If you recently filed a workers’ compensation claim in South Florida, you may be dealing with a company called Summit Claims Center. If so, we can help you seek the benefits you deserve.
Work-related injuries can be extremely disruptive to your daily life. All of a sudden, you are making regular trips to the doctor’s office, you are experiencing pain and limited mobility, and you are unable to earn the money you need to pay your bills. Does this all sound a little too familiar?
Under Florida’s workers’ compensation system, employees who get hurt on the job are entitled to “no-fault” benefits for their medical expenses, mileage to go to the doctor’s office, and a portion of their lost income. Unfortunately, while these benefits are supposed to be automatic, injured workers regularly find themselves struggling to collect the benefits that they deserve.
What is Summit Claims Center?
Summit Claims Center is a private company that manages workers’ compensation claims on behalf of a number of different insurance companies. Most employers purchase insurance to cover their employees’ workers’ compensation claims. As a result, their employees are forced to deal with the insurance process – which means jumping through hoops and dealing with adjusters who do not have their best interests in mind.
Summit Claims Center adds another layer to the insurance process. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance through any of the following insurers, then you will be forced to deal with Summit Claims Center for your benefits claim:
- Bridgefield Casualty Insurance Company
- Bridgefield Employers Insurance Company
- BusinessFirst Insurance Company
- RetailFirst Insurance Company
- Retailers Casualty Insurance Company
What You Need to Know if You Are Dealing with Summit Claims Center
If you are dealing with Summit Claims Center, there are several things that you need to know in order to protect your rights. First, Summit Claims Center is not on your side. They work for employers and their insurance companies, and they get paid to help minimize the costs these companies pay when employees file claims for workers’ compensation benefits.
Second, you do not have to do what Summit Claims Center tells you. For example, if they want you to give a recorded statement, don’t do it. Just like the insurance companies they work for, Summit Claims Center will try to use your own words against you.
In order to avoid jeopardizing your claim for benefits, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced attorney to deal with Summit Claims Center on your behalf. If you have never been through the workers’ compensation process before, it is easy to make costly mistakes. At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld P.A., we can help you avoid these mistakes and take all of the steps necessary to maximize your benefits claim.
Five Steps You Can Take NOW to Protect Your Claim to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you have been injured on the job in South Florida, here are five steps that you can start taking right now to protect your claim to compensation:
1. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement.
As we mentioned above, you do not have to give a recorded statement, and you should avoid doing so. In fact, it is best not to speak with anyone at Summit Claims Center (or the insurance company) until you have spoken with an experienced attorney.
2. Stay Off of Social Media.
We know it’s hard, but you need to resist the temptation to post status updates and photos on social media. Like recorded statements, Summit Claims Center and the insurance companies will look for any possible way to use what you say online against you.
3. Learn About Your Rights.
The Florida workers’ compensation system is complicated; and, as an injured worker, protecting your rights can be a challenge. To get the full story from someone who is on your side, we encourage you to request a copy of attorney David M. Benenfeld’s free report, Hurt on the Job – What Are My Rights?
4. Keep Track of Your Medical Care and Expenses.
You will need this information for your claim, so it is a good idea to get in the habit of keeping copies of receipts, invoices, doctor’s visits, medical records, and any other documentation related to your injury.
5. Schedule a Free Strategy Session with an Experienced Attorney.
At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld P.A., we offer free initial consultations, and we do not charge any legal fees unless we help you secure financial compensation. To learn more about protecting your rights, get started with your free strategy session today.
Get Experienced Help for Your South Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim
With offices in Sunrise, Ft. Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, our injury attorneys represent injured workers throughout South Florida. If you are dealing with Summit Claims Center for your workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free strategy session with attorney David M. Benenfeld. Do not lose your benefits – call 954-677-0155 or get help online now.
