Lawyers for Workers Compensation claims ,Workers compensation claim resource guide lawyers for workers compensation claims help the injured workers of Florida and Georgia
The United States workforce includes more than 105 million people. Every year, more than 6 million of these workers get injured and 6,023 more lose their lives on the job, according to the National Safety Council. The estimated cost is in the billions of dollars. Lawyers for workers compensation claims help injured workers
More than 245,000 injuries and illnesses were reported by Florida employers in 2002, according to a joint federal and state survey. Industries involving wholesale, retail trade and services experienced the greatest number of incidents, with 32 percent of the total reported cases. Construction and manufacturing industries together ranked second with 10 percent each of the total cases. Lawyers fro workers compensation claims help the injured worker.
Learn some facts about workers compensation and hire one of our lawyers for workers compensation claims today.
1. Can my employer fire me if I am out and receiving workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes. You should not be fired in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, the workers’ compensation law does not require your employer to hold your position for you until you can return to work.
2. Must I be released to full duty before I can return to work?
No. Your doctor may release you for modified or light duty work before you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
3. Is my employer required to have workers’ compensation insurance?
Employers with four or more employees, part-time or full-time, are required to have workers’ compensation coverage. An employer in the construction industry with one or more employees is required to have insurance.
4. Where does my workers’ compensation benefit check come from?
It comes from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company (the carrier) or from your employer if the company does not have insurance.
5. Are workers’ compensation benefits taxable?
No.
6. When will I get my first check?
The earliest date you can expect your first check is within three weeks of your injury. This can only happen if you reported your injury to your employer immediately. The carrier is required to send a check within fourteen days after learning you will be disabled for more than a week.
7. Do I have to pay any of the medical costs?
Your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance company must pay for all approved and medically necessary care. If you are injured on or after January 1, 1994, you are required to pay a $10.00 co-payment per visit for medical treatment after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
8. How are the doctors and other health care providers paid?
All authorized health care providers must bill your workers’ compensation insurance company directly. If you receive a bill, mail it to the insurance company or to your lawyer. Do not pay it yourself.
9. Can I choose my own doctor?
No. Your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier can choose the doctor to treat you. If you are unhappy with the doctor chosen by the carrier or want to request a second opinion, we must ask the carrier to provide you with another. As a general rule, you cannot go to a doctor the insurance company has not approved. If you go to your own doctor, you will probably end up responsible for payment of the bills.
10. When is an impairment rating assigned?
When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your treating doctor must give you an impairment rating if you have a permanent loss of function of a part of your body. When that date is approaching, it is important that you let our office know.
11. Am I entitled to a lump-sum settlement of my case?
A lump-sum settlement is allowed but is not mandatory. Any negotiations are strictly voluntary between the injured worker and the insurance company. A judge cannot force the insurance company to settle your case.
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