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FLORIDA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYER
The Law Offices of Adam Baron Helps People Who Were Hurt at Work
When you’re hurt at work, everything changes in an instant. The pain, the medical bills, the worry about lost wages – it can feel overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to face this alone. At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we stand with injured workers throughout Florida, fighting to get you the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys about workers compensation laws by calling .
Providing Workers’ Compensation Support Throughout Florida
From Miami to Jacksonville, and everywhere in between, Florida workers face the same challenges when they’re injured on the job. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims or deny them altogether. Employers sometimes retaliate against workers who file claims. The system can seem stacked against you.
That’s where we come in. Our Coral Springs-based firm has been helping injured workers across Florida for over 25 years. We know the ins and outs of Florida’s workers’ compensation system, and we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies that aren’t playing fair. Whether you’re dealing with a construction accident in Fort Lauderdale or a repetitive stress injury in Orlando, we have the experience to help.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Florida
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Think of workers’ compensation as a safety net. It’s an insurance system designed to help workers who get hurt or become ill because of their job. In Florida, most employers are required by law to carry this insurance. When you’re injured at work, workers’ compensation is supposed to pay for your medical treatment, replace part of your lost wages, and provide other benefits.
The system is supposed to work quickly and fairly. You shouldn’t have to prove that your employer was at fault for your injury. If you got hurt while doing your job, workers’ compensation should cover you. Unfortunately, the reality is often more complicated.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Florida?
Most workers in Florida are covered by workers’ compensation, but there are some exceptions. Generally, if you work for a company that has four or more employees, you should be covered. This includes part-time workers, seasonal employees, and even some volunteers in certain situations.
However, some workers fall through the cracks. Independent contractors, for example, usually aren’t covered. Some agricultural workers may not be covered. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, it’s worth checking with an experienced attorney. Don’t let an insurance company tell you that you’re not covered without getting a second opinion.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries Covered
Workplace injuries come in all shapes and sizes. Some happen in a split second, like when you slip and fall or get hurt in a machinery accident. Others develop over time, like carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions or back problems from heavy lifting.
Florida workers’ compensation covers both types of injuries. Sudden accidents like burns, cuts, broken bones, and head injuries are typically covered. So are occupational diseases and repetitive stress injuries that develop because of your work duties. Even stress-related conditions can sometimes be covered if they’re directly related to your job.
The key is proving that your injury or illness is work-related. This isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem, especially with conditions that develop over time.
Pre-Existing Injuries and Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Having a pre-existing injury doesn’t automatically disqualify you from workers’ compensation benefits. If your job makes an existing condition worse, you may still be entitled to benefits. For example, if you had a minor back problem that became severe after lifting heavy objects at work, workers’ compensation might cover your treatment.
Insurance companies often try to blame pre-existing conditions to avoid paying claims. They might argue that your current problems aren’t related to work. This is where having an experienced attorney makes a huge difference. We know how to gather the medical evidence needed to show that your work activities contributed to your condition.
Having a pre-existing injury doesn’t automatically disqualify you from workers’ compensation benefits. If your job makes an existing condition worse, you may still be entitled to benefits.
For example, if you had a minor back problem that became severe after lifting heavy objects at work, workers’ compensation might cover your treatment.
Insurance companies often try to blame pre-existing conditions to avoid paying claims. They might argue that your current problems aren’t related to work. This is where having an experienced attorney makes a huge difference. We know how to gather the medical evidence needed to show that your work activities contributed to your condition.
What are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the top three leading causes of accidents in the workplace are the result of the following:
- Overexertion: Injuries due to lifting, pushing, turning, excessive physical effort, carrying or throwing.
- Contact with Objects and Equipment: Injuries due to moving objects hitting a worker or a worker coming into contact with an object or equipment.
