Okeechobee Workers Compensation Lawyer

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Fighting for the rights of injured workers in Okeechobee for over 40 years

If you’ve been injured on the job in Okeechobee, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the process is complex and many work comp claims are denied.

Our experienced Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyers have successfully represented hundreds of injured workers, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm for free. Call (863) 357-5800 or click the button below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

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How can our Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorneys help you?

A construction work on a job site. For over 40 years, our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm has been helping workers in our community get the full compensation they deserve after a workplace injury. We specialize in disputing denied workers’ compensation claims, but we can also help you file a claim, as well as protect you from employer retaliation.

We know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying claims, and we have our own strategies to help increase your chances of getting paid.

Here are five reasons to hire our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm:

  • We offer free consultations – You can meet with our Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyers for free. We will review your case, evaluate your claim, and explain your legal options, all completely free with no obligation to hire us.
  • We can help you file a claim – Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and filing a claim is not always straightforward. Our Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorneys are experts and can help you gather the necessary evidence and prepare all the documents for submission. With us on your side, you have a higher chance of being approved the first time you submit your claim.
  • We successfully appeal denials – Our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm excels at overturning denied workers’ compensation claims in Okeechobee. We know the tactics employers and insurance companies use to dispute or deny claims. If you deserve benefits, we will do everything we can to make sure you are compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
  • We are local and based in Okeechobee – Unlike other law firms that claim to be local, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has been in Okeechobee for decades. We have a fully staffed office on South Parrott Avenue, and we take pride in serving our community.
  • We work on a contingency fee basis – Many people think they can’t afford to hire an Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney—but that’s not true! When you hire our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm, you pay nothing upfront, and you will never pay out of pocket for our services. If we secure financial benefits for you, then we take a small percentage of the settlement. And, studies show that having an attorney represent you often yields higher settlements than if you were to do it on your own. So, cost should never be a factor when considering hiring an Okeechobee workers’ comp attorney.

Speak with an Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer for free. Call (863) 357-5800 now to schedule a meeting with our Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorneys and learn more about your legal options.

Injured on the job in Okeechobee? We’ll stand up for you.

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 2.8 million Americans were injured on the job in 2022.

The most common causes of workplace injuries and illnesses are overexertion, injuries caused by heavy equipment and machinery, slips and falls, and motor vehicle accidents. If you suffered an injury or illness while on the job in Okeechobee, you may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim.

In the State of Florida, workers’ compensation laws provide essential benefits to employees who suffer from workplace injuries or illnesses. These benefits are intended to help injured workers recover and manage the financial burdens associated with their injuries.

However, getting a workers’ compensation claim approved in Okeechobee can be challenging. As a result, many claims are disputed or denied.

That’s why you need an experienced Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney to represent you to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

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

  • How can our Okeechobee workers’ compensation law firm help you?
  • Who is eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee?
  • How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee?
  • What benefits are covered under workers’ compensation?
  • What to do if your Okeechobee workers’ compensation claim is denied?
  • What are the reasons a workers’ compensation claim is denied?

Who is eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee?

Before you can file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee, you first must determine if you’re eligible. The first step is to determine if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance.

In Florida, just about every business is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t carry this form of insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against him or her, especially if he or she is supposed to have insurance.

However, if workers’ compensation insurance is in place, you must then determine if your injury qualifies. Injuries or illnesses that occur in the workplace as a result of you performing your duties and that leave you unable to work are generally covered by workers’ compensation.

These injuries and illnesses may be caused by repetitive motion, lifting heavy objects, using certain chemicals, or the result of a traumatic incident, such as a slip and fall, an incident with heavy machinery, or even a motor vehicle accident. These injuries may also happen away from the workplace or job site.

For instance, if you are sent on an errand and you’re still on the clock, and you get in a car wreck caused by someone else, you may be covered by workers’ comp.

