At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the aftermath of a workplace injury in Lakeland, FL. Many victims face uncertainty and hardship, including physical pain and financial loss. Our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers have seen everything from construction accidents to office injuries.
With over 119 years of combined experience, our Lakeland workers’ compensation attorneys have helped injured workers across Lakeland, Florida. Our team can help you file a claim, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you are owed. Contact us today for a free consultation, you can call us at (863) 251-6196.
Why Should I Hire Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for My Lakeland Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Hiring a Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer is a strategic decision that can help influence the outcome of your claim. It can be difficult to navigate claim procedures alone when dealing with injury and recovery.
Since 2001, we have helped injured workers successfully file workers’ compensation claims in Lakeland, FL. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers secured tens of millions of dollars for injured workers.
By choosing our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers, we can help you with:
- Specialized workers’ compensation knowledge: Our lawyers specialize in workers’ compensation. We know the ins and outs of Florida’s workers’ compensation system and claims process. This includes the many benefits that may be available for your case.
- Evidence compilation: The backbone of a workers’ compensation claim is evidence. Our team will secure incident reports and medical records. We will also collect expert opinions and eyewitness statements to present a compelling claim.
- Determining coverage: We can determine if your employer has workers’ compensation coverage. Our team will also identify all your options for recovering compensation for your injuries.
- Claim filing: We can have you prepare and file a claim for benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, or disability.
- Negotiation: Our workers’ compensation lawyers negotiate with employers and insurance companies. We strategically negotiate to get you the compensation you deserve for workplace injuries.
- Claim appeals: We can help you file an appeal if your workers’ compensation benefits claim has been denied.
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is a crucial step toward recovery. Doing so can increase your chances of financial recovery and offer peace of mind throughout the process. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers today.
What Causes Workplace Injuries in Lakeland, FL?
Workplace injuries in Lakeland can be attributed to many causes. Many of these involve unsafe work environments, human errors, and accidents. Some workplace injuries can be prevented with safety measures and proper training.
Common causes of Lakeland workplace injuries include:
- Lack of proper training: Employees who have not been properly trained to use equipment or follow safety procedures are more likely to suffer injuries.
- Overexertion and repetitive stress: Jobs requiring repetitive motions or intense labor can lead to overexertion injuries. These include muscle strains and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered work areas can cause workers to trip or fall. This is a major cause of workplace accidents.
- Machinery and equipment accidents: Malfunctioning machinery or improper use of equipment can result in severe injuries. These accidents are common in industrial and construction settings.
- Falling objects: Workers can be injured by objects that fall from shelves or are dropped by another person. Warehouse or construction environments are prone to these accidents.
- Exposure to harmful substances: Chemicals and other hazardous materials can cause burns and respiratory issues. Other health problems may also develop if not handled properly.
- Lack of maintenance: Failure to maintain equipment, tools, and workspaces can lead to malfunction and accidents that cause injury.
Understanding these causes is crucial for employees and employers. Workers need to be aware of their surroundings and the dangers they face. Employers are legally obligated to provide safe work environments. This includes addressing hazards, providing adequate training, and following maintenance routines.
When accidents occur, Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers can help injured workers navigate the complexities of filing claims and securing the benefits they are entitled to.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Lakeland, FL?
Workers’ compensation in Lakeland is governed by Florida state law. The state’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide workers with a range of benefits.
Workers’ compensation may cover:
- Medical benefits: This covers all necessary medical treatment for your work injury or illness. Common examples are doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medications, medical tests, and medical devices.
- Temporary disability benefits: If your work-related injury prevents you from returning to work, workers’ compensation will provide temporary disability benefits. These typically are a portion of your average weekly wage.
- Permanent disability benefits: In cases where an injury results in permanent impairment that affects your ability to work, workers’ compensation may provide permanent disability benefits. The amount and duration can vary depending on the extent of your impairment.
- Mileage reimbursement: You may be eligible for reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical appointments. Mileage must be connected to your work-related injury.
- Death benefits: In the unfortunate event that a loved one dies due to a job-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation provides death benefits. These benefits are payable to the worker’s dependents or family members. These benefits include funeral expenses and compensation for lost wages.
While workers’ compensation covers these expenses and losses, it does not typically allow for pain and suffering. It also does not allow for punitive damages.
Because every workers’ compensation case is different, consult with a Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer to review the benefits available in your case. We can help determine if your employer has workers’ compensation coverage and how to secure compensation.
How Much Is My Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth in Lakeland, FL?
The value of your claim can vary significantly based on several factors. These commonly include the severity of your injury and your expected recovery time. Other factors include your average weekly wage and the extent to which your injury affects your ability to return to work in the same capacity or at all. These facts will significantly influence the benefits available to you.
To understand how much your claim may be worth, consult with a Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer. Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers can help you assess your claim and estimate its value based on the benefits you are entitled to receive. We can also help you navigate any obstacles or disputes to ensure you receive the maximum benefits.
What if I’m Partly Responsible for My Workplace Injury in Lakeland, FL?
Workers’ compensation operates under a “no-fault” system in Florida. This means you are entitled to benefits for work-related injuries regardless of who was responsible. This is typically true even if you caused the injury. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if your injury was self-inflicted, you may be disqualified from benefits. You may also be disqualified if your injuries occurred while committing a crime or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Regardless of how your injury occurred, it is important to report it to your employer as soon as possible. Be sure to document everything accurately. Misrepresenting how the injury occurred can lead to a denial of benefits.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lakeland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means our payment is contingent upon you receiving compensation. This is a fixed percentage of the total settlement or award we earn for you.
Florida law regulates the percentage lawyers can charge for workers’ compensation cases. This ensures a fair system for injured workers. For example, Florida has set caps on the amount a lawyer can charge in workers’ compensation cases.
Contact Our Experienced Lakeland Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, grappling with the complexities of filing a workers’ compensation claim is difficult. Consulting with an experienced Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer can be a crucial step in the process. A lawyer can help protect your right to benefits you are entitled to. Our team can help you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or disability.
With over 119 years of combined experience, our Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyers know how to help injured workers across Lakeland, Florida. Contact