- Slips, Trips and Falls: Injuries due to workers falling on different levels, jumping to lower levels, or falling from a collapsing structure.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron knows that every work injury is unique and comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. The recovery for these types of injuries is often long and sometimes permanent. Between 2015 and 2016, preventable work-related deaths increased 5%, from 4,190 to 4,398 deaths. If you or a loved one was injured and disabled due to a work accident, contact our workers compensation lawyers in Coral Springs immediately to discuss your options for compensation.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
If you’ve ever tried to handle your workers’ compensation claim by yourself, then you know how difficult it can be reaching your insurance adjuster. Many times, injured workers will complain that they leave message after message for their adjuster only to find that their calls are never returned. But the adjusters can’t ignore our workers’ compensation lawyers. We aggressively pursue your claim by filing petitions for benefits that the insurance company can’t ignore. We will also set the depositions of adjusters that choose not to give our clients the benefits they need.
By Florida law, your insurance company is allowed to select your doctor in order for you to receive benefits. Many of these carefully selected physicians downplay problems in order to reduce the money that the insurance companies need to pay out. In other cases, we have even seen insurance companies refuse to pay for surgeries that their own doctors have recommended.
When you become a client of the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Sometimes we send clients to another doctor just to have a second opinion on how severe their injuries actually are.
It is also possible for us to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company to compensate you for lost wages and future medical care. Let us use our 30+ years of expertise in getting you every dollar you’re entitled to.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
It is vital that you make a full recovery before returning to work. In the past, we have won clients over $1.5 million in workers’ compensation claims alone. Our Coral Springs workers’ comp attorneys have personally seen to it that clients receive their checks every two weeks while recovering. We also follow up with clients after they resume work to make sure that they are readjusting okay and do not need to take more time off. When you are injured in a work accident, never settle for less than you deserve.
Get a free consultation over the phone or in person today. We have 30+ years’ experience and are ready to fight for you—call .
Why You Need a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You might think that filing a workers’ compensation claim is straightforward. After all, you got hurt at work, so the insurance should pay, right? Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible.
They have teams of adjusters, investigators, and lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need someone on your side who knows the system just as well as they do. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney levels the playing field.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
A good workers’ compensation lawyer does much more than just file paperwork. We investigate your case, gather medical evidence, deal with insurance companies, and make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to. We know which doctors to send you to and which medical tests might strengthen your case.
When insurance companies try to cut off your benefits or force you back to work before you’re ready, we fight back. We handle all the legal complexities so you can focus on getting better. If your case needs to go to a hearing, we’ll be right there with you, presenting your case to the judge.
Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Every workers’ compensation case is different, but we see the same problems over and over again. Insurance companies delay payments, hoping you’ll give up or accept less than you deserve. They send you to their own doctors who might minimize your injuries. They argue that your injury isn’t work-related or that you’re able to return to work when you’re not ready.
Employers sometimes make things worse by retaliating against workers who file claims. They might cut your hours, change your duties, or even fire you. This is illegal, but it happens more often than it should. We know how to handle these situations and protect your rights.
Our Approach to Workers’ Compensation Claims
At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we take a comprehensive approach to every case. We don’t just file your initial claim and hope for the best. We stay involved throughout the entire process, making sure you get the medical care you need and the benefits you deserve.
Comprehensive Case Management
From day one, we’re working on your case. We review all your medical records, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to support your claim. We coordinate with your doctors to make sure they understand how your injury affects your ability to work. We keep detailed records of everything because we know that documentation is crucial in workers’ compensation cases.
We also handle all the communication with insurance companies. You don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or missing an important deadline. We make sure everything is filed properly and on time.
Navigating Denied Claims and Appeals
If your claim gets denied, don’t panic. Denials happen all the time, even for legitimate claims. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims hoping that workers will give up and go away. We know how to appeal these denials and get them overturned.
The appeals process in Florida has specific deadlines and procedures. Miss a deadline, and you could lose your right to benefits forever. We make sure nothing falls through the cracks. We prepare a strong case for your hearing, present evidence that supports your claim, and argue your case before the judge.
Maximizing Your Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides several different types of benefits, and you might be entitled to more than you realize. We make sure you’re getting all the benefits available to you. This includes medical benefits, wage replacement, and sometimes even retraining benefits if you can’t return to your old job.
We also look at whether you might have other legal claims beyond workers’ compensation. If a third party caused your injury, you might be able to file a separate lawsuit for additional compensation.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Medical and Hospital Costs
When you’re injured at work, workers’ compensation should pay for all your medical treatment. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. You shouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket for work-related medical care.
