Workers’ Compensation

Every year, thousands of Floridians are injured while working. If you’re one of those people, you know the hardships that can come with a work-related injury. From lost wages to medical bills, the financial repercussions can be debilitating. By pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you will have access to the resources you need to recover from your injury and receive the restitution you deserve.

Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Laws

All employers who have four or more employees are required to provide workers’ compensation. Given that Florida has a “no-fault” system when it comes to workplace injuries, negligence or fault on behalf of the employee is never considered when making a claim.

While there are laws in place to protect workers, this does not stop employers from trying to avoid paying benefits – typically by claiming that the injury was a preexisting condition, faked, or happened outside the scope of employment.

With a qualified legal professional on your side, you will be able to discredit unfounded claims made against you, and fight for the compensation to which you are entitled. At the Law Offices of Stephen A. Smith, we make it our priority to stand with our clients throughout the entirety of the claims process so that they have consistent access to the guidance they need to successfully resolve their cases.

Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The severity of the injury or illness will determine the type and amount of workers’ compensation benefits provided. In order to qualify for workers’ compensation in Florida, the injury or illness must be considered physical. According to Florida state statutes 440.093, unless there is a strong connection between a physical injury and mental or nervous injuries, the individual in question does not qualify for compensation.

Common types of disability benefits that may apply to a workplace injury can include:

• Permanent Disability Benefits: Benefits for workers who sustained a permanent injury – but are only moderately impaired, allowing them to continue to perform some
• Disability Income Benefits: These are Social Security Disability benefits provided for people with permanent disabilities. These types of injuries are expected to last over a year, and make it so the individual is unable to perform the work they originally did, or find new work.
• Supplemental Benefits: Benefits that are paid by the worker’s employer that can provide assistance for severe injuries.
• Permanent Total Benefits: Benefits that are applicable when one is no longer able to work due to severe injuries.
• Death Benefits: Benefits that may be used to pay for funeral expenses, educational support for a spouse, and support for dependents.

Overall, the workers’ compensation claims process can be complex and frustrating. Depending on the nature of the injury, there are various ways to pursue a viable claim. By working with an experienced lawyer, you will be able to approach your claim with confidence and ease.

Injured On the Job In Jacksonville, Florida?

Get started with a workers’ compensation claim today by contacting the Law Offices of Stephen A. Smith.

If you sustained a workplace injury in Florida, our firm is here to help. To start your claim, contact our office for a consultation. Our commitment to client satisfaction and well-being is what sets us apart. At the Law Offices of Stephen A. Smith, we’re pleased to provide you with upstanding legal representation no matter what.