Work-related injuries are handled differently than other personal injuries. The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide protection to workers and employers alike. If you are hurt on the job, you will be able to recover certain benefits regardless of who is at fault for your injury. It is important that you understand what you are entitled to following an injury that takes place in the workplace. At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys represent individuals injured at work in Tampa, Florida. Call us today at 813-333-6250 for a free consultation with our dedicated Tampa workers’ compensation attorneys.
Recovering Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Tampa, Florida
If you were injured at work, workers’ compensation benefits would likely be available to you. The workers’ compensation system allows workers to recover even when they are at fault for their injury in most circumstances. The system is different than the civil court system that handles other personal injury claims such as injuries causing traffic accidents. In personal injury lawsuits, the injured person must show that another person negligently caused his or her injuries. If your injury took place on the job, there is no need to show that anyone behaved negligently. A simple accident is enough for you to recover compensation.
There are certain exceptions wherein you will be prevented from recovering compensation for your injuries. Some examples include if the injury occurred because you were drunk or on drugs at the time of the accident, if you injured yourself intentionally, or if you openly refused to follow safety-related rules and regulations or use safety equipment that your employer-provided and encouraged you to use.
Types of Injuries That Are Covered
The first type of injury that likely comes to mind when thinking of workers’ compensation coverage is a traumatic injury caused by an accident that takes place at work. One common injury might include slip and falls that occur while performing your job. However, these accidental traumatic injuries are not the only types of harm that workers’ compensation is designed to cover. Many workers suffer injuries as a result of repetitive motions that they do as a part of their daily job. For example, lifting heavy objects might not cause an injury that occurs in one dramatic accident but may lead to severe overuse repetitive stress injuries that could require physical therapy or even surgery. These types of injuries should also be covered by your workers’ compensation insurance policy. Sometimes, unfortunately, a worker may struggle to prove that their injury was related to something that took place at work. If you have questions about whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation coverage, contact a Tampa, Florida workers’ compensation attorney.
What if My Employer Tries to Prevent me From Collecting Benefits?
Your employer or your employer’s insurance company might not want you to receive benefits or for your injury to be reported. Workplace violations can lead to problems for employers, and it is possible that an employer will attempt to hide examples of violations or injuries that occur at their business. If your employer attempts to hide your injury or prevent you from filing a claim, or retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you could have the ability to file a civil case against that business. Workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees and also to prevent employers from having to litigate costly negligence claims. It is illegal for many businesses in Florida to operate without proper workers’ compensation insurance or to attempt to avoid resolving work-related injury claims with eligible employees. If you believe you are improperly denied workers’ compensation benefits, contact a Tampa, Florida workers’ compensation attorney.
Benefits Available Through Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits will cover expenses related to your injuries, such as medical bills, surgeries, and hospital stays. Sometimes rehabilitative care may also be included in your benefits. Workers’ compensation also provides some income replacement for individuals who are unable to work as a result of their injury. If you are unable to perform the job you had before your injury, the benefits might include training for other job opportunities. Unlike a civil lawsuit, you will not be able to recover pain and suffering damages through the workers’ compensation system. For this reason, the payouts through workers’ compensation programs are often lower than are the damages a successful plaintiff in a civil lawsuit may recover. However, in some instances, there are other parties against whom you could bring legal action. For example, if you were injured while delivering goods as a part of your job, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and you might also have a personal injury claim against another driver who caused the accident. To learn more about the damages available and your legal options for recovering compensation following an injury, contact a Tampa, Florida workers’ compensation attorney.
Call the Durham Law Group Today After an Injury on the Job in Tampa
At the Durham Law Group, our attorneys work to recover damages for individuals injured at their place of work in Tampa, Florida. Call us today at 813-333-6250 to discuss your claim with a dedicated Tampa workers’ compensation attorney.
