Melbourne Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Getting hurt at work can impose a significant burden on both your health and your finances. That is why Florida requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system provides employees with both medical and wage replacement benefits in the event of an on-the-job injury or illness.

But many employers and insurance companies deny workers’ compensation claims, often without proper legal justification. That is where an experienced Melbourne workers’ compensation lawyer can step in and help. The Pendas Law Firm represents workers throughout Brevard County who are struggling to get back on their feet following a work-related accident or occupational illness. You should not have to fight your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier as well.

What Benefits Can You Receive Under Florida Workers’ Compensation?

Under Florida law, workers’ compensation must pay for all medical care that is considered medically necessary to treat a work-related injury or illness. The treatment still must be prescribed by a treating physician and authorized by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Normally, the insurance company also has the right to seek the treating physician, except with respect to emergency treatment. The employee may also select their own doctor if the insurer fails to select one within a reasonable time or initially denies the workers’ compensation claim.

In addition to these medical benefits, workers’ compensation also includes a variety of “disability” benefits should an employee require time off from work to recover from their injury or illness:

• Temporary total disability benefits apply if your injury or illness keeps you from working for more than 21 days. TTD benefits are equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage just prior to the injury up to a legal maximum specified by law. The TTD benefit rate may be higher for certain types of severe injuries such as blindness or paralysis.
• Permanent impairment benefits apply once your medical treatment is complete or your TTD benefits expire. If your treating physician determines that there are any lasting medical conditions or loss of function, but you are still able to work to some degree, you are entitled to permanent impairment benefits based on a schedule established by law. (You may also be entitled to vocational rehabilitation benefits to train you for a different job.)
• Permanent total disability benefits apply if you are unable to return to work at all following a serious occupational injury or illness, such as the loss of an arm or leg. These benefits are “permanent” in that they will continue until you either turn 75 or for the rest of your life if you do not qualify for Social Security.

Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today

Workers’ compensation is often the only means an injured employee has of receiving any form of compensation for their work-related injury or illness. So it is crucial to ensure that Florida employers follow the law and not arbitrarily deny claims. A qualified Melbourne workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you receive everything you are entitled to under the law. Contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.