Vero Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Standing up for injured workers in Vero Beach for over 40 years

Work injuries can be devastating. Between your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and fear of employer retaliation, you’re overwhelmed with what to do next.

Our experienced Vero Beach workers’ compensation lawyers will stand up for you to ensure you are protected and receive full and fair compensation.

Learn more about how we can help you by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation with our Vero Beach workers’ compensation law firm. Contact us today by calling (772) 794-7774 or click the button below to fill out our confidential online contact form.

FREE CASE CONSULTATION

Our Vero Beach Workers’ Compensation attorneys will protect your rights after a workplace injury

For over 40 years, the Vero Beach workers’ compensation attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd have been protecting the rights of injured workers. With a deep understanding of Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, our work comp attorneys will guide you through every step of the claims process, from reporting the injury to negotiating with insurance companies.

Our workers’ compensation team will ensure all necessary documentation is accurately completed and submitted on time, helping to avoid common pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize claims. If disputes arise or your claim is denied, we will fiercely defend your rights, utilizing our extensive experience to appeal decisions and secure the maximum benefits available.

Whether dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disability, the Vero Beach workers’ compensation law firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd will stand by you, providing personalized attention and relentless advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Speak with a Vero Beach workers’ compensation attorney for free. Call (772) 794-7774 now to schedule a meeting with our Vero Beach workers’ compensation law firm and learn more about your legal options.

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

• Who qualifies for workers’ compensation in Vero Beach?
• What do Vero Beach workers’ compensation benefits consist of?
• What injuries are covered in a Vero Beach workers’ compensation claim?
• How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Vero Beach?
• What happens if your employer does not have insurance?
• What to do if your Vero Beach workers’ compensation claim is denied?
• What are the reasons a workers’ compensation claim can be denied?
• Why choose Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd to represent you?

Who qualifies for workers’ compensation in Vero Beach?

In Vero Beach, Florida, workers’ compensation coverage is determined by state laws that mandate most employers to provide insurance for their employees. Here’s who typically qualifies for workers’ compensation in Vero Beach:

Employee eligibility:

1. Full-time employees: Most full-time employees are covered under workers’ compensation insurance provided by their employers.
2. Part-time employees: Part-time employees are also generally covered, depending on the employer’s specific policy and the nature of the employment.
3. Seasonal employees: Seasonal workers are covered if they meet the criteria set by the state, particularly in industries like agriculture, where they might be employed for certain periods.
4. Construction workers: Any construction business with one or more employees, including contractors, is required to provide workers’ compensation coverage.
5. Agricultural employees: Agricultural businesses with six or more regular employees and/or 12 or more seasonal workers who work more than 30 days are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance.

Exemptions and special cases:

1. Independent contractors: Independent contractors are generally not covered by workers’ compensation unless they are misclassified and meet the criteria for employee status.
2. Sole proprietors and partners: Sole proprietors and business partners are typically not covered unless they choose to opt into coverage by purchasing a policy for themselves.
3. Corporate officers: Corporate officers may be exempt unless they specifically choose to be covered under the company’s workers’ compensation policy.
4. Domestic workers: Certain domestic workers, like nannies and housekeepers, might not be covered depending on their employment status and the number of hours they work.

What do Vero Beach workers’ compensation benefits consist of?

If you are injured on the job in Vero Beach, there are several different types of workers’ compensation benefits that you could collect if your claim is approved. These include:

• Medical benefits that cover medical expenses related to the injury, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, treatment, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Wage replacement benefits that are paid if the worker is unable to work for a certain period of time can return to work but at a reduced capacity, or is permanently unable to return to any form of employment.
• Death benefits that provide financial support to dependents if a worker dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness. These can also cover funeral expenses.

What injuries are covered in a Vero Beach workers’ compensation claim?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, millions of workplace injuries occur each year. In Vero Beach, workers’ compensation claims cover a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur as a result of job-related activities. Here are the types of injuries typically covered:

• Traumatic injuries – These are injuries that result from slips, trips, and falls, being struck by objects, injuries involving heavy machinery, and injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents.
• Repetitive motion injuries – These are injuries caused by repetitive motions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back and neck strain.
• Occupational illnesses – These include illnesses such as respiratory conditions caused by inhaling harmful substances, skin disorders resulting from exposure to chemicals or irritants, and hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.
• Chronic conditions – These include musculoskeletal disorders, such as chronic back pain and joint pain, and cumulative trauma disorders that develop over time due o repetitive stress or strain.

