Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to benefits through Florida’s workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that pays employees who have suffered an injury or illness either at their workplace, or while performing a job duty. If you are eligible, you can receive compensation for lost income and medical expenses. Related costs – such as travel expenses, job retraining, etc – may also be covered on a case-by-case basis.

In exchange for workers’ compensation benefits, employees cannot sue their employers for any losses related to their injury or illness. However, in certain circumstances, you may be able to sue a third party for damages. For example, if your injury was caused by a defective product, you can file a product liability case against the manufacturer of that product. This case would be separate from your workers’ compensation claim.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Workers’ Compensation

In order to qualify for workers’ compensation, you should meet the following basic requirements:

  • The company or person you are working for must carry (or be legally required to carry) workers’ compensation insurance – An employer’s responsibility to carry workers’ compensation insurance will depend on (a) how many employees it has, (b) the type of business it is, and (c) the type of work performed at the company.
  • You must be an employee of that company or person. – Not all workers are considered eligible employees. For example, if you are an independent contractor, such as a computer consultant or a freelance writer, you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation.
  • Your injury must be work-related. – As long as your injury/illness occurred while you were performing a duty for the benefit of your employer, it is considered work-related. However, this isn’t always easy to prove. Many claims are contested or denied based on this factor.

Each state’s workers’ compensation laws involve minor differences and exceptions. In Florida, there are special rules for agricultural workers, domestic workers, seasonal workers, leased workers, and undocumented workers. Our attorneys at The Cochran Firm South Florida can help you determine which rules or exceptions apply in your case.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Workers’ Compensation Case?

Even though the workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers, countless people are denied benefits every year. If you try to navigate this complex system without any direction or guidance, you may have your claim rejected or delayed due to red tape. Workers’ compensation companies and employers will often use any excuse to avoid paying your injury benefits.

Don’t leave yourself any room for error during the claims process. By hiring our experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorneys at The Cochran Firm South Florida, you can rest assured that your application will be solid and accurate, leaving no room for misinterpretation. If your claim has already been denied, we can help you file a strong appeal.

If you have been injured on the job in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Fort Myers, or other areas of south Florida, make sure you receive the benefits you deserve. Please contact The Cochran Firm South Florida today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys.

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