Can I Take Steps To Help My Workers’ Compensation Case?
When you have been injured on the job in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in South Florida, you are likely thinking about seeking compensation by filing a workers’ compensation claim. The Florida workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers obtain medical care and payment for lost wages regardless of fault. To be sure, injured workers do not need to prove that an employer or a co-worker was negligent in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and an injured worker can even obtain workers’ compensation benefits if his or her own negligence contributed to the injury.
Yet it is still important to take certain steps to ensure that your workers’ compensation case goes as smoothly as possible. The following are steps you should take, and our South Florida workers’ compensation lawyers can help.
- Be Sure to Report the Injury to Your Employer As Soon As Possible
While Florida law gives an injured worker 30 days from the date of the accidental injury or diagnosis with an occupational disease to report the injury or illness to the employer, it is important to report the injury just as soon as you can. By reporting your injury or illness quickly, you can ensure that you have met the timing requirement and you can begin the process of seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
- Identify Any Witnesses to the Accident
While you might not ultimately need to have witnesses to support your case—and you can still seek and obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if there are no witnesses at your place of employment—you should identify potential witnesses and keep notes. If necessary, your workers’ compensation lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can reach out to.
- Seek Medical Attention Quickly
After a workplace accident that results in an injury, it is critical to seek medical attention so that you have clear evidence that your injury occurred on the job in the manner you have described in your workers’ compensation claim. You should know that Florida workers’ compensation law allows the employer to select the healthcare provider you will be seeing. There are some exceptions, such as if you require emergency care. If your workplace accident resulted in a need for emergency treatment, you should get help from a doctor immediately. Otherwise, be sure to seek medical attention quickly and with the healthcare provider chosen by your employer.
- Provide Thorough Information in Your Claim
Workers’ compensation claims can require a significant amount of information, and it is important to be thorough. Any materials or documentation you are asked to provide should be provided.
- Get Help from Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
The workers’ compensation claims process can be complicated and confusing, so it is important to have a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer who can assist you with every aspect of the process. By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can minimize the risk of errors in your claim and the possibility of a denial of benefits.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Do you need assistance with your South Florida workers’ compensation claim? One of our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can help. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. today to learn more.