How to file a workers’ compensation claim in Vero Beach

While we provide a high-level overview of how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Vero Beach, know that the process can be very complex. Therefore, if you’ve suffered an injury while working in Vero Beach and need a workers’ compensation claim, we strongly advise you to consult with a Vero Beach workers’ compensation lawyer before you submit any paperwork.

This will help you have a higher chance of approval and receiving full and fair benefits.

1. Report the injury: Immediately notify your employer about the injury. This should be done within 30 days of the incident or from when you become aware of the injury
2. Seek medical treatment: Get medical care from a provider authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
3. Complete necessary forms: Your employer will provide forms that need to be filled out. They must report the injury to their insurance company within seven days.
4. Insurance review: The insurance company will review the claim and decide on the benefits.

More often than not, workers’ compensation claims in Vero Beach are disputed or denied. If the insurance company offers you a low settlement or refuses to pay your claim, contact the experienced Vero Beach workers’ compensation attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd right away.

What happens if your employer does not have insurance?

The majority of employers in Vero Beach are obligated to provide workers’ compensation coverage. If an employer neglects this requirement, they may be held accountable for any workplace injuries that arise.

If you find yourself in a situation where your employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance, it’s crucial to consult with a Vero Beach workers’ compensation attorney to explore potential legal options for litigation.

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

If your claim is denied, you should be notified by the insurance company within 30 days of your filing your claim. It may make you feel better to know that many claims are initially denied. This may be because workers’ comp fraud is common, or it may be because insurance companies hope a denial will mean you won’t appeal their decision.

But a denial isn’t the end of the road. First, you will need to work with the insurance company to try to resolve the dispute informally.

If that doesn’t work, you must file a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. In general, you have to file this petition within two years of the injury or illness, but there are some exceptions.

In some instances, the insurance company will accept the appeal and pay your workers’ comp claim. But if they don’t, you can continue your appeals process through a legal process of mediation and court trials.

It’s important to speak with a Vero Beach workers’ comp attorney about how to appeal a denied claim.

Top reasons a Vero Beach workers’ compensation claim may be denied?

Workers’ compensation claims in Vero Beach can be denied for various reasons, often leading to frustration and uncertainty for injured workers. Here are some of the top reasons why workers’ compensation claims in Vero Beach may be denied:

• Failure to report the injury promptly: Delays in reporting the injury to the employer can raise questions about the validity of the claim, leading to denial.
• Pre-existing conditions: If the insurance company believes that the injury is related to a pre-existing condition rather than a work-related incident, they may deny the claim.
• Disputes over the cause of the injury: If there is disagreement between the employer, employee, and insurance company regarding whether the injury occurred at work or was caused by work-related activities, the claim may be denied.
• Lack of sufficient medical evidence: Insufficient medical documentation or evidence to support the claim can lead to denial. This may include incomplete medical records or conflicting medical opinions.
• Failure to seek medical treatment: If the injured worker fails to seek timely medical treatment or follow the recommended treatment plan, the claim may be denied.
• Intoxication or misconduct: If the injury occurred while the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while engaging in misconduct or illegal activities, the claim may be denied.
• Independent Medical Examination (IME) results: If the results of an independent medical examination conducted by the insurance company’s chosen physician conflict with the employee’s treating physician’s diagnosis, the claim may be denied.
• Employer disputes: If the employer disputes the claim or contests the employee’s account of the injury, the claim may be denied.

As shown, there are many reasons why a workers’ compensation claim in Vero Beach can be denied. That’s why it’s critical to consult with a Vero Beach workers’ compensation attorney if you are submitting a claim or if your claim has been denied.

A Vero Beach workers’ compensation lawyer will help you appeal the decision and protect your rights.

Why choose our Vero Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?

Having the right workers’ comp attorney on your side can make all the difference with your workers’ compensation claim. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our Vero Beach workers’ compensation law firm Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd:

• We offer free consultations and can meet with you at your home or hospital if you cannot come into our downtown Vero Beach office.
• We assign each client a full workers’ compensation team, including a case manager who will stay in contact with you about all updates on your case. You will also always be able to speak with our Vero Beach workers’ compensation lawyers whenever you have questions or need assistance.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay for anything upfront or out of pocket. And you only pay if we secure benefits for you.

Speak with a Vero Beach Workers’ Compensation Law Firm today

In some instances, your workers’ compensation claim will be accepted with little or no issue, and you will receive your settlement quickly. But in many cases, you will have to fight for some or all of the compensation you deserve.

You may not get the full compensation you should based on the severity of your injury, or you may not get compensation at all.

In these instances, it’s crucial you contact a Vero Beach workers’ compensation law firm as soon as possible. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we have helped injured workers get the full compensation they deserve for over 40 years.

Call us at (772) 794-7774 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.