However, insurance companies often try to limit your medical treatment or force you to see their doctors instead of your own. They might refuse to pay for certain treatments or medications. We make sure you get the medical care your doctor recommends, not just what the insurance company wants to pay for.
Navigating TTD and TPD in the Florida Workers’ Compensation System
Florida’s workers’ compensation system includes several types of disability benefits. Understanding these benefits is important because they determine how much money you’ll receive while you’re unable to work.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working at all, you may be entitled to Temporary Total Disability benefits. TTD pays you a portion of your average weekly wages while you’re unable to work. In Florida, TTD benefits are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by state law.
These benefits continue until you’re able to return to work or until a doctor determines that your condition has reached maximum medical improvement. Insurance companies sometimes try to cut off TTD benefits too early, claiming you’re able to work when you’re not ready.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
Sometimes you can return to work, but not at full capacity. Maybe you can only work part-time, or you have to take a job that pays less because of your restrictions. Temporary Partial Disability benefits help make up for the difference in wages.
TPD benefits are calculated based on the difference between what you were earning before your injury and what you’re earning now. These benefits can be crucial in helping you maintain your financial stability while you recover.
Florida’s PPD and TPD Benefits in Workers’ Compensation Cases
If your injury results in permanent limitations, you may be entitled to Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits. These benefits compensate you for the permanent loss of function or earning capacity caused by your work injury. The amount depends on which body part was injured and the severity of the permanent impairment.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits are available in cases where your injury prevents you from returning to any type of work. These cases are less common but can provide ongoing support for workers who can never work again because of their injuries.
Death Benefits and Support for Dependents
When a workplace accident results in death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the worker’s dependents. These benefits help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support to spouses and children. The amount and duration of death benefits depend on the number of dependents and their relationship to the deceased worker.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Comp?
We touched on eligibility earlier, but it’s worth going into more detail. In Florida, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation if their employer has four or more employees. This includes both full-time and part-time workers. You don’t have to be a permanent employee to be covered.
Some workers who might not think they’re covered actually are. This includes some agricultural workers, domestic workers, and even volunteers in certain situations. If you’re hurt at work and you’re not sure whether you’re covered, it’s worth asking. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be told you’re not eligible, but you might discover that you have rights you didn’t know about.
How To File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim involves several steps, and timing is crucial. In Florida, you generally have 30 days to report your injury to your employer and two years to file a formal claim. However, it’s best to act as quickly as possible.
The process starts with reporting your injury to your supervisor or employer. Make sure you get this in writing, even if it’s just an email confirming that you reported the injury. Your employer should then report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance company.
You’ll need to see a doctor for your injury. In Florida, you usually have to see a doctor chosen by your employer initially, but you have the right to request a one-time change of physician.
Keep all your medical records and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Injury
The steps you take right after a workplace injury can make a big difference in your case.
First, get medical attention if you need it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of seeing a doctor if you’re hurt.
Report your injury to your supervisor right away. Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about causes or blame yourself. Make sure you get a copy of any accident report that’s filed.
Keep detailed records of everything. Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory. Keep track of all your medical appointments, treatments, and how your injury affects your daily life. Take photos of your injury and the accident scene if possible.
Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Denial
Common Reasons for Denial
Workers’ compensation claims get denied for many different reasons. Sometimes the insurance company claims your injury isn’t work-related. They might argue that you were hurt outside of work or that your injury was caused by a pre-existing condition.
Other common reasons for denial include missed deadlines, insufficient medical evidence, or disputes about whether you were actually an employee of the company. Sometimes claims are denied because of mistakes in paperwork or because the insurance company claims you didn’t report your injury promptly enough.
The Appeals Process
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. In Florida, this usually means requesting a hearing before a Judge of Compensation Claims. You have a limited time to file your appeal, so it’s important to act quickly.
The appeals process involves gathering evidence, taking depositions, and presenting your case at a hearing. This is where having an experienced attorney makes a huge difference. We know how to present evidence effectively and argue your case persuasively.
