Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Hollywood, FL

If you’re injured at work, you may be covered by workers’ compensation, which can help pay benefits while you’re unable to work. If, like many employees in Hollywood, you’re having trouble getting your rightful benefits, contact Flaxman Law Group. Our workers' compensation lawyers in Hollywood, FL can offer you a free consultation so you can learn more about what can be done in your situation.

With a strong history of successful case outcomes, Flaxman Law Group has built a reputation for excellence in personal injury law, including in car accident claims, premises liability cases, and more. Our track record of securing over $100 million for the thousands of injured people we’ve worked with shows our commitment to achieving favorable results. We focus on different areas of personal injury law, including workers’ compensation claims, motorcycle accident injuries, and more. Contact us now to discuss how we could work for you.

Why Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

Workers' compensation lawyers in Hollywood, FL can ensure you don't miss crucial deadlines or paperwork when you apply for workers’ comp or file an appeal. Your attorney has the knowledge to know how to present your injuries in an accurate and persuasive way, making it harder for insurance companies to deny your claim.

An experienced attorney also knows how to calculate and maximize your compensation, and how to advocate on your behalf, negotiating with insurers so you get fair treatment and a reasonable settlement.

Having an attorney working on your claim can also reduce your stress, so you can focus on recovering physically and mentally. An attorney can handle the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company or your employer, so you don’t have to add these tasks to your already full plate.

Workers’ Compensation Laws in Florida

Workers' compensation laws in Florida are designed to support both employers and injured workers. In Florida, workers’ compensation is basically a type of insurance that employers either pay an insurance company for or set up with their own funds.

Most Florida employers are required to carry this insurance if they have four or more employees. This insurance helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other benefits if you suffer a work-related injury or illness. The coverage ensures you don’t have to bear the financial burden alone. For employers, the insurance provides protection from lawsuits, since workers don’t have to sue their employers to get compensation.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Hollywood Florida

Whether you work full-time or part-time, if you’re covered by workers’ comp and are injured or fall, you can expect the following benefits:

• Medical benefits. Your workers' comp coverage will typically pay for necessary medical treatment. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and any required therapy.
• Wage replacement. Workers’ comp also provides wage replacement benefits if you’re unable to work due to your injury. This is generally a percentage of your average weekly wages, designed to help you manage daily expenses while you’re recovering.
• Temporary and permanent disability benefits. If your injury keeps you out of work temporarily, you may receive temporary disability benefits. If the injury results in a permanent impairment, you could be eligible for permanent disability benefits, which compensate for the long-term income losses you could be facing.

Florida’s workers’ comp system also includes programs designed to help you transition back into the workforce. These may include job retraining, which will help you get qualified for new work if you can’t return to your old role.

In addition, depending on your situation, you may have a third-party claim—for example, if you were in a car accident while working or if a defective machine caused your injury. If you lose a loved one to a workplace accident, you may also have a wrongful death claim or may be able to get death benefits from workers’ compensation insurance to pay for funeral expenses.

If you’re not sure what benefits you can apply for or if you’ve been denied benefits you think you should be getting, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation.

Are You Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Florida?

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you work for an employer who is required to carry workers' compensation insurance. In Florida, this is most employers with four or more employees and most construction companies. In addition, the following factors will determine your eligibility:

• Your employment status. Workers’ compensation typically covers full-time and part-time employees, but not independent contractors or temporary workers. If you’re unsure of your employment classification, check with your employer.
• Your injury. To qualify for benefits, your injury or illness must have occurred while you were performing your job duties or was caused by a condition related to your work environment. If your injury happened during work hours and while you were on the job, you’re likely eligible.
• Your actions. Florida law requires that you inform your employer within 30 days of the injury. The sooner you report, the smoother the process for filing your claim. You may also need to provide documentation of your treatment and correctly file for benefits.

If you’re ever in doubt about your eligibility or how to secure your benefits, consult with a workers' compensation attorney. Whether you encounter a denial or find out your employer illegally didn’t carry insurance on your behalf or you run into another problem, an attorney will know what you can do next.

What Should You Do If You’re Injured on the Job?