However, Florida law does exclude some injuries from workers’ compensation coverage. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Mental or nervous injury caused by stress, excitement, or fear
  • Pain and suffering that wouldn’t otherwise be covered under state law
  • Injuries covered by the Jones Act
  • Injuries that occur because you’re attempting to hurt yourself or someone else
  • Injuries that occur to a person when he or she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Okeechobee involves several important steps to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to after a workplace injury. Here’s a concise guide to help you through the process:

  • Step 1: Notify Your employer – Inform your supervisor or employer as soon as possible if you are injured. You generally have only 30 days from the date of the injury to notify your superiors. You need to provide specific details about how, when, and where the injury happened.
  • Step 2: Seek medical attention – You must seek medical attention from a medical provider authorized by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Failure to seek medical attention could jeopardize your ability to get benefits.
  • Step 3: Document everything – It’s important that you keep detailed records of the incident, including your medical treatments and any related expenses. In addition, save all correspondence with your employer and the insurance company.
  • Step 4: Employer’s obligation – Within seven days of your injury report, your employer has a legal obligation to report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
  • Step 5: Monitor the claim process – The insurance company may contact you to get more information. Ensure you provide all requested information promptly. In addition, make sure you stay up-to-date on the status of your claim.
  • Step 6: Receive benefits – If your claim is approved, you will start receiving medical treatment coverage and wage replacement benefits. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are typically around two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state limits.
  • Step 7: Appeal disputes or denials – Sometimes, claims are disputed or denied. If that happens to you, you can file a Petition for Benefits with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Division may schedule a mediation session to resolve any disputes. If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, a hearing before a Judge of Compensation Claims will be scheduled. Present your case and supporting evidence at the hearing.
  • Step 8: Consult a lawyer – While we list this as the last step, you should really consult an Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. If your claim is complex, denied, or if you face any challenges, an experienced Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney will help you navigate the appeal process and ensure your rights are protected.

What benefits are covered in workers’ compensation?

In Florida, workers’ compensation provides several key benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits include medical care coverage, which encompasses doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.

Additionally, injured workers are entitled to wage replacement benefits, such as Temporary Total Disability (TTD) for those unable to work during recovery and Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) for those who can work in a limited capacity.

Permanent disability benefits are available for workers with lasting impairments, and vocational rehabilitation services help those who need assistance returning to the workforce. In the event of a work-related death, death benefits are provided to the dependents, including compensation for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.

What to do if your Okeechobee workers’ compensation claim is denied?

If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t worry. Many claims are denied every year. Insurance companies deny claims both to deter fraud and to pad their profit margins.

After all, if you accept your denial, they don’t have to pay your claim. However, you can always choose to appeal the denial.

The most efficient way to do so is to file a petition for benefits with the help of an Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer. Under Florida law, you have two years from the time of your injury to file a petition of benefits.

A petition may also be filed if you believe you did not receive the full compensation you’re owed or if the insurance company is being slow in paying out benefits.

If your claim is still denied, you can take the case to court. Your Okeechobee workers’ compensation lawyer can provide more information about this process and what you should expect if you take the case to court.

Why are workers’ compensation claims denied?

A workers’ compensation claim may be denied for several reasons, often due to procedural or evidentiary issues. Common reasons include failure to report the injury promptly within the required timeframe, insufficient medical evidence linking the injury to workplace activities, and discrepancies in the injury report.

Claims can also be denied if the injury is deemed to be a result of a pre-existing condition rather than a new work-related incident. Additionally, if the employee was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury or if the injury occurred due to misconduct or during activities outside of job duties, the claim is likely to be rejected.

Lastly, missed deadlines and errors in the claim paperwork can also lead to denials.

Get the full benefits you deserve with the help of our Okeechobee Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Workers’ compensation is ideally designed to be a streamlined process. You get the benefits you deserve for your injuries, and in return, you don’t take up the court’s time with a lawsuit.

Unfortunately, this system simply doesn’t work like it should in many cases.

If your claim is denied or if you don’t get the full benefits you deserve, you have legal options. An Okeechobee workers’ compensation attorney can help you figure out if you do actually qualify for benefits and how you can fight the insurance company to get them.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve been helping injured workers get the compensation they deserve for over 40 years. Call us today at (863) 357-5800 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

 

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