documentation, including medical records, incident reports, and witness statements. Then, we will help you complete and submit your workers’ compensation claim to ensure all the required information is provided.
• Negotiate the insurance company – When you are our client, we will manage all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. We will negotiate with the insurance company to secure appropriate benefits, including medical expenses, wage replacement, and compensation for any permanent injuries.
• Dispute claim denials – If your claim is denied, our Fort Pierce work compensation law firm will analyze the denial reason, gather additional evidence if needed, and file an appeal. If necessary, we will represent you in any hearings or trials before a workers’ compensation judge or board, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support the claim.
• Protect you from employer retaliation – If you are experiencing retaliation or discrimination for filing a claim, our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation law firm can take legal action against your employer. We will ensure employers and insurance companies comply with all relevant workers’ compensation laws and regulations.

Speak with a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer for free.

Call (772) 464-4600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer.

When you’re injured at work, you have legal rights

Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality across various industries and happen all the time, affecting employees in both high-risk and seemingly safe environments. In 2022, there were more than 2.8 million workplace injuries in the United States—a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. This system is designed to ensure that workers receive necessary medical treatment and compensation for lost wages without the need for lengthy legal battles.

In most cases, workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of the worker’s lost income during their recovery period. Additionally, it can provide benefits to dependents if a worker dies as a result of a workplace accident.

However, the system is not without its challenges, and claimants often encounter various issues that can complicate or impede their access to benefits. That’s why you need an experienced Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorney to fight for your rights.

On this page, you will find answers to the following questions:

• What does Florida’s workers’ compensation insurance cover?
• What is the process of a workers’ compensation claim in Fort Pierce?
• What are the key reasons a work comp claim is denied?
• What to do if your claim is denied or reduced?
• What does a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorney do?
• Do I need a Fort Pierce workers’ comp lawyer?

Understanding Florida’s workers’ compensation laws

Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses by providing them with necessary medical care and financial benefits. In Florida, most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees.

This includes businesses with four or more employees, construction businesses with one or more employees, and agricultural businesses with five or more regular employees or 12 or more seasonal workers. Both full-time and part-time employees are typically covered, but independent contractors may not be.

What injuries and illnesses are covered under workers’ compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation in Florida covers injuries and illnesses that occur as a direct result of job-related duties. This includes:

• Accidental injuries: Such as slips, trips, and falls.
• Repetitive strain injuries: Like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Occupational illnesses: Including conditions caused by exposure to harmful substances at work.
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions: If work activities worsen a pre-existing condition.

What benefits are provided under workers’ compensation insurance?

Florida’s workers’ compensation system offers several types of benefits to injured workers:

1. Medical benefits: Coverage for all necessary medical treatment related to the injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
2. Wage replacement: If an injury prevents an employee from working, they are entitled to wage replacement benefits. This typically amounts to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, subject to state-mandated maximums.
   1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): For workers who are completely unable to work for a temporary period.
   2. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): For workers who can return to work but at a reduced capacity or lower-paying position.
   3. Permanent Impairment Benefits (PI): For workers who suffer a permanent injury but can still work in some capacity.
3. Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For workers who are permanently unable to return to any form of employment.
4. Death benefits: If a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury or illness, their dependents may receive benefits, including funeral expenses and financial support.

What is the process of a workers’ compensation claim in Fort Pierce?

The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim in Fort Pierce involves several key steps:

1. Report the injury: Employees must report their injury or illness to their employer within 30 days of the incident or the date they became aware of the condition.
2. Seek medical treatment: The employer or their insurance carrier will authorize a medical provider for the injured worker.
3. File a claim: The employer must report the injury to their insurance company within seven days of being notified. The insurance company then has three days to send a brochure outlining the worker’s rights and responsibilities.
4. Insurance carrier decision: The insurance carrier will investigate the claim and decide whether to accept or deny it. If the claim is accepted, benefits will begin. If denied, the worker can appeal the decision through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation.
5. Disputes and appeals: If there is a dispute over a workers’ compensation claim, such as a denial of benefits or disagreement over the extent of disability, employees have the right to request a hearing before a Judge of Compensation Claims. It is often beneficial to seek legal representation to navigate this process and ensure fair treatment.

