Workplace Injuries

Workplace Injuries Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

Injuries that occur on the job are common occurrences and most are minor, but some result in severe injuries that leave you unable to work. Overexertion, transportation accidents, poorly maintained equipment, and repetitive motion are all causes of workplace injuries. Workplace injuries are often the result of failure to provide proper training to employees, faulty equipment, or negligence by employers who fail to follow safety standards set forth by OSHA.

What Does a Work Injury Lawyer Do?

A work injury lawyer, also known as a workers’ compensation attorney, specializes in handling legal matters related to injuries or illnesses that occur in the workplace. At Coffey McPharlin, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping workers who have been harmed on the job, ensuring they receive the compensation and benefits they are entitled to under the law.

The Legal Process in Work Injury Cases

Navigating the legal process after a workplace injury can be overwhelming. Here’s how Coffey McPharlin can assist you every step of the way:

1. Reporting the Injury: It is crucial to report your injury to your employer immediately.
2. Seeking Medical Attention: You will need to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company that insures your employer, but we can help ensure that you receive the best care possible.
3. Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim: We will guide you through the process of filing your claim correctly and on time.
4. Consultation with a Work Injury Lawyer: We provide strategic legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
5. Negotiation with the Insurance Company: Our team is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum benefits you deserve.
6. Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide vital support to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses as a direct result of their job duties. These benefits are calculated based on the severity of the injury or illness, with particular consideration given to whether the damage is temporary, partial, or permanent. The goal is to ensure that injured workers receive the necessary medical treatment and financial support to reach their maximum medical improvement and recover as fully as possible.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available

At Coffey McPharlin, we understand that navigating the workers’ compensation system can be challenging. That’s why we are committed to helping you understand the various types of benefits you may be entitled to, including:

• Wage Replacement: If your injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits to help offset the loss of income. Typically, these benefits amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
• Medical Treatment: Workers’ compensation should cover all necessary medical treatments related to your injury. This includes doctor’s visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medical tests, prescription medications, and even specialized care such as physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
• Reemployment Services: If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may provide reemployment services. These services include vocational training, job placement assistance, and other support to help you reenter the workforce in a new capacity.
• Prostheses and Medical Equipment: For injuries that result in the loss of a limb or require ongoing medical support, workers’ compensation can cover the cost of prostheses, medical devices, and any other equipment necessary for your recovery and daily functioning.

Disability and Death Benefits

Workers’ compensation not only covers medical expenses but also provides essential disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working. The type of benefits you receive depends on the severity of your injury:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: Financial support if you’re unable to work during recovery but expected to return.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: Compensation if you can work with restrictions but earn less than your normal wage.
• Permanent Impairment Benefits: For permanent impairments after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI), based on your disability rating.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: Lifetime financial support if you’re permanently unable to work.

In the unfortunate event of a workplace-related death, workers’ compensation also provides death benefits to the surviving family members. These benefits may include up to $7,500 for funeral expenses and up to $150,000 in dependency benefits, depending on the family’s relationship with the deceased.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, and often they are the result of preventable hazards or unsafe practices. At Coffey McPharlin, we have extensive experience in identifying the underlying factors that lead to these injuries. By understanding the root causes, we not only help our clients recover the compensation they deserve but also contribute to creating safer work environments for all employees. Our team handles cases involving:

• Overexertion and Lifting Heavy Objects
• Transportation Accidents
• Being Struck by Equipment
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Repetitive Motion Injuries
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials
• Faulty Equipment
• Falls from Heights
• Burns and Chemical Exposures

Why Would a Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?

When an employee is injured on the job, the injury must be reported to the employer immediately. This allows a supervisor or manager to take the necessary steps to file an incident report and arrange for the employee to see a doctor if needed. While this process initiates a workers’ compensation claim, it does not guarantee that the employee will receive coverage. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims can be denied for a variety of reasons, leaving injured workers without the benefits they need to recover.

There are many factors considered before an employee is approved or denied for medical coverage. Common reasons for denial include situations where the injury did not happen at work, the employer was not notified within the required time limit, or if the injury occurred while the worker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, claims can be denied if the injury resulted from arguing or horseplay, or if the employer disputes the claim. If you find yourself facing a denial, it’s important to consult with a work injury lawyer to help you understand your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve

Know Your Rights

In Florida, workers have specific rights under the law, including the right to medical treatment, the right to file a claim, the right to return to work when cleared by a doctor, and the right to disability compensation if unable to return to work. At Coffey McPharlin, we are committed to protecting these rights and ensuring that you are not harassed or retaliated against for seeking the benefits you are owed.

Call Our Fort Lauderdale Office Today

Your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to help you with medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of the cause. By Florida law, you will need to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company that insures your employer.

Many of these physicians are under contract with the insurance company and will choose the most inexpensive treatment option, but that may not always be the best for you. In some cases, insurance companies refuse to pay for surgeries that their doctors have recommended.

When you have been hurt and you need a strategic, knowledgeable advocate by your side, Coffey McPharlin’s team of experienced lawyers will aggressively pursue your claim for benefits that the insurance company can’t ignore. Know you are not alone. Call Coffey McPharlin at (954) 289-6316. Let us seek justice for you. We’re Good Lawyers Helping People!