How We Can Help You Appeal a Denied Claim
When your claim is denied, we immediately get to work on your appeal. We review the reasons for the denial and gather additional evidence to strengthen your case. We work with medical experts who can explain how your injury is work-related and how it affects your ability to work.
We handle all the legal procedures and deadlines involved in the appeals process. We prepare you for depositions and hearings, and we present your case in the strongest possible light. Our goal is to get your denial overturned so you can receive the benefits you deserve.
Employer Retaliation After Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is your legal right. Your employer cannot fire you, reduce your pay, or otherwise retaliate against you for filing a claim. Unfortunately, some employers do exactly that, hoping their employees won’t know their rights or won’t fight back.
Retaliation can take many forms. Sometimes it’s obvious, like firing someone immediately after they file a claim. Other times it’s more subtle, like giving someone bad performance reviews after they return from a work injury or assigning them to undesirable shifts.
If you believe your employer has retaliated against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may have additional legal rights beyond your workers’ compensation case. We can help you understand your options and take action to protect your rights.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney, Adam Baron?
Our Track Record of Success
At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we’ve been fighting for injured workers for over 25 years. Adam Baron has recovered at least $1.5 million in compensation for injured workers over the years, and he’s never worked for insurance companies or employers. He’s always been on the side of injured workers.
We don’t just settle cases quickly to move on to the next one. We fight for fair compensation, even if it means taking your case to trial. Insurance companies know our reputation, and they know we’re not afraid to go to court when necessary.
Experienced and Dedicated Legal Team
Adam Baron graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1990 and has been representing injury victims ever since. He’s handled every type of workers’ compensation case, from simple slip and falls to complex occupational disease claims. He knows Florida’s workers’ compensation law inside and out.
Unlike attorneys at large firms, Adam knows each of his clients personally. He meets with clients himself, not through associates or paralegals. This personal attention means you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.
Personalized and Bilingual Services
We understand that every client’s situation is different. A construction worker’s needs are different from an office worker’s needs. Someone with a back injury faces different challenges than someone with a repetitive stress injury. We tailor our approach to your specific situation.
We also understand that legal proceedings can be intimidating, especially if English isn’t your first language. We provide bilingual services to make sure all our clients understand their rights and options.
Personalized Approach to Work Injury Claims
When you’re hurt at work, you need more than just legal representation. You need someone who understands what you’re going through and who will fight for your rights every step of the way. At the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A., we provide the personal attention and experienced representation that injured workers deserve.
We believe that clients should feel confident in their representation as they move forward.
Our small, elite team brings together skilled legal professionals to deliver optimal representation to every client. Unlike larger firms where you might feel like just another case number, we get to know our clients and their specific needs.
Adam Baron has lived in South Florida for most of his life. He’s sensitive to the challenges his clients are going through because he’s advocated for injury victims his entire career. With over 25 years of experience, he knows what clients want from their legal counsel and strives to provide the personal dedication and attention they deserve.
Adam’s clients frequently praise him for his personable nature and relatability. Throughout a case, he maintains regular contact with clients and keeps them informed about where things stand. Many attorneys representing insurance companies have gained immense respect for his legal prowess.
Adam has handled every aspect of workers’ compensation cases from inception through trial. His primary goal is getting a fair deal for his clients, and he’ll take a case wherever it needs to go to achieve that result. He prides himself on meeting with clients personally and staying on top of all the facts pertaining to each case.
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and fighting for the benefits you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. today for a consultation about your workers’ compensation case.
Visit Our Workers’ Compensation Blog!
Our Coral Springs worker’s comp lawyers are here to answer your questions. Our blog provides valuable insights about filing workers’ compensation claims, recent events regarding workers’ comp, and answers to common questions.
- Can I Get Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Stress Injuries?
- Employers Turn a “Blind Eye” to Their Injured Worker
- Can I See a Chiropractor While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?
- Case Results — The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. Recovers Millions in Compensation for Victims of Work Accidents, Negligent Security, and More
- Why Workers’ Compensation is Not Like Personal Injury
- Why You Need an Attorney for Your Workers’ Comp Case
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our office today! We offer free initial consultations.