Reasons a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation claim might get denied

Employers and insurance companies are able to deny or reduce the value of workers’ compensation claims for any number of reasons, including:

• Employees who get injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Employees who attempt to defraud workers’ compensation policies knowingly or intentionally
• Employees who intentionally hurt themselves
• Injuries related to a prior injury or medical condition that is determined to be 50% or more of the cause for the workplace injury
• “Mental or nervous injuries”
• Injuries covered by the Jones Act, the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, and/or the Defense Base Act
• Additionally, a claim can be reduced if an employer or its insurer alleges that the employee refused to use furnished protective equipment, which can reduce the claim value by 25%.

These are just the statutory bases for reducing or denying a workers’ comp claim in Fort Pierce. Insurance companies are also at their own discretion to deny certain claims in the same fashion that they would any other liability claim.

A common method for reducing or denying a claim is to dispute whether the injury occurred within the scope of employment. Insurers may also attempt to reduce claims by disputing the costs of treating the injury.

Workers are also expected to file in a timely manner, usually within 30 days of the injury, and to document the injury thoroughly so that there can be no doubt that it occurred at work as a result of a workplace duty.

An injured worker should also seek medical attention immediately and notify his or her supervisor or employer. Otherwise, the insurance company may allege that delaying care made the injury worse, allowing it to deny partial coverage that could be blamed on waiting too long.

What to do if your Fort Pierce workers’ compensation claim was unfairly reduced or denied

Many workers’ comp claims will be denied or severely reduced. Fortunately, you have the chance to appeal.

This is where working with an experienced Fort Pierce workers’ compensation attorney makes all the difference. An attorney will be able to assess your case, gather the necessary documentation and evidence, file an appeal, and represent you in insurance negotiations, hearings, and court proceedings.

However, you must act fast. If your workers’ compensation claim was denied a second time by the insurance company, you can file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims.

You must do this within two years of your injury or illness.

If your Fort Pierce workers’ compensation claim was unfairly reduced or denied, contact our experienced Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyers immediately. We offer free consultations and can determine what you need to do to ensure you get full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Call (772) 464-4600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer.

Do you need a Fort Pierce Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

In Florida, you do not need a workers’ compensation lawyer to file a claim; however, there are significant benefits to having one, especially if your case is complex or if disputes arise.

Here are the advantages of having a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer:

• Expert guidance and advice – Workers’ compensation laws can be complex. A lawyer from our Fort Pierce workers’ compensation law firm can explain your rights and ensure you understand the benefits you are entitled to. They can also ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time, preventing common errors that could delay your claim.
• Maximize your benefits – A Fort Pierce workers’ comp lawyer will work to secure all possible benefits, including medical expenses, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and compensation for permanent injuries. They will also consider future medical needs and lost earning capacity, ensuring you receive adequate compensation.
• Handle disputes and denials – If your claim is denied, a work comp lawyer can navigate the appeals process, which can involve complex legal procedures. Lawyers can resolve disputes over the extent of your injury, necessary treatments, and the amount of benefits.
• Negotiate settlements – Work comp lawyers will negotiate settlements to ensure you receive a fair amount rather than accepting low offers from insurance companies. They can negotiate lump-sum payments that address both current and future needs.
• Protect you against retaliation – If you face retaliation for filing a claim, a Fort Pierce work comp lawyer can take legal action to protect your job and secure compensation for any retaliatory actions.
• Reduce stress so you can focus on recovery – A big reason why a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer is beneficial is that they will handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of navigating the workers’ compensation system alone. Knowing that a work comp professional is managing your case provides peace of mind during a challenging time.

Let a Workers’ Compensation Law Firm in Fort Pierce take your case

Having your workers’ compensation claim denied or reduced can feel like the end of the road, but remember that you have options. You can explore those options with the assistance of a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation lawyer.

Your attorney will help you strategize your case and document your expenses so that you can seek the maximum available compensation available for your given injury and situation.

Every moment counts, so try to speak with a Fort Pierce workers’ compensation law firm as soon as you can. Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd would be proud to stand at your side and help you seek the compensation you deserve, as we have done with our clients for over 40 years.

If you have been injured at work, schedule a free, no-obligation case review today to speak with an attorney. To schedule your free appointment, call (772) 464-4600 or contact us online now.