You won’t automatically get benefits when you’re injured at work. You’ll need to go through the application process. Here’s how to do that:

• Call an ambulance if you need it. If your injury is severe or life-threatening, get someone at work to drive you to the hospital or call an ambulance for you. For less critical injuries, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Early medical attention aids your recovery and also secures documentation for your claim.
• Notify your employer. Report your injury to your employer as soon as you can, verbally or in writing. In Florida, you have 30 days to report the injury, but ideally report it as soon as possible, within hours or days of the injury.
• Keep detailed records. Hold onto medical records, treatment plans, and any correspondence with your employer or insurance company. Take photos of the injury or accident scene if you can and keep track of work absences, medical visits, and expenses related to your injury. The more evidence you have, the easier it may be to prove your injuries.
• Stick to your treatment plan. Regular check-ups, medications, and therapy demonstrate your commitment to getting better.
• File your claim. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a claim. Complete these forms accurately and submit them according to the instructions. If you encounter any issues or if your employer doesn’t assist you, you might need to consult with workers’ compensation lawyers in Hollywood, FL.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim or if you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney. For example, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation. Our team has decades of experience with work injuries, truck accidents, nursing home abuse claims, and more. We understand how to negotiate with insurance companies and pursue compensation for you.

Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Florida

While we associate workplace injuries with factories, farms, construction sites, and other “high risk” industries, workplace accidents and injuries can happen anywhere and can result in many types of injuries. In Florida, workers' compensation claims often arise from a variety of injuries, including:

• Back injuries. These are especially common in jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or prolonged sitting. Back strains, herniated discs, and other spinal issues can be painful and debilitating, affecting your ability to work.
• Repetitive strain injuries. Jobs that require repetitive motions—like typing, assembly line work, or lifting—can lead to injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. These conditions develop over time, and it can be hard to prove your injury is work-related, which is why you’ll want to consult with an attorney if you have this kind of injury.
• Slips, trips, and falls. Whether it’s a wet floor, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways, these incidents can lead to fractures, sprains, or concussions.
• Working with sharp tools or machinery can result in cuts that require stitches or surgery.
• Jobs in certain industries, like manufacturing or food service, can involve exposure to heat or chemicals, leading to burns. These injuries can range from minor surface burns to more serious, deep injuries that can affect your mobility.
• Some workplaces involve exposure to harmful substances like chemicals, asbestos, or other toxins. This exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term health problems such as cancer.
• Musculoskeletal injuries. These can include sprains, strains, and joint injuries, and they’re especially common in jobs that involve physical labor or awkward postures.
• Head injuries. Falls, collisions, or accidents can result in head injuries. Head injuries need careful assessment because they can be life-threatening.

Each of these injuries can impact your ability to perform your job and your quality of life. Applying for workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve sustained any of these injuries—or any others—is important to ensure you can take time off work to heal and to ensure you have resources to pay for necessary medical care.

Don’t Wait to Report an Injury

Reporting a workers' comp injury promptly is crucial because it protects any evidence in your case. Any witnesses will better remember what happened if they’re asked about your injuries soon after your workplace accident. If there is video evidence, it’s more likely that it will be preserved if you file a claim quickly and your attorney acts fast to secure evidence.

If you wait to file, you can also miss important deadlines. In addition, the insurance company or your employer can question why you chose to wait to file a claim. They can cast doubt on your injuries. If you file promptly, you give insurers less reason to minimize or deny your claim.

Injuries That Are Not Valid in Workers’ Comp Cases

Not all injuries qualify for benefits. For example, medical conditions that existed before your current job and were not aggravated by your work are generally not covered. For instance, you can’t make a claim for a chronic back issue that you sustained from a non-work-related car accident three years ago that wasn’t aggravated by your work conditions.

You also can’t make a claim for injuries sustained while you weren’t at work or performing work duties. For example, if you slip and fall at the company picnic but weren't performing work duties, this might not be covered.

You’re also not covered in the case of intentional self-harm or if your injury occurs while you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Injuries that happen as a result of horseplay are also not covered. In addition, if you’re injured while committing a crime at work, these injuries generally won’t be covered.

If you’re unsure whether your specific injury qualifies, consult workers' compensation lawyers in Hollywood, FL, who can evaluate the specifics of your case. If you’re injured at work or diagnosed with an occupational illness in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation.

With offices in Hollywood, Miami, and Homestead, Flaxman Law Group combines local legal knowledge with compassion for your injuries. We provide caring, bilingual legal representation, and we tackle a range of personal injury cases, including truck accidents, boating accident claims, nursing home abuse claims, and more. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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